Euphorbia resinifera: chemical composition and biological properties (short review)

This review updates the information on the chemical composition of E. resinifera (spurge resin) latex and its biological properties, as well as those from the aerial parts and bee products (honey and propolis), generally without latex. From such review and according to the studies developed so far, it was possible to confirm that the chemical composition of latex and non-latex compounds differs. In the latex, diterpenes, nor sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, and serine proteases (EuRP-61) with 61 kDa predominate despite other minor compounds. The identified protease had anticoagulant, antiplatelet, and peripheral blood cell aggregation inhibitory properties. Phenolics, including flavonoids and tannins, have antioxidant activity and are dominant in the aerial parts of E. resinifera. Phenolic acids and flavonoids, particularly flavanones, flavones, and flavonols and their glycosides, were identified in the spurge resin honey. Generally, honey samples were within the acceptable limit of international standards. Antioxidant activity was reported for this monofloral honey. Antimicrobial activity was also detected in hydroalcoholic extracts of propolis.