Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Actions of Cuscuta Species
Summary
Cuscuta species, commonly known as dodder, comprise a group of obligate parasitic vines distributed across temperate and tropical regions. These plants have been employed in traditional medicine systems for millennia, notably in Asian pharmacopeias, to address ailments ranging from kidney-yang deficiency to liver dysfunction. Phytochemical investigations have revealed that Cuscuta seeds and stems are rich in phenolic compounds, notably flavonoids (hyperoside, kaempferol, quercetin derivatives), chlorogenic acids and lignans. Alkaloids, coumarins and polysaccharides have also been identified. Advanced analytical platforms such as high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry have enabled comprehensive profiling of these secondary metabolites. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated a broad spectrum of bioactivities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and antitumour effects. Mechanistic work suggests modulation of oxidative stress pathways, inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suppression of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes and induction of apoptotic signalling in cancer cells. Recent efforts have focussed on novel delivery systems and process-dependent changes in bioavailability, underscoring the potential of Cuscuta-derived compounds in drug development and functional foods.
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Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Actions of Cuscuta Species publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemistry and pharmacological actions of cuscuta species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Flavonoids: A class of polyphenolic secondary metabolites with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Chlorogenic acids: Phenolic esters formed between quinic acid and caffeic acid, known for their radical-scavenging activity.
Nanoemulsion: A fine oil-in-water or water-in-oil dispersion stabilised by surfactants, used to enhance delivery of bioactive compounds.
DPPH assay: A method for measuring free-radical scavenging by observing reduction of the DPPH radical’s absorbance.
UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS: An advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometric technique offering high resolution for metabolite identification.
Molecular docking: A computational method that predicts the preferred orientation of a small molecule when bound to a protein target.
References
- Exploring the Wound Healing Potential of a Cuscuta chinensis Extract-Loaded Nanoemulsion-Based Gel. Pharmaceutics (2024).
- UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS metabolites profiling and antioxidant/antidiabetic attributes of Cuscuta reflexa grown on Casearia tomentosa: exploring phytochemicals role via molecular docking. International Journal of Food Properties (2020).
- Hepatoprotective Effect of Cuscuta campestris Yunck. Whole Plant on Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Chronic Liver Injury in Mice. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2016).
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