Dodder
Cuscuta
Cuscuta, commonly known as dodder, is a parasitic plant traditionally associated with East Asian medicine. While specific traditional uses for Cuscuta are not well-documented, it has been utilized in various forms within Chinese herbal practices. Scientific evidence suggests that Cuscuta chinensis Lam. may have neuroprotective effects, as it increased cell viability and reduced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in Aβ1-42-treated HT22 cells. Additionally, dietary supplementation with this plant improved ovarian function and enhanced production performance in aged laying hens by modulating steroid hormone biosynthesis and gut microbiota. The chemical composition of Cuscuta chinensis has been studied using advanced analytical techniques, identifying 14 differential chemical markers across five processed forms. No major safety concerns or reported drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Cuscuta chinensis Lam. increased cell viability, reduced apoptosis and ROS production, and modulated antioxidant and apoptosis-related proteins in Aβ1-42-treated HT22 cells.
- Dietary supplementation with Cuscuta chinensis improved ovarian function and production performance in aged laying hens by modulating steroid hormone biosynthesis and gut microbiota.
- Dodder seedlings benefit from apoplastic sucrose transfer before symplastic connections are formed, highlighting the importance of this mechanism for early parasitic growth.
- This study identified 14 differential chemical markers in five processed forms of Cuscuta chinensis using advanced analytical techniques.
- Cuscuta chinensis Lam. extract alleviated bone loss in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis by enhancing osteogenic differentiation and stabilizing METTL3 protein.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dodder?
Dodder (Cuscuta) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Dodder?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Dodder; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Cuscuta chinensis Lam. increased cell viability, reduced apoptosis and ROS production, and modulated antioxidant and apoptosis-related proteins in Aβ1-42-treated HT22 cells.
How strong is the evidence for Dodder?
The strongest finding for Dodder carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Dodder safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Dodder in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Dodder interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Dodder in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Dodder?
Dodder is also known as: Повилика, Cuscute.
Is Dodder a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Dodder seedlings benefit from apoplastic nutrition by inducing SWEET15-mediated unloading of sucrose from the host's phloem. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Dietary supplementation with Cuscuta chinensis improves ovarian function and production performance in aged laying hens via modulation of steroid hormone biosynthesis and gut microbiota. literature abstract metadata
- T2 [Protective effect of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. against Aβ1-42-induced oxidative injury in HT22 cells and its mechanism]. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Cuscuta chinensis Lam. extract alleviates ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis by inhibiting VCP-mediated METTL3 protein degradation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Analysis of the differential components of five processed products of Cuscuta chinensis based on HPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap/MS and chemometrics. literature abstract metadata