Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Tinospora genus: An updated review

Abstract

Plants have played a vital role in medicine from ancient times to the present. Many plant species have been used as medicinal remedies and as sources of bioactive compounds for modern pharmaceutical synthesis. The Tinospora genus, belonging to the Menispermaceae family, includes species such as T. cordifolia, T. sinensis, and T. crispa, which have long been utilized in traditional medicine, contributing significantly to human healthcare. Clinical evidence has further reinforced their potential as valuable sources of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical development. A comprehensive review has been conducted based on publications over the past nine years to provide the latest insights into the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Tinospora species. Relevant literature was retrieved from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science (WOS) using keywords including “Tinospora”, “phytochemistry of Tinospora”, and “pharmacological activity of Tinospora”. From an initial pool of 150 related articles published between 2016 and 2025, 103 of the most relevant studies were selected. A total of nine Tinospora species have been analyzed in recent and ongoing research, revealing a diverse range of bioactive compounds, including terpenoids, steroids, lignans, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, and benzenoids. Additionally, ten species have been investigated for their pharmacological activities, demonstrating notable effects such as neuroprotective and anti-neuroinflammatory activities, anti-inflammatory effects, anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties, immunomodulatory functions, anticancer potential, larvicidal and antimalarial properties, and hepatoprotective effects. Toxicity and safety assessments have also been explored in several studies, further advancing our understanding of the medicinal applications of Tinospora species.