Metabólitos secundários fixos e potencial farmacológico da Genipa americana

Abstract

Genipa americana is a species belonging to the Rubiaceae family, popularly known as jenipapo. Native to tropical America, its bark, leaves, fruits, and roots have historically been used in various traditional healing practices. This study aimed to conduct a bibliographic review of the fixed secondary metabolites of Genipa americana and their pharmacological potential. The research was conducted using databases such as Periódicos Capes, SciELO, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct, analyzing studies published between 2004 and 2024. An exploratory and descriptive methodology was adopted, with a quantitative-qualitative approach. The results revealed a total of 25 studies related to the isolation and/or identification of secondary metabolites and the pharmacological activity of Genipa americana. A total of 54 secondary metabolites were identified, highlighting 32 iridoids, 6 flavonoids, 6 steroids, 2 coumarins, 1 alkaloid, and 7 other compounds. Among the main reported biological activities, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, antithrombotic, antiplatelet, antiproliferative, antiglycant, anticoagulant, and antiparasitic properties stand out. This study contributes to the scientific literature and serves as a starting point for future research on the therapeutic potential of Genipa americana in contemporary medicine.