Therapeutic potential of the genus Zehneria (Cucurbitaceae): a systematic review of ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities, with a predominant focus on Zehneria scabra

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Abstract Background The genus Zehneria (Cucurbitaceae) comprises medicinal plants widely used in traditional healthcare systems across Africa and Asia. Species such as Zehneria scabra are traditionally employed to treat infectious diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory conditions, and skin ailments. Although numerous studies have investigated the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of Zehneria species, the available evidence remains fragmented and is heavily weighted toward a single species, Zehneria scabra . Therefore, this systematic review aimed to synthesize existing evidence on the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of the genus Zehneria , while explicitly noting where the evidence base is limited to this single species. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases without time restrictions. The search strategy used keywords related to Zehneria , ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activity. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were screened using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and only original research articles reporting ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, or pharmacological data were included. Data were extracted and synthesized using a qualitative descriptive approach. Results A total of 1,188 records were identified, of which 1,173 remained after removing 15 duplicates; following title, abstract, and full-text screening, 40 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. The findings indicated that Zehneria scabra is the most extensively studied species and is widely used in traditional medicine for managing infectious and inflammatory conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, and skin diseases. Pharmacological studies demonstrated multiple biological activities, including antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound-healing, antidiarrheal, and insecticidal effects. Phytochemical investigations revealed diverse bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and triterpenoids, including novel compounds with potential therapeutic relevance. Conclusions The genus Zehneria represents a pharmacologically promising group of medicinal plants with substantial ethnomedicinal relevance supported by preclinical experimental evidence. However, further research is required to standardize extraction methods, evaluate safety and toxicity, and conduct clinical studies to support the development of evidence-based therapeutic applications. Registration PROSPERO [CRD420261446650]. Graphical Abstract Overview of the evidence synthesis pathway from ethnomedicinal knowledge to phytochemical and pharmacological validation of the genus Zehneria.