Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre (Menispermaceae): From traditional medicine to pharmacological activity and chemical constituents

In Yoruba, southwestern Nigeria, Sphenocentrum jollyanum Pierre is known as “Akerejupon”. S. jollyanum is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments because of its diverse biological activities. However, a thorough examination of the traditional, pharmacological, and phytochemical properties of S. jollyanum is yet lacking. Different plant organs are used as aphrodisiacs, treatments for chronic illnesses including coughs and ulcers, and for malaria by traditional medicinal practitioners. The pharmacological activities of this plant include anti-diabetic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, among others. Some of the isolated compounds from this plant are columbin, isocolumbin, fibleucin, atrotosterone A, pinnatasterone, polypodine B, and 20-hydroxyecdysone. In order to explore this plant for further research and to know its potential effect towards pharmaceutics, the present review aims to provide an updated summary of documents sourced from recent publications regarding ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacology, and phytochemistry of S. jollyanum.