Styrax spp.: Habitat, Phenology, Phytochemicals, Biological Activity and Applications

Styrax is the largest genus of the family Styracaceae, with about 130 species distributed across America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The oleo-resin of these woody shrubs, called Styrax benzoin, has a long tradition of use as incense and in therapeutics, which has stimulated research and industrial applications. Many studies have been carried out on the biological applications of different Styrax species, but some gaps still remain to be filled, particularly regarding the phenology and the biological activity and application in different fields. Hence, this review gathers updated and valuable information on the distribution and phenology of Styrax spp., considering their phytochemicals, biological activity, current and possible applications in medicine, animal feeding, energy production, and the food industry. Overall, Styrax obassia and Styrax japonicus are the most studied, but Styrax officinalis has been thoroughly investigated for its phytochemicals. The recent literature highlights promising applications in oncology and also as an energy crop. The data described in this review could be useful in upgrading the quantity and quality of Styrax benzoin, as well as expanding knowledge on emerging applications, such as bio-pesticides or the development of active packaging for the food industry.