In the fascinating world of medicinal plants, there are often species that look remarkably similar to one another. These botanical doppelgängers can cause quite a conundrum, especially when it comes to drug development and safety. Imagine a scenario where two seemingly identical plants are used interchangeably, potentially leading to adulteration or substitution of valuable drugs. To avoid such mix-ups, accurate identification becomes crucial. Therefore, this study aimed to distinguish between the two species by the morphological characters of the leaves and bioactive compounds. Plants were collected, identified, pulverized, and subjected to botanical evaluation as well as phytochemical screening. Leaf characters were selected and measured morphometrically. Microscopic leaf characters revealed that leaf width, trichome type, margin type, and colours of the leaves are different. The chemo-microscopic evaluation revealed mucilage and cellulose to be present in C. populnea. While there is no significant difference in the palisade ratio of these Cissus species. The presence of xylem vessel elements in the midrib of C. populnea and increased number of vein islets (18) differentiates it from C. arguta (Vein islet number, 11) while stellate trichome with many mucilaginous cells, stomata at the adaxial (43) and abaxial (57) part of leaves and leaf width (14.18 ± 0.25) cm, in C. populnea differentiate it from C. arguta. Thin-Layer chromatographic analysis using Dichloromethane and Ethylacetate (3:1) showed seven (7) and three (3) spots with their respective Rf values. These findings reinforce the importance of accurate plant identification in medicinal research, preventing misidentification and ensuring the integrity of drug development.

Ethnobotanical knowledge is firmly ingrained in Africa’s rich cultural legacy and is important in traditional healing practices across the continent. This research investigates medicinal plants’ historical and cultural relevance in African communities, emphasizing the influence of traditional healers, herbalists, and spiritual activities on community healthcare. With hundreds of plant species used to cure a variety of diseases, African ethnobotany provides a rich and mostly unexplored pool of medical knowledge. The study examines the symbolic and spiritual significance of certain plants, showing how medicinal flora is linked to African rituals, social norms, and cultural identity. It also addresses the potential of this ancient knowledge to inform current healthcare and pharmaceutical research. However, there are significant barriers to preserving this information, including the loss of oral traditions, urbanization, and the exploitation of indigenous knowledge without proper benefit-sharing. The report underlines the necessity of recording and preserving ethnobotanical knowledge through collaboration among local populations, scholars, and politicians. Economic prosperity and rural community empowerment can be achieved by supporting the sustainable use and commercialization of African medicinal herbs. Maintaining and integrating ethnobotanical knowledge is critical not just for protecting Africa’s cultural legacy but also for promoting healthcare innovation internationally.