Potential Anticancer Activity of Bioactive Compounds from Ipomoea batatas

Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam.) known as "sweet potato" is a plant species of great importance in the human diet due to the contribution of nutrients and also for its bioactive compounds that have various medicinal properties. Its anticancer activity is one of the properties that attract the attention of researchers in the study of plant species. This review aims to make a critical compilation of current information on research that evaluated the antitumor and antiproliferative activity of Ipomoea batatas. The studies included in this review show a diversity of bioactive compounds present in Ipomoea batatas such as phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, flavonoids, coumarins and sterols; also isolated compounds such as pectin, peptides and glycoproteins that can be related to their biological activity. It is concluded that there are positive results about Ipomoea batatas and its anticancer activity evaluated through in vitro and in vivo tests. In humans, safety and efficacy trials are still lacking to support its future use and allow drug development. Further research evaluating the safety and efficacy of reported bioactive compounds in Ipomoea batatas is important for the development of this promising area.