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Pharmacological review of Caralluma R.Br. with

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anti-obesity.
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JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL FOOD

J Med Food 15 (2) 2012, 108119
# Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. and Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2010.1555

Pharmacological Review of Caralluma R.Br.

with Special Reference to Appetite Suppression and Anti-Obesity
Harish Chander Dutt,1 Surjeet Singh,2 Bharathi Avula,3 Ikhlas A. Khan,3 and Yashbir S. Bedi 4
1
Department of Botany, University of Jammu, Jammu, India.
Pharmacology and 4Plant Biotechnology Divisions, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, India.
3
National Center for Natural Product Research, The University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi, USA.

ABSTRACT Caralluma fimbriata extract has received Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for use as a nutraceutical to combat the most serious public health concern (i.e., obesity). More than 260 species grouped under the genus
Caralluma (Family Apocynaceae) are distributed in tropical Asia and Mediterranean regions of the globe. Ethnobotanically,
some species have been used as traditional and modern dietary ingredients to suppress appetite. Many species of Caralluma
are commonly used as traditional medicine for the treatment of rheumatism, diabetes, leprosy, paralysis, and inflammation and
have antimalarial, antitrypanosomal, anti-ulcer, antioxidant, antinociceptive, and antiproliferative activities. The genus is
known for compounds like pregnane glycosides, flavonoid glycoside, flavones, magastigmane glycosides, pregnane steroids,
steroidal glycosides, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, aromatic and nonaromatic volatile compounds, and b-sitosterol.
An extract of C. fimbriata (Slimaluna, Gencor Nutrients, Anaheim, CA, USA) is used as an anti-obesity agent and appetite
suppressor. It is also seen that the pregnane glycosides isolated and identified from African Hoodia are reported as anti-obesity
and appetite-suppressant compounds. On reviewing the studies undertaken on the chemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic
potential of Caralluma, it is concluded that the genus is also composed of pregnane glycosides as one of the major constituents. Availability of pregnane glycosides in Caralluma is an indication of the appetite-suppressant property of this genus.
This coupled with the GRAS status of the extract of C. fimbriata has opened the possibility of developing an anti-obesity/
appetite-suppressant product from other species of Caralluma. The main objective of this article is to review the studies
undertaken on the plant in light of further research for anti-obesity drugs and nutraceuticals from species of Caralluma.
KEY WORDS:  anti-obesity  appetite suppressor  Caralluma  Indian Hoodia  pregnane glycoside

can be grown in a greenhouse or window garden under

controlled conditions. Species of Caralluma can be planted
in small open pots with maximum drainage. Seeds, cuttings,
or divisions are all suitable for propagation; however, division is the easiest approach for the multiplication of the
species.4 Macroscopic and microscopic studies and detailed
nomenclature of the C. adscendens var. fimbriata have also
been presented in detail.5
Species of Caralluma are used as food in many parts
of the world (e.g., in Indian desert states, fruits and
young shoots of Caralluma edulis are used as a vegetable by local residents). Thus, the species has become
indeterminate, vulnerable, and endangered in Bikaner,
Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur, respectively.6 It is also noted
that the very harsh desert conditions are not suitable
for the growth of Caralluma species and that their
habitat is restricted to shaded niches between rocks
where dew is produced after cold nights.7,8 Caralluma
tuberculata and C. edulis are distributed in the Northwest
Himalayas.3
In vitro propagation of succulent plants including Caralluma has been successfully achieved for conservation

INTRODUCTION

he genus Caralluma R. Brown, belonging to the

family Apocynaceae, is composed of about 260 species,
which are grouped in three different subgenera: Caralluma
subgen. Boucerosia (Wight & Arn.) M.G.Gilbert, Caralluma
subgen. Desmidorchis (Ehrenb.) M.G.Gilbert, and Caralluma subgen. Urmalcala M.G.Gilbert.1,2 Caralluma is
distributed in the dry regions of tropical Asia, the southern
Mediterranean, and northern, central, and eastern Africa.
The genus was previously placed in the Asclepiadaceae
family but now has been merged into the Apocynaceae
family under the subfamily Asclepiadoideae.2
Morphologically, Caralluma plants are quadrangular,
perennial succulents with small caducous leaves (Fig. 1).3
Some species (e.g., Caralluma adscendens or Caralluma
attenuata) grow only in the warmer and drier regions and
cannot withstand a temperature below 50F; however, they
Manuscript received 30 December 2010. Revision accepted 26 September 2011.
Address correspondence to: Harish Chander Dutt, Department of Botany, University of
Jammu, Jammu 180006, India, E-mail: duttharish@rediffmail.com

108

PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW OF CARALLUMA R.BR.

