A Review of Pharmacological and Phytochemical Studies on Convolvulaceae Species Rivea and Ipomea

The plants of Rivea and Ipomea belong to Convolvulaceae species, identified by their funnel-like flowers and radial-shaped corolla. The stems of these plants are slender and creeper type. The plant of Ipomea contains simple leaves. Whereas the leaves of Rivea are velvety in texture and have a shiny appearance. The fruits are like capsule, berry or nut containing only two seeds per one locule. Mostly Convolvulaceae species are eaten as a fresh leafy vegetable, and used traditionally to cure many ailments, such as purgative, skin disease, and as a blood purifier for arthritis, piles and urinary disorder. Both these plants possess therapeutic benefits for treating diabetes, skin infections, snakebite, and ulcer, exert antimutagenic activities, act as an immune booster and help relief respiratory congestion. In terms of phytochemical aspects, both the plants show the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, carbohydrates, alkaloids, sterols and glycosides. As these plants are creepers, tribal people use their leafy parts for their nutraceutical value.