Bioactive Compounds and Biological Properties of Flourensia cernua: A Review

Abstract

Tarbush Flourensia cernua is a perennial shrub from the Chihuahuan Desert of North America. The plant leaves are very resinous with a tarry odor and a bitter, astringent taste. The bioactive compounds of the resin function as biochemical defenses to repel harmful microorganisms and herbivorous animals, as there are no known pests, diseases, or animals that attack this plant. Some studies have shown that tarbush extracts have antifungal action under in vitro conditions in at least 10 fungi and two phytopathogenic bacteria of economic importance. The extracts also have shown cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cell lines and anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antioxidant activity. The insecticidal or repellent effect against termites Sitophilus oryzae, Phthorimaea operculella, and Brevicoryne brassicae has also been demonstrated. On the other hand, in vitro tests with microorganisms that attack humans have indicated that at least four bacteria are susceptible to extracts of F. cernua. Based on this information, the potential of this resinous shrub from arid areas of northern Mexico for the sustainable production of high-value products with less environmental impact is clear.