Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Antimicrobial Activities of Eugenia Species - A Review

Antimicrobial resistance is a critical health problem, and pathogens responsible for common infections have developed resistance to antimicrobials, posing a threat to global health and placing a huge burden on health services. During the past two decades, the search for new bioactive agents in nature has become extremely important for promoting health and in the development of more efficient antimicrobials. The genus Eugenia is one of the largest in the Myrtaceae family, comprising approximately 1000 species from Mexico to Argentina, with a few species distributed in Australia and Africa. Eugenia species are used in folk medicine, with antidiabetic, antirheumatic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. This study systematically reviews the Eugenia species to compile the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial effects. In addition, we provide information regarding the traditional uses and cytotoxic activity of Eugenia species. We conducted a systematic literature search of specialized databases (Web of Science, Scielo, Lilacs, Pubmed, Science Direct, Scopus) and selected articles published between 1973 and 2015 using Eugenia and antimicrobial activity, Eugenia and toxicity, and Eugenia and chemical composition as key words. Ninety-three studies were included, and the phytochemical analyses from these studies show that Eugenia species are a rich source of flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, and sesquiterpenes. Chemical constituents play an apparent role in the antimicrobial effects and reinforce the known antimicrobial potential of the Eugenia genus. It is worth mentioning that some Eugenia species cause significant cytotoxicity.