Abstract
The genus Gaultheria, comprised of approximately 134 species, is mostly used in ethnic drugs to cure rheumatism and relieve pain. Phytochemical investigations of the genus Gaultheria have revealed the presence of methyl salicylate derivatives, C6-C3 constituents, organic acids, terpenoids, steroids, and other compounds. Methyl salicylate glycoside is considered as a characteristic ingredient in this genus, whose anti-rheumatic effects may have a new mechanism of action. In this review, comprehensive information on the phytochemistry, volatile components and the pharmacology of the genus Gaultheria is provided to explore its potential and advance research.
Highlights
The genus Gaultheria (Ericaceae) is widely distributed around the Pacific Ocean, westwards to western slopes of the Himalayas and the southern areas of India [1]
This article summarized a total of 109 compounds and abundant volatile components that have been reported from the genus Gaultheria, with 63 references cited
The genus Gaultheria is widely distributed all over the World, and many species have been used as traditional herbal medicines [62,63]
Summary
The genus Gaultheria (Ericaceae) is widely distributed around the Pacific Ocean, westwards to western slopes of the Himalayas and the southern areas of India [1]. Modern research has demonstrated that these plants exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, antibacterial and analgesic activities. To the best of our knowledge, about 109 compounds were reported from this genus, including methyl salicylate derivatives, C6-C3 constituents, terpenoids, and steroids. 2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), gaultherin (3) and methyl benzoate-2-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl(1-2)[O-β-Dxylopyranosyl(1-6)]-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), from the aerial parts of G. yunnanensis, display notable analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, which has impelled a number of studies on the phytochemistry and biology of this genus [3]. It’s worth mentioning that methyl salicylate glycoside when used in animal experiments to explore its pharmacological effects could overcome the side-effects caused by aspirin in the clinic [3,4,5]. What’s more, all the compounds reported in the essential oils of Gaultheria are listed below, and the corresponding plants are included as well
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