Ipomoea carnea Jacq. : A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Pomoea carnea Jacq. A member of the family Convolvulaceae is a widely distributed, gregariously growing shrub found across the world. The species is native to South America, West Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, and it was introduced to India as an ornamental plant. In India, it is commonly referred to as besharam or behaya. Ipomoea carnea thrives in a variety of habitats, including arid and semi-arid regions, ponds, lakesides, roadsides, wastelands, and canal banks. This review provides a comprehensive examination of Ipomoea carnea, encompassing its botanical, ecological, and medicinal aspects. It highlights the plant’s morphology, taxonomy, distribution, and reproductive strategies, along with its adaptability to diverse habitats, invasive potential, and behaviour in non-native environments. Furthermore, the review summarizes its chemical profile, mineral and physicochemical properties, proximate composition, and medicinal relevance. The plant has been reported to exhibit notable antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities and holds significant traditional value across various cultures.