A Review of the Pharmacological and Biological Activities of the Aerial Parts of Telfairia occidentalis Hook.f. (Cucurbitaceae)

Telfairia occidentalis Hook.f. (Cucurbitaceae) is cultivated in West Africa. The purpose of this article is to review information available in scientific literature on the pharmacological and biological activities of the plant. Searches were made and relevant information obtained from online resources such as Google Scholar, PubMed and Medline. Only literature highlighting the pharmacological, biological and biochemical activities of the plant were selected for this review. The antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, haematological, antiplasmodial, antimicrobial, testiculoprotective, anticancer, antiinflammatory, anxiolytic, sedative and anticonvulsant properties of the plant are documented in this paper. Some of these properties are attributable to the high antioxidant activity of the plant. The medicinal value of Telfairia occidentalis is no longer in doubt. It is expected that this review will be useful to researchers, herbal medical practitioners and agriculturists, and would also enhance optimum exploitation of the plants for its several benefits