From Folk Medicine to Therapeutic Innovation: A Narrative Review of the Ethnomedicinal Uses, Bioactive Constituents, and Antidiabetic and Anti-Infective Potential of Uvaria chamae P. Beauv. (Annonaceae)

Uvaria chamae P. Beauv., commonly known as finger root or bush banana, is an important medicinal and edible plant widely used in West and Central Africa. Its increasing use in traditional medicine has intensified harvesting pressure on natural populations, highlighting the need for comprehensive scientific knowledge to support its sustainable management and valorization. This narrative review aimed to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date synthesis of the available knowledge on the taxonomy, ecology, propagation, phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal uses, and pharmacological properties of Uvaria chamae, with particular emphasis on its antidiabetic and anti-infective potential. Relevant literature published between 2004 and 2026 was retrieved through structured literature searches of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, African Journals Online, Google Scholar and the Environmental Science Collection using predefined search terms. Peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, theses, books, and other relevant scientific sources addressing the ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacology, toxicity, biology, and conservation of Uvaria chamae were screened and selected according to predefined eligibility criteria. The review revealed that Uvaria chamae contains a diverse range of bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, acetogenins, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, and essential oils, which have been associated with various biological activities. Experimental studies provide evidence supporting its antidiabetic and anti-infective potential, while available toxicological data suggest low toxicity at the doses tested. The review also identified important knowledge gaps, particularly regarding clinical validation, mechanisms of action, propagation biology, and sustainable exploitation strategies. The available evidence highlights Uvaria chamae as a promising source of bioactive compounds for further investigation in the management of diabetes and infectious diseases. By consolidating existing knowledge and identifying research priorities, this review provides a scientific foundation for future studies and supports ongoing efforts toward the conservation, domestication, sustainable utilization, and valorization of this important medicinal species.