Bioactive properties of Tagetes minuta L. (Asteraceae) essential oils: A review
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: Mexican marigold (Tagetes minuta L.) and its accruing products have a long worldwide history of human \nuses such as food, therapeutics and aromatherapy which are inherent in the plant’s unique chemical \ncomposition and bioactivities. In the recent past, T. minuta essential oils (EOs) have received great \nattention in research, and their phytochemistry, bioactivities and uses remain the focus of considerable \nscientific studies. The interest in EOs is largely due to increased demand by consumers for natural-based \nproducts such as additives, drugs and pesticides, whose global acceptability and safety is highly regarded \ncompared to synthetic products. The purpose of this review is to document the existing value addition \nand evidence-based multipurpose potential and considerations of T. minuta as a new generation crop as \nprovided for by in-depth scientific studies of its EOs. Among the bioactivities and therapeutic properties \nattributed to T. minuta EOs include: antihelminthic, carminative, arthropod repellency, sedative, \nweedicidal, antiseptic, diaphoretic, spasmolytic, germicides, stomachic, antispasmodic, antiprotozoal, \nbactericidal, emmenagogue, nematicidal, insecticidal, fungicidal, antiviral and other microbicidal \nproperties against a wide range of plant, human and animal pathogens, pests and parasites. Oil of T. \nminuta is therefore a potentially useful agent for protecting food crops on farm and in storage and \nlivestock, thereby enhancing food security and improving human livelihoods. Nevertheless, increased \nvalue addition and the need for validation of traditionally claimed usages and applications of T. minuta \nEOs through in-depth scientific studies should be prioritized to globally position this plant as a new \ngeneration crop.
Language: English
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2575364106