Pharmacological activity of Ipomoea asarifolia (Desr.) Roem. e Schult. (Convolvulaceae): a systematic review

Abstract

Ipomoea asarifolia is a creeping plant belonging to the genus Ipomoea and family Convolvulaceae, it grows spontaneously on dunes and is commonly found in South and Central America, West Africa, and tropical South Asia. Extensive pharmacological activity has been reported from the popular use of this plant to treat dermatitis, scabies, syphilis, and skin ulcers. However, there are few studies reporting or investigating the bioactive components and pharmacological activity of this plant species. Therefore, the aim of this review was to gather information about the pharmacological activity of Ipomoea asarifolia obtained through experimental research published until March 2022 being found reports of antioxidant, anti inflammatory, trypanocidal, hepatoprotective, anticholinesterase and ovicidal activity. With this review, it was observed that I. asarifolia has pharmacological activities and that there are few studies related to the chemical composition, safety and toxicity profile of this plant species, for the development of a herbal medicine.