Genus Hedera: A Comprehensive Review of its Phytoconstituents, Diverse Pharmacological Activities and Medicinal Properties

Genus Hedera is considered an important component of European and Asian woodlands, accounting for a large proportion of the forest understory, particularly in the British Isles. Hedera L.; the ivy genus, Family Araliaceae, consists of approximately 15 species. Among these, most of the detailed phytochemical and pharmacological reports are available on only a few species of the genus. Despite the long traditional and commercial use of Hedera helix L., the most renowned species of the genus, other species in this genus have not been reviewed properly. This review comprises the phytoconstituents, pharmacological activities and therapeutic applications of the different species of genus Hedera. The purpose of this work is to provide a holistic updated compile of the phytoconstituents and biological diversity of all species of genus Hedera, not just the well-known H. helix, to act as a guide for future research and pharmaceutical prospects.