A Review on Ethnomedicinal Claims and Spread of Pothos scandens L.

Aim: Present review aims to collect all available ethno medicinal information and research updates on Pothos scandens, a popular drug among the local healers for its multipurpose traditional therapeutic claims.

Materials and Methods: Reported ethno medicinal uses of Pothos scandens from available books related to medicinal plants and research articles on ethno medicine, published till January 2020, were reviewed. Name of the reporting tribe using the plant and their place of reporting, vernacular names, parts used along with its therapeutic indications, with specific method of administration, if any, through either external or internal usages were noted.

Results: P. scandens is reported for its presence in 13 countries across the globe and in 13 states of India. The plant as a whole or its stem, root and leaf are used in 31 different disease conditions, either through internal administration or external applications. Among these, maximum are indicated in the treatment of asthma, small pox, wounds and bone fracture etc. Its leaves have maximum applications in 11 disease conditions, followed by whole plant in 10, stem in 3 and root in one disease condition. Its leaves are also used as fodder. Pharmacological studies report its anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, wound healing activities.

Conclusion: Pothos scandens is having multifaceted ethno-medicinal claims and needs robust scientific evaluation through pharmacological and clinical studies to establish the ethnic claims.