A review of the secondary metabolites and biological activities of Tinospora crispa (Menispermaceae)

Abstract

Tinospora crispa Beumee, a herbaceous climber, has been widely used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as contusion, septicaemia, fever, fracture, scabies and other tropical ulcers. A wide range of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, diterpenes, flavones, phenolics, and triterpenes have been isolated, some of which have also shown corresponding biological activities. The current review is an update on the reported pharmacological activities and phytochemical constituents of T. crispa. © Pharmacotherapy Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, 300001 Nigeria.