Josiane Elizabeth Almeida e Silva

The following references, [11] and [13], have been retracted and should be removed from the original publication

Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze, belonging to the Amaranthaceae family, is widely known for its use in traditional medicine and has been the subject of growing scientific interest due to its biological properties, commonly attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and tannins. To evaluate scientific evidence regarding the phytotherapeutic potential of A. brasiliana (L.) Kuntze against clinical strains of Staphylococcus spp., based on a systematic bibliographic review of recent literature. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select 32 scientific articles published between 2018 and 2025, sourced from Web of Science, SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The analysis of the studies showed that A. brasiliana exhibits antioxidant, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antitumor, and antimicrobial activities, particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. The diversity of bioactive compounds identified in different parts of the plant reinforces its pharmacological potential and possible use as a phytotherapeutic agent in the formulation of new medicines. A. brasiliana has shown promising pharmacological properties, especially regarding its antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus spp. However, clinical trials and toxicological assessments are still required to ensure its safe and effective use.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. (alecrim) é amplamente utilizado na medicina tradicional e farmacêutica por suas propriedades terapêuticas. Esta revisão analisa evidências recentes (2015–2025) sobre a composição química e a atividade antifúngica de seu óleo essencial, com ênfase no tratamento de infecções por Candida albicans. Os principais constituintes — incluindo ácido rosmarínico, ácido carnósico e carnosol — exibem atividades antioxidantes, antimicrobianas e anti-inflamatórias. Dados experimentais indicam eficácia do óleo essencial e extratos aquosos contra cepas fúngicas resistentes, sugerindo sinergismo com antifúngicos convencionais e possível redução de toxicidade. Embora os resultados sejam promissores, estudos adicionais são essenciais para a padronização, elucidação dos mecanismos de ação e validação clínica. R. officinalis desponta como candidato relevante no desenvolvimento de terapias antifúngicas naturais e adjuvantes.

Amazonian vegetable oils have been widely studied for their bioactive properties, especially in the context of increasing antimicrobial resistance. This literature review aims to critically analyze the available scientific evidence on the chemical composition, antimicrobial properties, and biomedical and cosmetic applications of oils extracted from native Amazonian species, with emphasis on andiroba (Carapa guianensis), copaiba (Copaifera spp.), and piquiá (Caryocar villosum). Based on the analysis of studies published between 2014 and 2024, these oils are shown to be rich in fatty acids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds, which contribute to their effectiveness against pathogenic microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus. The literature also highlights their potential use in therapeutic and cosmetic formulations, while underscoring the need for clinical trials, standardized extraction methods, and conservation strategies. Moreover, the sustainable use of these resources depends on the integration of traditional and scientific knowledge, as well as public policies that ensure the preservation of Amazonian biodiversity. This review contributes to a better understanding of the pharmacological value of Amazonian oils and supports the advancement of research on natural bioactives.

Acmella oleracea, popularmente conhecida como jambu, é uma planta amplamente utilizada na culinária e na medicina tradicional da região amazônica. O crescente interesse científico por seus efeitos terapêuticos se deve, principalmente, à presença de compostos bioativos como o espilantol, responsável por diversas atividades farmacológicas. Este artigo apresenta uma revisão de literatura sobre a composição química do óleo essencial de jambu, destacando seus principais constituintes, especialmente os monoterpenos, sesquiterpenos e alquilamidas. A revisão também aborda o potencial antimicrobiano da planta frente a Staphylococcus aureus e outras bactérias de interesse clínico, além de discutir dados sobre a toxicidade dos extratos e óleos essenciais, obtidos por ensaios in vitro. Por fim, são exploradas aplicações potenciais nas áreas farmacêutica, cosmética, alimentícia e nutracêutica, bem como as perspectivas futuras de pesquisa e desenvolvimento de produtos à base de jambu. Os resultados reforçam o valor biotecnológico da espécie e a necessidade de estudos toxicológicos e clínicos adicionais que assegurem seu uso seguro e sustentável.

Natural products, especially specific metabolites found in many medicinal plants, exhibit extensive therapeutic potential due to their diverse biological characteristics. Among these compounds, diterpenes stand out for their active principles described in phytochemical studies. Diterpenes exhibit immunomodulatory effects by influencing the production of cytokines and other signaling molecules involved in the immune response. These actions contribute to achieving a more balanced immune profile. The ability to selectively and harmoniously modulate the immune response positions compounds derived from natural products is a promising research field in the development of immunomodulatory therapies. Due to the broad biological activities of diterpenes, the use of molecular docking emerges as a relevant tool for the quantitative screening of a large number of these substances. This review comprehensively examines the pharmacological potential of diterpenes in modulating the immune system. It highlights the existing experimental evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of these compounds as potential treatment for immune dysfunctions. Ultimately, this review aims to contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies in this field.

Vegetable oils are among the most important traditional resources of Amazonia. Oleoresins are a type of oil that have interesting characteristics and highly bioactive properties with pharmacological potential. Oleoresins produced in the trunks of Copaifera (Fabaceae) spp. trees, known as copaiba oils, are made up of terpenes from the sesquiterpene (volatile) and diterpene (resinous) classes, but in amounts that vary between species and depending on several factors, such as soil type. Despite being used for medicinal purposes, via topical and oral application, the toxic effects of copaiba oils and their constituents are little known. The current paper reviews the toxicological studies, both in vitro and in vivo, described in the literature for copaiba oils, as well as the cytotoxic characteristics (against microorganisms and tumor cells) in in silico, in vitro and in vivo models for the sesquiterpenes and diterpenes that make up these oils.