Therapeutic Potential of Ampelocissus africana (Lour.) Merr. (Vitaceae) Underutilised and Indigenous Vegetables: Merging Traditional and Scientific Knowledge

Background: Ampelocissus africana is a plant widely distributed in Africa. A. africana is used in food through its rhizomes and fruits, but also in traditional medicine for its ability to cure a wide range of human diseases. Aim: This review provides an overview of traditional, phytochemical, pharmacological, toxicological, and galenic knowledge regarding the use of A. africana. Methods: Online databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and African Journals Online (AJOL) were used to identify relevant research on the plant. ChemDraw Professional 15.0® was used to generate the chemical structure of the compounds present in the different parts of the plant. Results:: Ampelocissus africana has demonstrated therapeutic potential through pharmacological testing in several pathologies such as malaria, bacterial/fungal infections, benign prostatic hyperplasia, dermatoses, diseases with inflammatory components, diabetes, and sickle cell disease. Different classes of bioactive compounds have been identified, isolated, and quantified. Eight compounds were isolated from the rhizomes and leaves: β-sitosterol, betulin, 15-hydroxymethyl-16-methylheptadecyl ferulate, 3-hydroxymethyl-5-methyl-16-oxoheptadecyl ferulate, luteolin, derivatives of isorhamnetin and quercetin, and 1-O-β-D-rhamnopyranosyl-4-ethylphenylbut-2-one. Experimental studies have shown that Ampelocissus africana possesses significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anxiolytic, antimalarial, antifungal, antisickling, haemolytic and anti-benign prostatic hyperplasia activity in both in vitro and in vivo models. Toxicological studies on the extracts have proven their safety. The rhizome powder of this plant is used as an excipient in the manufacture of tablets. Conclusion: This literature review provides a solid scientific foundation to guide future research on A. africana Major Findings: Ampelocissus africana exhibits a range of pharmacological activities, primarily attributed to the presence of various molecules belonging to the terpene, sterol and phenolic compound classes. However, further research is needed to better understand its effects, confirm its therapeutic value and accurately assess any potential risks associated with its use.