Chemical Compounds and Biologic Activities: A Review of <i>Cedrela</i> Genus

• Main Authors: Thalya Soares R. Nogueira, Michel de S. Passos, Lara Pessanha S. Nascimento, Mayara Barreto de S. Arantes, Noemi O. Monteiro, Samyra Imad da S. Boeno, Almir de Carvalho Junior, Otoniel de A. Azevedo, Wagner da S. Terra, Milena Gonçalves C. Vieira, Raimundo Braz-Filho, Ivo J. Curcino Vieira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-11-01
• Series: Molecules
• Subjects: Meliaceae; chemical profile; <i>Cedrela</i> genus; limonoids; biological activity
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/25/22/5401

The genus <i>Cedrela</i> P. Browne, which belongs to the Meliaceae family, has eighteen species. Trees of this genus are of economic interest due to wood quality, as well as being the focus of studies because of relevant biologic activities as in other Meliaceae species. These activities are mainly related to limonoids, a characteristic class of compounds in this family. Therefore, the aim of this review is to perform a survey of the citations in the literature on the <i>Cedrela</i> genus species. Articles were found on quantitative and qualitative phytochemical studies of the <i>Cedrela</i> species, revealing the chemical compounds identified, such as aliphatics acid and alcohol, flavonoids, tocopherol, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, cycloartanes, steroids, and limonoids. Although some activities were tested, the majority of studies focused on the insecticidal, antifeedant, or insect growth inhibitor activities of this genus. Nonetheless, the most promising activities were related to their antimalarial and antitripanocidal effects, although further investigations are still needed.