Biological activity and traditional use of parasitic plants of the genus Cuscuta in Bulgaria

Cuscuta spp., or dodders, are widely distributed obligate parasitic plants with a strong economic impact due to a significant reduction in crop plants’ yield. However, they are also known as prominent medicinal plants in ethnobotanical studies, especially in Asian countries. The phytochemical composition of Cuscuta extracts, rich in alkaloids, flavonoids and various other bioactive compounds, determines a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects, including hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects, etc., while a strong antioxidant effect has also been noted. The genus is represented in Bulgaria by up to ten species, some of which are included as medicinal plants in the national legislation. There are also several reports on the traditional use in ethnomedicinal practices in the country. However, particular investigations on the phytochemistry and pharmacological effects are especially scarce. Recent studies suggested that representatives of the genus in Bulgaria might represent a rich and diverse source of bioactive compounds, but more data are needed to characterise this diversity.