LAUSR

Caralluma edulis is a well-known species of the genus Caralluma from Apocynaceae, commonly known as chunga. Caralluma species are mostly succulent perennial herbs, several of which are edible species. The plant has an outstanding therapeutic background in the traditional system of treatment. It has been recommended for the treatment of a number medical disorder such as hypertension, Alzheimer disease, rheumatism, gastric problems and leprosy. Traditionally the stem was boiled in water and this extract was then used to cure diabetes. The pharmacological effects of C.edulis have also been explored in various in vitro and in vivo experiments. In this regard, the extract of the plant exhibited strong antioxidant activity, analgesic, against inflammation as well as xylene mediated ear edema for topical effects. The significant anti-hyperlipidemic effect of the plant extract is also reported. However, the extract was found insignificant in the reversal of alloxan-induced diabetes in rabbit model at test doses. These pharmacological effects are strongly supported by the presence of different bioactive phytochemicals in the plant. These groups of compounds include sterols, terpenoids, flavonoids, and pregnane glycosides. C.edulis is a very potential member of the genus Caralluma with strong traditional history, phytochemistry and phytopharmacology, needed further exploration for clinically used lead compounds. In this review, we have focused to combined different reported data on the traditional uses of the plant, phytochemical profile and pharmacological effects in different experimental assay and subsequent future prospects.