109

ETHNOBOTANY

FIG. 1. Fruiting plant of C. tuberculata, growing at the Indian

Institute of Integrative Medicine.

purposes.9,10 In addition, a species specific micropropagation

protocol is available for C. edulis and C. adscendens. The
same protocol can be modified for other species of the genus.11 An effective protocol has also been developed for the
in vitro propagation of Caralluma sarkariae Lavranos &
R.M.I. Frandsen.12
Obesity has emerged as one of the most serious public
health concerns in the 21st century.13 In particular, childhood obesity is a global epidemic and is increasing in both
developed and developing countries.14 Excessive body
weight is associated with various metabolic diseases and is
known to reduce life expectancy.15 Increasing rates of
obesity may be due to easily accessible and palatable diets;
unchecked body weight due to high appetite is known as a
major cause of obesity.16
The major bioactive compounds in Caralluma are the
pregnane glycosides.1722 These pregnane glycosides isolated from an African plant, Hoodia, are known appetite suppressors.23 Appetite-suppressant and weight loss
properties of Caralluma species are mentioned in Indian
traditional records and have encouraged the use of GenaSlim (Country Life, Hauppage, NY, USA) capsules for
body weight control; the capsules contain the extract of C.
fimbriata.23 However, the plant species is generally eaten
to treat obesity, whereas C. adscendens var. fimbriata is
used by ethnic populations of middle India as an appetite
suppressant.23,24 In a double-blind, placebo-controlled,
randomized clinical trial, C. fimbriata was shown to be safe
but to have no significant effect on body weight loss.24
However, the mechanism of action for weight reduction
and the safety of C. fimbriata extract Slimaluna (Gencor
Nutrients, Anaheim, CA, USA) have also been reviewed.25
In addition, use of the species has been described for other
body ailments like malaria, inflammation, hyperglycemia,
ulcers, cancer, etc. The important phytoactive chemical
pregnane glycoside is an important target for future research for anti-obesity and appetite-suppressant drugs and
nutraceuticals.

Traditionally the aerial parts of Caralluma species are

used as a culinary herb and are cooked with meat during
winter.26 Although the entire plant of Caralluma quadrangula is edible, in some communities the juice obtained
from its stem is added to fresh milk and consumed as a
general tonic.27 C. attenuata is eaten raw as a cure for diabetes (anecdotal information from users), and the juice of
the plant along with black pepper is recommended for the
treatment of migraine.28,29
C. tuberculata growing both wild and cultivated in Pakistan is either eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable. Beside its
consumption as food, it is commonly used in the treatment
of rheumatism, diabetes, leprosy, paralysis, joint pains, fever and as an antipyretic in the northwest Himalayas.3032
Stems of C. adscendens var. attenuata and Caralluma lasiantha are eaten by the Palliyars community of Western
Ghats, India.33 Stem tendrils of C. adscendens and C. attenuata are used for the preparation of chutney and curry in
Andhra Pradesh, India.34 C. adscendens is cultivated in sacred groves of the Madurai district of Tamil Nadu and is
used for its cooling effect and for curing ulcers.35 C. fimbriata, known as Indian Hoodia, has been used as an
appetite suppressant in India since the Vedic times.4 The
extract of C. fimbriata has been released under the trade
name GenaSlim for body weight control.23 C. fimbriata is
also used in traditional medicine to treat various conditions
such as diabetes, pain, fever, and inflammation.4 The plant
species is generally eaten to treat obesity, whereas C. adscendens var. fimbriata is used by ethnic populations of
middle India as an appetite suppressant.23,24 Likewise,
Caralluma dalzielii is claimed to be medicinally important
in African traditional medicine.36 The juice of Caralluma
stalagmifera mixed with black pepper is recommended to be
taken orally for treating migraine, and a decoction of the
fresh stems is used orally for treating diabetes.37,38 C. tuberculata (syn. Boucerosia aucheriana Decne.) is considered a stomachic, carminative, and tonic and also used to
cure diabetes and rheumatism.39
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS
Several species of Caralluma have been studied for
phytochemical constituents, and many molecules have been
isolated and identified from the genus. In this context, different classes of organic compounds of medicinal interest
have been reported from Caralluma. The phytochemistry of
the genus Caralluma is characterized by many pregnane
glycosides, whereas megastigmane glycosides and few
flavones have also been isolated and identified from C.
tuberculata, Caralluma negevensis, and Caralluma arabica.1822 The chloroform extract of the aerial parts of
Caralluma russelliana yielded four acylated pregnane glycosides.40 In addition, the presence of pregnane steroids in
several species has increased the range of chemical constituents in Caralluma.4042 Phytochemical analysis of C.
adscendens var. fimbriata identified 12 pregnane glycosides
and pregnane steroids, one of which was identical to

