Abstract
Objective: To review and compile information described in the literature on the chemical composition and biological activities of the genus Crescentia. Bibliographic review: Crescentia cujete L. proved to be as effective as Crescentia alata kunt in terms of therapeutic effects. The species have several bioactive compounds isolated and identified through spectrometric techniques, these compounds, linked to the biological activities presented in the species of the genus, even those activities that require relative toxicity, such as antimicrobial and anticancer activities, standing out as a future candidate to supply its components to the pharmaceutical industry. Many species are used, in popular use, inappropriately, considering that most users do not have scientific knowledge about their biological activities, sometimes resulting in adverse effects. Final considerations: Although the use of the genus for therapeutic purposes is widespread, in some situations this practice may not be recommended, due to the toxicity that permeates the present substances, making toxicity studies necessary in order to estimate safety as well as the true therapeutic potentials.