Pharmacological Review on Juniperus Communis

Juniperus communis contained monoterpenes, sesquiteierpenes, essential and volatile oils, wide range of phenolic compounds and many other chemical constituents. It exerted many pharmacological effects included antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antifertility, antioxidant, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, vessels and trachea protective effects in passive smoking, gastrointestinal, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anti - inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic, antiurolithiatic, anti - Parkinsonian, memory enhancing, tyrosinase suppressive activity and many other effects. The main compounds in the Juniperus communis essential oil are ? - 3 - carene, ? - pinene, ? - pinene, sabinene, ? - phellandrene, myrcene, limonene, and d - germacrene. This chapter reviews the chemical composition and the biological activities of juniper oil. This review will highlight the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Juniperus communis. Juniperus communisis an evergreen shrub or a small tree indigenous to Europe, South Asia and North America. It is widely distributed throughout the northern hemisphere. This plant is used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases and disorders like anti - inflammatory, anti - diarrhoeal, astringent, menstrual irregularities and some abdominal disorders. In the last few years, this plant has been selected for various research activities.