Chemistry and Biological Activities of Essential Oils from Melaleuca L. Species

Essential oils from species Melaleuca genus, especially M. alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel, have been widely used worldwide in various industries. Th is review is a contribution to Melaleuca knowledge and describes fi ve important essential oil-producing species and two subspecies of Melaleuca in terms of their essential oil chemical composition, medicinal applications, and leaf morphoanatomy. Some relationships between essential oil composition of these species and important biological activities are presented. Useful parameters for the certifi cation of the essential oils are also highlighted. Key words Melaleuca, Myrtaceae, volatile oils, biological activities, leaf morphoanatom