PHARMACOLOGICAL AND ETHNOMEDICAL IMPORTANCE OF PLANTS BELONGING TO THE MENISPERMACEAE FAMILY

Medicinal plants of the Menispermaceae family occupy an important position in traditional healthcare systems including Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani medicine. Members of this family contain numerous biologically active constituents, especially alkaloids, which are associated with a wide range of therapeutic properties.[1] This review summarizes the ethnomedical significance and pharmacological potential of selected Menispermaceae species such as Cyclea peltata, Tinospora cordifolia, Cissampelos pareira, and Stephania japonica. Various experimental studies have reported anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, anti-ulcer, and anticancer activities in these plants.[2] The review highlights the therapeutic relevance of this family and emphasizes the importance of additional pharmacological and clinical investigations.