Ethnobotany, bioactive phytoconstituent and pharmacology of Mikania micrantha Kunth: A comprehensive review

Mikania micrantha Kunth, a fast-growing invasive weed, has gained considerable scientific interest because of its diverse pharmacological properties. It is also referred to as Chinese creeper, American rope, bitter vine and climbing hemp vine and has traditionally been used in folk medicine across South America and Asia for treating wounds, fever, inflammation, skin infections and respiratory ailments. Phytochemical studies have identified a diverse range of bioactive compounds in plant, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, sesquiterpenes, alkaloids and essential oils. Recent studies have demonstrated that extracts from various parts of Mikania micrantha exhibit significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, wound healing, anti-fungal, cardioprotective, anti-depression, anti-helmintic and thrombolytic activities both in vitro and in vivo models. This review aimed to comprehensively evaluate the phytochemical constituents and therapeutic potential of Mikania micrantha, with a special focus on its bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action. However, further studies are necessary to assess its toxicity, isolate active compounds and determine their clinical importance for therapeutic use. A comprehensive review was conducted using academic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and Research Gate. Future investigations should emphasize comprehensive safety profiling and, formulation development to establish Mikania micrantha as a potential phytotherapeutic agent for therapeutic use.