A Review of Extraction Techniques of Bioactive Compounds and Pharmacological Properties of Guam’s Invasive Vine—Antigonon leptopus

Antigonon leptopus Hook. & Arn., commonly known as the chain of love, is a fast-growing leafy vine characterized by its pink or white heart-shaped flowers and is considered among the most invasive vine species in Guam. In Guam, the vine is considered to be a weed, but worldwide it is utilized in different folk medicine practices, such as for alleviating colds and tending to wounds. As a resource, A. leptopus is underutilized in Guam, prompting the search for possible pharmacological properties. A. leptopus contains a wide range of phytochemicals, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, glycosides, and amino acids, which have been found to have many bioactive properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Extraction methods varied according to specific research objectives, but overall, the most common methods involved were maceration, Soxhlet extraction, and hot extraction techniques. The application of green extraction methods, such as the use of supercritical CO₂, is currently lacking for this species. A. leptopus may serve as a promising source of bioactive compounds for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.