Aftimoon (Cuscuta reflexa Roxb.): Traditional uses, pharmacological actions, and scientific evidence in unani medicine

Abstract

Aftimoon (Cuscuta reflexa Roxb.), commonly known as dodder, is a parasitic herb recognized for its wide range of therapeutic uses in the Unani system of medicine. Traditionally, it is employed as a mufattih (deobstruent), mushil (purgative), muqawwi-dimagh (brain tonic), and mufarreh (exhilarant), and has been prescribed in ailments of the liver, spleen, nervous system, and skin. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the traditional uses, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological actions of Cuscuta reflexa, correlating classical Unani concepts with modern scientific findings. Phytochemical analyses have identified flavonoids, alkaloids, lignans, and phenolic compounds as key bioactive constituents. Modern pharmacological studies support its traditional claims, demonstrating antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and immunomodulatory activities. These findings substantiate the traditional Unani applications of Aftimoon.