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2015, Number 1

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Rev Cubana Farm 2015; 49 (1)

Chemical and biological properties of arbutus unedo, a potential medicinal plant

Hernández-Rodríguez P, Pabón BLC, Rodríguez ÁMF

Language: Spanish
References: 28
Page: 144-155
PDF size: 268.35 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Introduction: in recent years, there has been encouragement for the search of new treatments based on natural products with rather good acceptance worldwide; however, toxicity, dose and mechanism of action of many of these plants are unknown. Arbutus unedo, known as the strawberry tree, is widely used in traditional medicine around the world, popularly known for its diuretic, antiseptic properties and its use in cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.
Objective: to determine the chemical composition and biological applications of Arbutus unedo to establish its potential for treatment of chronic infectious diseases.
Methods: comprehensive and updated review was conducted from 1999 to 2014 in different databases such as Science Direct, Scopus, Ebsco, PubMed and SciELO; it served to identify the main chemical compounds and the biological activity of extracts from different A. unedo parts.
Results: ihe review allowed us to determine the chemical wealth in terms of phenolic compounds and the variety of biological activities presented by this species which expands the possibilities of using it as a source of antioxidants, antibacterial, antihypertensive, anti-atherogenic and antiplatelet compounds, among others.
Conclusion: chemical richness, reports on few adverse effects in human beings, existence of vitamins, flavonoids, carotenoids and tannins turn this plant into a potential source of useful phytodrugs for the prevention and treatment of many diseases. It is necessary to continue performing bio-directed research to identify active principles for the development of antibiotics, antioxidants, anti-hypertensive and anti-inflammatory drugs of natural origin.


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