The genus Cissus Linn. belongs to the Family Vitaceae (formerly
Ampelidaceae) and comprises about 350 species distributed all over the world, having
rich phytochemicals with medicinal as well as commercial value. This genus is a
storehouse of large varieties of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and
phytosterols, making this genus pharmaceutically important. Some species contain high
quantity of calcium ions in their stem extract, which is possibly responsible for their
bone healing activity. In vitro propagation of plantlets provides the opportunity to
conserve endangered species as well as to use the beneficial species without disturbing
their natural habitat. The present review comprises in vitro protocols used to conserve
the species, exploit and enhance useful metabolites. The whole plant, parts and
metabolites isolated from in vitro cultures of Cissus species may be used further for
pharmaceutical purposes.
Keywords: Cissus, Conserve, In vitro propagation, Phytochemicals, Pharmaceutical.
