Comparison of the Essential Oil Content of Schinus Molle from Different Geographical Regions and Their Applications

Schinus molle L. var. areira is a native tree found in the Andes region, in countries such as Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The traditional uses of Schinus molle are ornamental, diet, agriculture, and medicine. They include effects such as antibacterial, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiviral, anti-tumoral, antioxidant, antispasmodic, astringent, antipyretic, cicatrizing, cytotoxic, diuretic, purgative, wounds, toothaches, fractures among others. The essential oil in its chemical composition could justify its therapeutic use. It is important to note that essential oils and extracts of aromatic plants have been recognized for many years as a great source of pharmaceutical agents and food additives. In recent years, there has been great interest in the experimental study of the essential oils of this plant for its therapeutic usefulness. Researchers have increasingly become interested in identifying chemical compound present and how act in different systems of our organism. This chapter discusses the applications of Shinus molle essential oil in the food industry, agriculture, as well as the uses derived from traditional medicine, which have been pharmacologically supported. The bioactive components found in the extracts and essential oil of the Schinus molle plant would be responsible for their antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, insecticidal, antioxidant, and many others pharmacological effects. © 2025 Valdir Florêncio da Veiga Jr., Isiaka Ajani Ogunwande and José L. Martinez.