Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Genus “Skimmia”

The genus Skimmia (Rutaceae) is recognized due to its wide array of biological activities viz anti-inflammatory, ovicidal, antifeedant, antioxidant, antibacterial, antihelminthic, antifungal, antinociceptive and antipyretic activity. Its essential oil and chemical constituents have been isolated and characterized by several analytical methods. Most of the plants of this genus are rich sources of linalool and linalyl acetate. Alkaloids and coumarins are the main constituents of this genus. Besides, the plant also contains chromones, flavonoids, terpenoids and fatty esters. The present communication is an attempt to emphasize the therapeutic importance of the genus Skimmia.