Ethnobotany, Ethnomedicine, Chemistry and Pharmacology of Clematis Species Used in Australia, China and India

Plants are the biggest bioresources for newer drugs or therapeutical agents. Genus, Clematis of family Ranunculaceae is one such bioresource whose species have been used traditionally for the treatment of snake bites, malaria, dysentery, rheumatism, inflammation, urinary and skin disorders, blisters, wound, ulcers, colds and headaches in Australia, China, India and other countries. Modern research revealed that Clematis species possess pharmacological properties of anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatoid arthritis, anti-diabetic, anti-apoptosis, anticancer, antioxidation, antimicrobial, hepatoprotection, diuretic and hypotensive. Genus Clematis has approximately 355 species that are spread across the globe. Chemical constituents isolated from different species of this genus have been categorized under some of the biologically potent phytochemical classes, such as alkaloids, triterpenoid saponins, lignans, flavonoids and phytosterols, which may account for the pharmacological action. The present chapter will focus on common species used in the Australian, Chinese and Indian traditional systems of medicine. Their ethnobotany, ethnomedicine, chemical constituents and pharmacological activities are critically reviewed.