An updated and comprehensive review on the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity and toxicological profile of Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. f. & Thomson

Abstract

Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. f. & Thomson (Menispermaceae) is a plant indigenous to Africa and South-East Asia. It is widely used in ethnomedicine to alleviate various diseases including hypertension, diabetes, rheumatism, jaundice, inflammation, fever, fractures, scabies, and urinary disorders. A total of 167 phytoconstituents, belonging to 12 different chemical categories, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds have thus far been isolated from various parts of T. crispa. Numerous in vitro and in vivo investigations have already established the antidiabetic, anticancer, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, analgesic, antipyretic, antihyperuricemic, and pesticidal activity of this plant, as well as its effects on the cardiac and the central nervous system. Most pharmacological investigations to date have been carried out on plant extracts and fractions. The exact identity of the phytoconstituents responsible for the observed biological effects and their mode of action at the molecular level are yet to be ascertained. Toxicological studies have demonstrated that T. crispa is relatively safe, although dose-dependent hepatotoxicity is a concern at high doses. This review presents a comprehensive update and analysis on studies related to the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity and toxicological profile of T. crispa. It provides some critical insights into the current scientific knowledge on this plant and its future potential in pharmaceutical research.

Keywords: Ethnomedicinal uses; Pharmacological activity; Phytoconstituents; Tinospora crispa; Toxicological profile.

Fig. 1

Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. f. & Thomson. A Whole plant, B Stem, C Leaves, D Flower, E Fruit

Fig. 2

Clerodane-type furanoditerpenoids from Tinospora crispa

Fig. 2

Clerodane-type furanoditerpenoids from Tinospora crispa

Fig. 3

Alkaloids from Tinospora crispa

Fig. 4

Flavonoids from Tinospora crispa

Fig. 5

Steroidal compounds from Tinospora crispa

Fig. 5

Steroidal compounds from Tinospora crispa

Fig. 6

Triterpenes from Tinospora crispa

Fig. 7

Phenolic compounds from Tinospora crispa

Fig. 8

Nucleosides, aromatic, volatile terpenoids and fatty compounds from Tinospora crispa

Fig. 9

Schematic diagram of the antidiabetic mode of action of Tinospora crispa. AE: Aqueous Extract, ME Methanol Extract, EE Ethanol Extract, ATP Adenosine triphosphate, GLUT Glucose transporter, ERK Extracellular signal-regulated kinase, AMPK AMP-activated protein kinase, IRS Insulin receptor substrate, P Phosphate, PI3K Phosphoinositide-3-kinase, PIP2 Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate, PIP3 Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate, PDK Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase, AKT Protein kinase B, SREBP Sterol regulatory element-binding protein

Fig. 10

Schematic diagram of the cardioprotective and anticancer mode of action of Tinospora crispa. CE Chloroform Extract, BF n-Butanol Fraction, EE Ethanol Extract, AR Adrenergic Receptor, PR Purinergic Receptor, MAP Mean Arterial Pressure, HR Heart Rate, STAT3 Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3, MMP13 Matrix Metalloproteinase 13, TIMP2 Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases 2

Fig. 11

Schematic diagram of the modulation of miscellaneous enzymes by Tinospora crispa. AE Aqueous Extract, EE Ethanol Extract, ME Methanol Extract, CAT Catalase, SOD Superoxide dismutase, GPx Glutathione Peroxidase, COX-2 Cyclooxygenase-2, XO Xanthine Oxidase