Composição Química, Usos Tradicionais e Atividades Biológicas, Farmacológicas, Citotóxicas e Inseticidas do Gênero Cascabela (Apocynaceae): Uma Revisão

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.7671425180311

• Palavras-chave: Planta medicinal, Bioprospecção, Alcaloides.

• Keywords: Medicinal plant, Bioprospecting, Alkaloids.

• Abstract: The genus Cascabela (Apocynaceae), composed of six species distributed from Mexico to northern South America, is widely known for its ornamental applications and richness in bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. This study aimed to review the chemical composition, traditional uses, and biological, pharmacological, cytotoxic, and insecticidal activities of the species of this genus. The research was carried out based on 17 original articles selected from a search in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The results reveal that the plants of the genus are rich in bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, and cardiac glycosides, responsible for their antioxidant, cytotoxic, and insecticidal properties. Popular uses include the treatment of gynecological disorders, pest control, and neurological diseases. The review also highlights the therapeutic potential of Cascabela in traditional medicine, associating the observed pharmacological effects with the presence of bioactive compounds. This work contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the potential of the genus Cascabela, highlighting its importance in pharmacology and presenting directions for future investigations.