Biological Importance of Phytochemicals from Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess

Abstract

A great diversity of medicinal plants have been traditionally used against gastropathy, infections and inflammatory pathological ailments. C. brasiliense (Clusiaceae) is a large tree native to the tropical forest which thrives from Brazil to Mexico. It is a plant commonly used in traditional medicine against several diseases, infections and other pathological disorders. Phytochemical isolations of heartwood, leaves, stem bark, and seed oil have confirmed the existence of several coumarins, xanthones and triterpenes which have a wide biological activity against bacteria, protozoa, fungus, virus and cancer. C. brasiliense is highlighted as an important resource of calanolides, a dipyranocoumarins that inhibit reverse transcriptase of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1 RT). Despite having wide medicinal importance, the fact that in Mexico it is poorly known is causing a reduction of this species. In this regard, studies on preservation and production of chemical compounds by plant cell culture need to be developed. The aim of this review is to provide the general characteristics of C. brasiliense, the most common traditional uses, and its phytochemical constituents. In particular, we discussed extracts and phytochemical components that have displayed anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial and antiparasitic activity reported in the current literature. In addition, we intended to inspire new studies on phytotherapy, bioproduction and conservation to be developed.