Combretum micranthum G. Don (Kinkéliba): A Contemporary Review of Its Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Clinical Potential (2018–2025)

Combretum micranthum G. Don (kinkéliba) is a medicinal shrub widely used in West Africa for gastrointestinal, inflammatory, and metabolic disorders. Despite its traditional significance, a species-specific synthesis of contemporary evidence has been lacking. This review critically evaluates studies published from 2018 to 2025 on the phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicology, and clinical relevance of C. micranthum. A structured literature search, adapted for narrative synthesis, was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, applying predefined inclusion criteria to identify relevant experimental and clinical studies. Recent evidence indicates that the leaves are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, compounds associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cytoprotective effects. In vivo studies demonstrate hypoglycemic and vascular benefits, supporting traditional uses in metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Importantly, a multicenter randomized clinical trial in patients with uncomplicated hypertension showed that C. micranthum decoctions (10 g/d) or tablets (400 mg/d) produced mean systolic blood pressure reductions of −19.5 ± 16.1 mm Hg, comparable to captopril (−19.7 ± 16.7 mm Hg), with 51% of patients achieving target blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg. Decoction formulations tended to be slightly more effective than tablets. Acute and subacute toxicity studies corroborate a relatively safe profile at commonly tested doses. Despite these promising findings, limitations remain, including variability in extraction methods, non-standardized doses, and limited mechanistic and long-term safety data. Overall, C. micranthum emerges as a medicinal plant of considerable pharmacological and translational relevance. Future research should prioritize standardized extract characterization, mechanistic studies, and expanded clinical trials to fully define its therapeutic potential and ensure safe, rational application in modern healthcare.