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Ipomoea Purpurea

Also known as: Common morning glory, Ipomoea purpurea

Overview

Ipomoea purpurea, commonly known as common morning glory, is a flowering plant native to tropical regions and belongs to the Convolvulaceae family. Traditionally, various Ipomoea species have been utilized in folk medicine across Mexico, Central America, and other tropical areas for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, inflammation, and liver diseases. While specific traditional uses for I. purpurea itself are less extensively documented compared to its relatives, emerging research is exploring its phytochemical composition and potential pharmacological activities. Current studies, primarily preclinical, suggest potential anticancer and neuropharmacological effects. The plant is considered a botanical supplement, but the evidence base for its efficacy and safety in humans is still limited and largely exploratory.

Benefits

Research on *Ipomoea purpurea* is still in its early stages, with most findings derived from preclinical studies. The primary benefit identified is its potential **anticancer activity**. Methanolic and chloroform extracts from *I. purpurea* leaves have demonstrated antiproliferative effects against human lung (A-549) and breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cell lines in vitro. These extracts induced S-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through intrinsic pathways, with IC50 values ranging from approximately 53.6 to 124.5 µg/mL. This suggests a direct cytotoxic effect on certain cancer cells. While promising, these findings are limited to in vitro models and have not been replicated in animal or human studies. Preliminary phytochemical evaluations also suggest potential **neuropharmacological effects**, but detailed clinical evidence is entirely lacking. Other traditional uses, such as anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective effects, have been noted for related *Ipomoea* species, but direct evidence specifically for *I. purpurea* in these areas is currently insufficient.

How it works

The observed anticancer effects of *Ipomoea purpurea* extracts are believed to be mediated through the induction of apoptosis via the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway and cell cycle arrest at the S-phase within cancer cells. This suggests that compounds within the plant interfere with cellular processes critical for cancer cell proliferation and survival. The specific phytochemicals responsible for these actions are thought to include flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other secondary metabolites, although their exact molecular targets and mechanisms require further elucidation. The bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of these compounds in humans have not yet been characterized, meaning how they are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the human body remains unknown.

Side effects

There is a significant lack of high-quality clinical safety data for *Ipomoea purpurea*. While traditional use might suggest a low level of toxicity, formal toxicological studies in humans are entirely absent. Consequently, the full spectrum of potential adverse effects, their severity, and frequency remain unknown. No documented drug interactions or contraindications have been reported in the reviewed literature, but this absence of information should not be interpreted as an assurance of safety. Given the limited human data, extreme caution is warranted. Individuals considering its use should be aware that its safety profile is largely unestablished, and it should not be used without medical supervision. Specific risk factors for adverse reactions cannot be identified at this time due to insufficient research.

Dosage

Currently, there are no established dosing guidelines for *Ipomoea purpurea* due to the complete absence of clinical trials in humans. All available research is preclinical, primarily in vitro, where extracts were used at concentrations in the range of tens to hundreds of micrograms per milliliter. These concentrations are not directly translatable to human oral or topical dosages. Therefore, effective and safe doses for human consumption or application have not been determined. Without clinical data, it is impossible to specify recommended dosage ranges, timing considerations, or different dosages for various purposes. Upper limits and safety thresholds are also unknown. Further rigorous research, including human clinical trials, is essential before any dosing recommendations can be made.

FAQs

Is *Ipomoea purpurea* effective for cancer treatment?

Preclinical in vitro studies show potential anticancer activity against certain cancer cell lines, but no clinical trials have confirmed efficacy or safety in humans. It is not an approved cancer treatment.

Is it safe to use *Ipomoea purpurea*?

Safety in humans is not established due to a lack of clinical data. Caution is advised, and its use should be under medical supervision if considered, as potential side effects are unknown.

How is *Ipomoea purpurea* administered?

Traditional preparations vary, and research studies have primarily used leaf extracts in laboratory settings. There are no standardized formulations or administration methods for human use.

What are the main benefits of *Ipomoea purpurea*?

The most researched benefit is its potential anticancer activity in laboratory settings. Other traditional uses for related species exist, but direct evidence for *I. purpurea* is limited.

Are there any drug interactions with *Ipomoea purpurea*?

No documented drug interactions have been reported in the reviewed literature. However, this is likely due to the lack of human clinical research, and potential interactions cannot be ruled out.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8205580/ – This in vitro study investigated the anticancer activity of methanolic and chloroform extracts of *Ipomoea purpurea* leaves on human lung (A-549) and breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cell lines. The extracts demonstrated antiproliferative effects, inducing S-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via intrinsic pathways, with IC50 values around 50-125 µg/mL. The study provides robust preclinical evidence for the plant's potential as an anticancer agent, though it is limited to cell culture models.
https://www.scielo.br/j/rbfar/a/Z8pTtwKsbjqRKmGVBN9VPSw/?format=pdf&lang=en – This review article summarizes the traditional uses and phytochemistry of various *Ipomoea* species, highlighting their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While comprehensive for the genus, it offers limited specific data on *Ipomoea purpurea* itself, primarily serving as background context for related species' medicinal applications rather than direct evidence for *I. purpurea*.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cbdv.202500560 – This preliminary study involved phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation of *Ipomoea purpurea*, identifying secondary metabolites with potential neuropharmacological activity. It represents an early-stage investigation, providing initial profiling without clinical validation. The findings suggest avenues for future research but do not offer conclusive evidence of neuropharmacological effects in living systems.