Ipomoea carnea Jacq.: Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Potential

Abstract

Ipomoea carnea Jacq. (Family: Convolvulaceae) commonly known as Bush Morning Glory which is originally from the tropics of South America, grows in dense populations along river beds, river banks, canals and other wetland areas. This evergreen, flowering shrub has been reported to have medicinal properties hence find enormous potential for pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, cardiovascular, anti-oxidant, anxiolytic, immunomodulatory, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer and wound healing activities. It is used indifferent traditional medical systems including Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani. It contains a component identical to marsilin, a sedative and anticonvulsant. Very little is known about the impact of this weed on native flora and fauna in India. It has been reported that the plant possess various bioactive compounds such as glycosides, alkaloids, reducing sugars, flavonoids, fatty acid, esters, alcohol and tannins. The present communication constitutes a review on the medicinal properties, major phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Ipomoea carne