Abstract

REVIEW ARTICLE: PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF MICROMERIA SPECIES

Al-Harith Mohammed AL-Samawi, Amina El-Shaibany* and Mahmoud Mahyoob Alburyhi

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Abstract

Micromeria (Family Lamiaceae) is widespread across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America, with a center of diversity in the Mediterranean region and the Canary Islands. More than 78 species of Micromeria are known. Several pharmacological activities have been reported, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidepressant effects. This review thoroughly discusses the chemical nature and classes of all isolated metabolites from Micromeria plants. A large group of chemical compounds, including mono-, di-, and triterpenoids, iridoids, flavonoids, steroids, phenolic compounds, saponins, coumarins, alkaloids, and tannins, have been reported from members of Micromeria species. Numerous studies focus on the isolation, chemical composition, and biological activities of the essential oils recovered from this species. The presence of volatile oils makes them valuable in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Keywords: Micromeria, chemistry, terpenoids, flavonoids, Pharmacology.