Papers of the Week

A. St. Hill (Annonaceae) is recognized as one of the major genera with approximately 100 species, 67 of which are found in Brazil (29 of those are endemic). They are arboreal species with edible fruits known as "pindaíba", "pindaíva" "pinha", and "envira" in Brazil. Many species, in particular, have been used in traditional medicine to treat renal colic, stomachache, rheumatism, cough, toothache, muscle pain, fever, gastrointestinal pain, and breathing difficulties. In this study, we reviewed the chemical constituents and pharmacological properties of essential oils (EOs) from species. A total of 12 species were found, along with their EO chemical constituents and bioactivities. Bicyclogermacrene, humulene epoxide II, spathulenol, germacrene D, caryophyllene oxide, viridiflorene, α-pinene, β-caryophyllene, and β-pinene were the main chemical constituents reported. The pharmacological effects of species EOs included anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-trypanosoma, cytotoxic and antitumor properties. This information adds to our understanding of the potential of the EOs of species.