An Updated Comprehensive Review on Biological Activities and Therapeutic Potential of the Genus Cissus (Vitaceae)

Abstract

The genus Cissus (Vitaceae) is widely recognized in traditional medical systems, including Ayurveda, African traditional medicine, medieval Islamic medicine and Chinese medicine. Species within the genus contain diverse bioactive constituents, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, phenolic compounds and phytosterols, which are associated with a broad range of reported biological activities. This review summarizes the traditional uses, phytochemical features and therapeutic potential of selected Cissus species, with particular attention to Cissus quadrangularis, Cissus cornifolia, Cissus sicyoides and Cissus repanda. Cissus quadrangularis is the most extensively investigated species and has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, gastroprotective, antidiabetic, neuropharmacological and antioxidant activities. Cissus cornifolia has shown antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities, together with favourable acute toxicity findings in experimental studies. Cissus sicyoides has been associated with neuropharmacological, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antimitotic, gastroprotective and antidiabetic activities, although reported effects vary according to the extract type. Cissus repanda remains comparatively less explored, but available studies indicate anti-inflammatory, analgesic and phytochemical potential in its roots and leaves. Other medicinally relevant species, including Cissus rubiginosa, Cissus rotundifolia, Cissus aralioides, Cissus assamica, Cissus debilis, Cissus hamaderohensis, Cissus hypoglauca, Cissus ibuensis, Cissus populnea and Cissus verticillata, have also been linked to traditional and experimental biological activities. The review further highlights uneven research coverage across the genus, as several species are supported mainly by preliminary or traditional-use evidence. Overall, the available literature supports the pharmacological relevance of the genus Cissus while indicating the need for further phytochemical profiling, isolation of active constituents and systematic biological evaluation, particularly for under-investigated species such as Cissus repanda.