110

DUTT ET AL.

stalagmoside-V isolated from C. stalagmifera.41,43 In addition to flavonoid glycoside (luteolin neohesperidoside), the
whole plant of C. lasiantha also possesses two bisdesmosidic C-21 steroidal glycosides.44 Two novel bisdesmosidic
steroidal glycosides have also been isolated from Caralluma
indica.43 Moreover, five more steroidal glycosides have
been isolated and characterized from C. stalagmifera.43
Pregnane ester aglycones have been isolated by acidic hydrolysis of a fraction obtained from the alcoholic extract of

FIG. 2.

the aerial parts of Caralluma retrospiciens.45 Six polyoxypregnane glycosides have been isolated and characterized from leaves of C. retrospiciens.46 C. tuberculata is
characterized by the presence of boucerin, dihydroboucerin,
and caratubersides (Fig. 2).4750 Pregnane glycosides like
carumbellosides IVI and pregnane steroids including
bourcergenin, caraumbellogenin, and umbellosides IIV
have been isolated from the whole plant of Caralluma umbellata.42,5155

Structure of caratubersides CG, penicillosides AG, and russeliosides BE.

PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW OF CARALLUMA R.BR.

The petroleum ether extract of C. fimbriata gave a waxy

solid hydrocarbon (i.e., pentatriacontane).56,57 C. attenuata
is also known for the presence of hydrocarbons.58,59 3,4Secotriterpene has also been isolated from Caralluma
burchardii.60 Five steroidal glycosides and 27 pregnane
glycosides have been isolated and characterized from the
whole plant of C. dalzielii.61,62 Eighteen fatty acids, four
hydrocarbons (hentriacontane, tritriacontane, triacontane,
and nonacosane), and b-sitosterol have been isolated from
the ethyl acetate fraction of the vegetative parts of C. edulis.63 Edible parts of C. edulis (consumed in the Tharparkar
district in Pakistan) possess a high percentage of water
(95.8%), a low percentage of fiber (0.59%), and low
amounts of proteins (0.17%), lipids (0.23%), and carbohydrates (2.52%). Moreover, the species is rich in Ca, Fe, P,
and Zn.64 In addition, headspace analysis has recently
identified 74 volatile compounds (16 aromatic and 58 nonaromatic) and several fatty acids from stems and fruits of
Caralluma europaea.65,66 Thus it is clear that the genus
Caralluma is a rich source of steroidal glycosides of the
pregnane type (Fig. 2).6770
A simple high-performance liquid chromatography
ultraviolet detection method has also been developed for
the determination of five marker compounds: boucerin
(1), caraumbelloside I (2), caraumbelloside III (3), caraumbelloside II (4), and caraumbellogenin (5). The method
identifies the chemical fingerprint analysis of Caralluma
species (C. fimbriata, C. attentuata, and C. umbellata) and
dietary supplements claiming to contain C. fimbriata. Further application of this method has shown that C. umbellata
contains compounds 25, but C. attentuata and C. fimbriata
do not show the presence of compounds 15. Two commercial extracts, one plant sample, and dietary supplements
labeled as C. fimbriata showed the presence of all five
compounds. Further identification of these compounds
was confirmed by a more sensitive liquid chromatography
tandem mass spectrometry technique. Caralluma is a genus
of plants consisting of more than 260 species, and adulteration between species is quite possible, so that developing
analytical methods becomes crucial for product validity and
safety. An in-depth study of the chemical fingerprinting
technique is in progress for identification of various Caralluma species.71 Chromium has also been reported from
Caralluma, used as a hypoglycemic drug in Pakistan.72

