Natural products, especially specific metabolites found in many medicinal plants, exhibit extensive therapeutic potential due to their diverse biological characteristics. Among these compounds, diterpenes stand out for their active principles described in phytochemical studies. Diterpenes exhibit immunomodulatory effects by influencing the production of cytokines and other signaling molecules involved in the immune response. These actions contribute to achieving a more balanced immune profile. The ability to selectively and harmoniously modulate the immune response positions compounds derived from natural products is a promising research field in the development of immunomodulatory therapies. Due to the broad biological activities of diterpenes, the use of molecular docking emerges as a relevant tool for the quantitative screening of a large number of these substances. This review comprehensively examines the pharmacological potential of diterpenes in modulating the immune system. It highlights the existing experimental evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of these compounds as potential treatment for immune dysfunctions. Ultimately, this review aims to contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies in this field.

The species Copaifera reticulata Ducke, native to the Amazon, produces oleoresin rich in terpenoid compounds with potential for controlling Rhipicephalus microplus, a cattle tick responsible for significant losses in livestock production. This study aimed to characterize the chemical constituents of the oleoresin (OR) and its sesquiterpenic (volatile, VF) and diterpenic (resin, RF) fractions by GC–MS and to evaluate their ixodicidal activity against R. microplus larvae through the Larval Immersion Test (LIT). The oleoresin and volatile fraction were dominated by sesquiterpenes, whereas the resin fraction was enriched in diterpenes. Ixodicidal tests showed that the RF was the most effective fraction, achieving 100% larval mortality at moderate concentrations (LC₅₀ = 3.35 mg/mL; LC₉₅ = 7.22 mg/mL), followed by the OR (LC₅₀ = 8.84 mg/mL; LC₉₅ = 27.34 mg/mL), while the VF showed lower activity (LC₅₀ = 45.28 mg/mL; LC₉₅ = 89.41 mg/mL). These results demonstrate that ixodicidal activity depends on the composition and stability of terpenoids, particularly diterpenes, highlighting the RF as the most effective fraction and reinforcing the potential of C. reticulata as a natural alternative for tick control.

Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) Kuntze, belonging to the Amaranthaceae family, is widely known for its use in traditional medicine and has been the subject of growing scientific interest due to its biological properties, commonly attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and tannins. To evaluate scientific evidence regarding the phytotherapeutic potential of A. brasiliana (L.) Kuntze against clinical strains of Staphylococcus spp., based on a systematic bibliographic review of recent literature. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select 32 scientific articles published between 2018 and 2025, sourced from Web of Science, SciELO, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The analysis of the studies showed that A. brasiliana exhibits antioxidant, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antitumor, and antimicrobial activities, particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. The diversity of bioactive compounds identified in different parts of the plant reinforces its pharmacological potential and possible use as a phytotherapeutic agent in the formulation of new medicines. A. brasiliana has shown promising pharmacological properties, especially regarding its antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus spp. However, clinical trials and toxicological assessments are still required to ensure its safe and effective use.

The following references, [11] and [13], have been retracted and should be removed from the original publication

Rosmarinus officinalis L. (alecrim) é amplamente utilizado na medicina tradicional e farmacêutica por suas propriedades terapêuticas. Esta revisão analisa evidências recentes (2015–2025) sobre a composição química e a atividade antifúngica de seu óleo essencial, com ênfase no tratamento de infecções por Candida albicans. Os principais constituintes — incluindo ácido rosmarínico, ácido carnósico e carnosol — exibem atividades antioxidantes, antimicrobianas e anti-inflamatórias. Dados experimentais indicam eficácia do óleo essencial e extratos aquosos contra cepas fúngicas resistentes, sugerindo sinergismo com antifúngicos convencionais e possível redução de toxicidade. Embora os resultados sejam promissores, estudos adicionais são essenciais para a padronização, elucidação dos mecanismos de ação e validação clínica. R. officinalis desponta como candidato relevante no desenvolvimento de terapias antifúngicas naturais e adjuvantes.