Botanical, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Potential of Dioscorea wallichii, Ipomoea cairica, and Merremia dissecta: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Medicinal plants remain an important source of bioactive compounds for the discovery of novel therapeutic agents. Among them, Dioscorea wallichii, Ipomoea cairica, and Merremia dissecta have attracted increasing scientific attention because of their diverse phytochemical constituents and broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. Although these plants have been traditionally used in different systems of medicine, a comprehensive evaluation of their phytochemistry and biological properties is limited. The present review summarizes the available scientific evidence on the botanical characteristics, traditional uses, phytochemical composition, and reported pharmacological activities of these three medicinal plants. Published studies indicate that they contain several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids, and steroidal saponins, which contribute to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, and other biological activities. The review also highlights current research gaps, including the need for standardized phytochemical characterization, toxicity assessment, and detailed pharmacological investigations. Collectively, the available evidence suggests that Dioscorea wallichii, Ipomoea cairica, and Merremia dissecta represent valuable medicinal resources with considerable potential for future drug discovery. Further experimental and clinical studies are warranted to validate their therapeutic applications and elucidate their underlying mechanisms of action.