Cuscuta: A Freeloading Weed, their Dilemmaand Property

摘要

Cuscuta (Dodder) a total stem parasite depends completely on their host for their life processes. It is treated as a noxious weed which causes loss of several major crops in the agricultural field by their root like haustorial adaptation. But apart from their weed nature, they have medicinal, pharmacological and industrial importance. They have been used for treatment of diseases like jaundice, headache, rheumatism, liver diseases. They were also found to possess antibacterial, antiviral, anti-HIV, anti-inflammator and anticancerous properties. This review deals with positive prospects and associated problems of Cuscuta which can be helpful in future exploration of their hidden aspects.