Cuscuta reflexa roxb.: A special emphasis on its anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory potential

The Cuscuta reflexa Roxb, belonging to the family Convolvulaceae is a perennial, leafless, golden-yellow parasitic herbaceous plant is one such promising herbal medicine useful in the treatment of infection, inflammation and cancer. It has been documented for anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, anti-asthmatic, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, antiemetic, antiepileptic, antifungal, antiviral, antipyretic, antimutagenic activity, anti-steroidogenic activity, larvicidal activity. Inflammation is a biological response produced by the immune system initiated by various factors including pathogens such as bacteria, viruses or fungi infecting specific tissues. The etiological factors such as tissue injury, cell death, malignancy, ischemia and degeneration result in the inflammatory conditions. Chronic inflammation has been connected to carcinogenesis and metastatic processes, according to research. Compounds that can block or change inflammatory reactions offer a lot of promise for cancer management, prevention, and treatment. This review provides a detailed review of the literature on the pharmacological activities of Cuscuta reflexa with a special emphasis on anticancer, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anticancer activities of Cuscuta reflexa.