Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities and Therapeutic Potential of Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt: A Narrative Review
Hariom, Girija, Monika Gupta, Amandeep Kaur, Geeta Deswal, Ajmer Singh GrewalIntroduction:
Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt (syn. Coccinia indica), commonly known as ivy gourd, is a medicinal climber of the family Cucurbitaceae widely used in traditional systems of medicine for the management of diabetes, inflammatory disorders, liver diseases, and other metabolic conditions. Growing scientific interest has prompted extensive investigations into its phytochemical composition and biological activities. This narrative review critically summarizes the phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, clinical evidence, toxicological profile, patent landscape, and translational potential of Coccinia grandis.
Methods:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Wiley Online Library for studies published between January 1990 and March 2025. Original research articles, reviews, clinical studies, ethno-pharmacological reports, and relevant patent documents published in English were included and narratively synthesized.
Results:
Coccinia grandis contains diverse bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenoids, cucurbitacins, phytosterols, tannins, saponins, carotenoids, and vitamins. Experimental studies have demonstrated antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, anti-hyperlipidemic, anticancer, wound-healing, and immunomodulatory activities. However, most evidence is derived from in vitro and animal studies. Limited clinical investigations suggest potential benefits in glycaemic control, although the available human evidence remains insufficient because of small sample sizes, methodological heterogeneity, and lack of standardized formulations. Toxicological studies indicate a relatively favourable safety profile in experimental models, while long-term human safety data remain limited.
Conclusion:
Coccinia grandis represents a promising source of bioactive phytochemicals with considerable preclinical therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, well-designed multicentre randomized controlled clinical trials, standardized extracts, and comprehensive safety evaluations are required before its routine clinical application can be recommended.