Pharmacological Potential of Terpenes from the Burseraceae Family
Herbert Gonzaga Sousa *
Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Piauí, Teresina, PI 64049-550, Brazil.
Karliane Pinto Viana
Instituto Federal do Maranhão, Campus Monte Castelo, São Luís, MA, Brazil.
Teresinha de Jesus Aguiar dos Santos Andrade
Nucleus of Applied Research to Sciences, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Maranhão, Presidente Dutra, MA 65635-468, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Terpenes are among the most representative secondary metabolites reported in species of the Burseraceae family and have been associated with diverse biological activities in experimental studies. This chapter reviews the pharmacological potential of Burseraceae-derived terpenes, with emphasis on α- and β-amyrin, antimicrobial activity, and possible synergistic interactions with other plant metabolites. A narrative review approach was used, based on studies addressing the chemical composition and biological evaluation of extracts, essential oils, resins, fractions, and isolated compounds from Burseraceae species. The reviewed evidence indicates that α- and β-amyrin have been investigated mainly for analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical models. Reported mechanisms include modulation of inflammatory mediators, cyclooxygenase-related pathways, nuclear factor kappa B signalling, oxidative stress responses, and interactions with cannabinoid and opioid pathways. Terpene-rich extracts and essential oils from genera such as Protium, Commiphora, Boswellia, Bursera, Canarium, and Trattinnickia have also shown antimicrobial effects in experimental assays against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. However, most antimicrobial findings are based on crude extracts, essential oils, or formulation studies, and the active compounds responsible for the observed effects are not always fully identified. The reviewed literature also suggests that interactions between terpenes and other secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and iridoids, may contribute to biological activity. Overall, Burseraceae species represent a relevant source of terpene-containing phytochemical materials with pharmacological potential, but further standardisation, mechanistic investigation, toxicological assessment, and clinical validation are required before therapeutic application can be established.
Keywords: Burseraceae, terpenes, antimicrobial activity, synergism, inflammatory activity, analgesic activity