Therapeutic potentials associated with biological properties of Juniper berry oil (Juniperus communis L.) and its therapeutic use in several diseases – A Review

Abstract

Juniperus communis L. is a plant that belongs to the Cupressaceae family. It grows as either a shrub or small tree and is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, including northern Europe, Asia, and America. The berries are an efficient source of several bioactive structures. This review article will focus on the current status of the therapeutic use of juniper berry essential oil, which is presently indicated as a herbal medicinal treatment for dyspepsia. Interest in plant-based medicinal products is growing, and therefore it is important that accessible, up-to-date research is available to patients. Many plants are a natural source of therapeutic structures and can therefore often provide an alternative to synthetic pharmacology. A main constituent of juniper berry oil is α-pinene, a highly active structure which has been shown in in vitro and in vivo studies to possess several biological activities. This review sums up the available reports and indications which describe the function and value of juniper berry essential oil and especially, the constituent α-pinene as a potential candidate in several disorders and inflammatory conditions.