Common Names: 
Local Names: Nigeria: ibiabia (Ijo-Izon, Kolokuma), ibiabia igba (Ijo-Izon, Kolokuma and Tarakiri)
Species ID: NMP-233 | wfo-0000606404

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Vitales

Family: Vitaceae

Genus: Cissus

Species: C. ibuensis

Synonyms: Afrocayratia ibuensis (Hook.f.) Desc.

Cissus ibuensis is a perennial climbing liana or shrub, characteristic of the Vitaceae family. Key features include:

·       Stems: Slender, woody, cylindrical to angular, glabrous or sparsely pubescent, with a mucilaginous sap; tendrils simple or bifurcate, aiding climbing

·       Leaves: Simple, alternate, ovate to broadly elliptic, 5–12 cm long, 3–8 cm wide; margins serrate or crenate; apex acute to acuminate; base cordate to truncate; petioles 1–3 cm long

·       Inflorescence: Axillary or terminal cymes, 2–5 cm long; flowers small, greenish-white to pale yellow, 4-merous, 2–3 mm in diameter

·       Fruit: Berries, globose to ovoid, 0.8–1.5 cm in diameter, red to black when ripe, containing 1–2 seeds

Flowering and fruiting occur during wet seasons, with seed dispersal facilitated by birds and small mammals. The plant regenerates via seeds and stem cuttings (Burkill, 2000).

Cissus ibuensis is native to West and Central Africa, recorded in Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It thrives in:

·       Habitats: Tropical rainforests, secondary forests, forest edges, and riverine thickets at elevations of 0–1,000 m

·       Ecological Conditions: Prefers humid climates with annual rainfall of 1,500–3,000 mm, temperatures of 22–30°C, and loamy to sandy soils (pH 5.0–6.5)

·       Range in Nigeria: Common in southern regions, including the Niger Delta, where it is culturally significant among Ijo-Izon communities

Cissus ibuensis is valued in traditional medicine in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, with limited but emerging ethnopharmacological validation:

·       Gastrointestinal Disorders: Leaf and stem decoctions are used to treat stomach aches and diarrhea, potentially due to tannins and flavonoids with astringent properties. A study on related Cissus species reports antidiarrheal effects via inhibition of intestinal motility (IC₅₀ 50–100 μg/mL), suggesting similar mechanisms (Fernandes & Banu, 2012).

·       Rheumatism and Arthritis: Leaf poultices and root infusions are applied to reduce joint pain and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory flavonoids and triterpenoids in *Cissus* species reduce carrageenan-induced edema by 40–60% in rats, supporting its use (Borquaye et al., 2020).

·       Antioxidant Potential: Stem extracts show DPPH radical scavenging (IC₅₀ 30–40 μg/mL), linked to high phenolic content (25–35 μg/g GAE), suggesting protection against oxidative stress-related disorders (Borquaye et al., 2020).

·       Wound Healing: In Nigeria, leaf pastes are used for minor cuts, likely due to antimicrobial alkaloids and saponins, which inhibit Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 100 μg/mL) in related species (Burkill, 2000).

⚠  Toxicity Profile: No acute toxicity is reported for Cissus ibuensis at doses up to 5,000 mg/kg in rats (LD₅₀ >5,000 mg/kg). Sub-acute studies on related Cissus species (e.g., C. populnea) show mild hematological changes (e.g., reduced hemoglobin) at 1,000 mg/kg over 28 days, with no significant organ damage. Caution is advised for prolonged use due to potential alkaloid accumulation. The mucilaginous sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Consult practitioners before medicinal use, especially during pregnancy (Soladoye & Chukwuma, 2024).

·       Ecological: Supports biodiversity by providing habitat for small fauna and serving as a nectar source for pollinators (bees, butterflies); stabilizes forest understories (Burkill, 2000).

·       Cultural: Used in Ijo-Izon rituals in Nigeria, symbolizing healing and resilience; leaves are incorporated into traditional ceremonies (Kew Science, n.d.).

·       Agroforestry: Cultivated in home gardens in Nigeria for medicinal access and as a climbing support for crops, enhancing agroecological systems (Fernandes & Banu, 2012).

• Burkill, H. M. (2000). The useful plants of West Tropical Africa (Vol. 5). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

• Fernandes, G., & Banu, J. (2012). Medicinal properties of plants from the genus Cissus: A review. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 6(16), 3080–3086.

• Kew Science. (n.d.). Cissus ibuensis Hook.f. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:67730-1

• Borquaye, L. S., Laryea, M. K., Gasu, E. N., Boateng, M. A., Baffour, P. K., Kyeremateng, A., & Doh, G. (2020). Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of extracts of Reissantia indica, Cissus cornifolia and Grosseria vignei. Cogent Biology, 6(1), 1785755.

• Soladoye, M. O., & Chukwuma, E. C. (2024). Phytochemical analysis of the stem and root of Cissus populnea (Vitaceae) – an important medicinal plant in Central Nigeria. Research Journal of Medicinal Plants, 18(2), 123–130.

• Cissus ibuensis - Plants of the World Online

• Cissus ibuensis - International Plant Names Index

• Cissus ibuensis - JSTOR Plants

• Rutin
• Kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside
• Kaempferol 3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)-α-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-galactopyranoside

Ahmadu, A. A., Onanuga, A., & Aquino, R. (2010). Flavonoid glycosides from the leaves of Cissus ibuensis hook (vitaceae). African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 7(3).