The genus Caralluma: Traditional use, phytochemistry, nutritional value, pharmacology, nanoformulation, and...

For millennia, the genus Caralluma (family Apocynaceae) has contained edible plants used as appetite suppressants and for medicinal purposes. The goal of this study is to systematically review and synthesize the existing records on the uses of these medicinal plants, which may lead to the discovery of novel compounds with potential therapeutic applications and the development of nutraceuticals. An exhaustive literature search was conducted using relevant keywords across PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and additional reputable sources, with chemical structures confirmed via SciFinder and species names verified through Plants of the World Online. A total of 131 publications (1960-2025) were included. Phytochemical studies indicated that pregnane steroid glycosides were the principal metabolites in the genus Caralluma. Other classes included sterols, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and megastigmanes. Caralluma herbs are also characterized by significant amounts of essential oils, proximates, and minerals. Caralluma constituents have established potential in antidiabetic and anti-obesity activities. In addition, they showed remarkable effects in cytotoxicity, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, antiarthritic, antinociception, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, and hepatoprotection. Nanoformulation of Caralluma plant extracts would increase their antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. In association with traditional and pharmacological values, Caralluma species showed no toxicity, but demonstrated a slight bitter taste. Insightful investigations into the pharmacological mechanisms, clinical efficacy, and nanodrug approaches are critically required to advance the practical and commercial utilization of Caralluma species.