Bryonia alba L. - a prospective medicinal plant of the Cucurbitaceae family

Abstract

The Cucurbitaceae family, encompassing a diverse array of plants, holds immense significance across the agricultural, food, and pharmaceutical sectors. Within this botanical family, Bryonia alba L. stands out as a prominent representative, contributing substantially to various industries on a global scale. Bryonia alba's widespread distribution has established it as a reliable raw material base, garnering attention from researchers and scientists in numerous countries. This review article summarises the major scientific literature from 1968 to 2022, particularly the period from 2000 to 2022. Several research databases, including Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed, provided summaries of the data that were collected for this review. This review summarises the literature on the botanical characteristics, chemical composition, medicinal uses, and pharmacological actions of Bryonia alba. It thoroughly examines the species' phytochemical constituents, traditional and homoeopathic applications, and the diverse biological activities attributed to its compounds, particularly cucurbitacins. The review also highlights the need for further research to fully understand the therapeutic potential and safety profile of B. alba, acknowledging its significant role in various medicinal systems.