111

randomized clinical trial on C. fimbriata extract (Slimaluna); during the clinical trial the subjects were tested for
changes in key indicatorsnamely, weight loss, including
anthropometry, body fat composition, body mass index, net
weight, and systemic functions.20 However, based on a
safety study, the extract of C. fimbriata, was assigned
Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status on June 30,
2006, which has allowed the nutraceutical industry to start
developing products with Slimaluna.76,77 The mechanism of
action for weight reduction and safety of C. fimbriata has
been reviewed and found to be similar to mechanisms proposed for Garcinia cambogia except for its direct effect on
the hypothalamus.78 The mechanism of action of G. cambogia has proven to be safe for those desiring to lose
weight.79 In addition, clues to how C. fimbriata works to
reduce weight may come from our knowledge of G. cambogia. The active component in G. cambogia is hydroxycitrate, which has been reported to cause weight loss in
humans without stimulating the central nervous system.78
Because it is a competitive inhibitor of ATP-citrate lyase, an
extramitochondrial enzyme is involved in the initial steps of
de novo lipogenesis.78 Consequently, hydroxycitrate reduces the transformation of citrate into acetyl-coenzyme A,
a step necessary for the formation of fatty acids in the liver.
It is believed that the pregnane glycoside blocks the activity
of citrate lyase enzyme, thereby inhibiting fatty acid biosynthesis. Furthermore, it also blocks formation of malonylcoenzyme A, thereby encouraging stored fatty acid oxidation (Fig. 3). Therefore, this is more effective than other
such compounds that block the fat biosynthesis at one step

PHARMACOLOGY
Caralluma species have been used for centuries in semiarid areas of Pakistan as an emergency food, and these
species are also known for their antihyperglycemic activity.
In this context, C. edulis has been evaluated for its antidiabetic properties.7375 The medicinal properties of Caralluma species have been attributed to their glycosides. C.
fimbriata is an edible vegetable in the semi-arid regions of
Western India and is well known as a famine food, appetite
suppressant, and a thirst quencher when its green follicles
are boiled and salted.73 It is surprising that no significant
weight loss was seen in a double-blind, placebo-controlled,

FIG. 3. Schematic diagram showing the effect of pregnane glycosides on the formation of fatty acid. CoA, coenzyme A; iP, inorganic
phosphate; OAA, oxaloacetic acid.

112

C. adscendens var. fimbriata (Wall.)

Gravely & Mayur
C. adscendens var. attenuata (Wight)
Grav. & Mayur

C. arabica N.E.Br.

C. attenuata Wight

C. burchardii N.E.Br.
C. dalzielii N.E.Br.

C. edulis Benth. ex Hook.f.

C. europaea (Guss.) N.E.Br.

C. fimbriata Wall.

C. flava N.E.Br.
C. indica N.E.Br.

6
7

9
10

11
12

C. adscendens R.Br.

Name of plant species

Study number

Bisdesmosidic steroidal glycoside43

Antioxidant27
NA

NA

Antioxidant, antidiabetic26,75

b-Sitosterol, hydrocarbons,
fatty acids63
Essential oils65,66
n-Pentatriacontane and other
hydrocarbons5659

Anti-obesity23,24

NA
Antiproliferative36

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory,
antigastric ulcer, and cytoprotective
properties8991
Antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory,
and antinociceptive28,74,92

NA

NA

NA

Bioactivity

3,4-Secotriterpene60
Steroidal glycosides, pregnane
glycosides36,61,62

Hydrocarbons58,59

Flavonoids19

NA

Pregnane glycosides, steroid41

NA

Major chemical constituents

Ethnobotany

(continued)

NA
Beside use as an appetite suppressant in
India since the Vedic times, it is also
used to treat various conditions such
as diabetes, pain, fever, and
inflammation4
NA
NA

Eaten raw as a cure for diabetes, and

juice with black pepper is used to
treat migraine28,29
NA
The species is claimed as a medicinal
herb in African traditional
medicine36
NA

Species is used for its cooling effect

and to cure ulcers in the Maduari
district of Tamil Nadu35
Used by people of central India as
appetite suppressant24
Eaten as a vegetable by the Palliyar
community of western Ghats; people
of Andhra Pradesh use the tender
stems to prepare chutney and
curry 33,34
NA

Table 1. Summary of Chemical Constituents, Bioactivity, and Ethnobotanical Uses of Caralluma Species

113

C. negevensis Zohary ex Feinbrun

C. penicillata N.E.Br.
C. quadrangula N.E.Br.
C. retrospiciens N.E.Br.

C. russelliana (Courbon ex Brongn.)

Cufod.
C. sinaica A. Berger

C. stalagmifera C.E.C.Fisch.

C. tuberculata N.E.Br.

C. umbellata Haw.

14

15
16
17

18

20

21

22

NA, not available.

19

C. lasiantha N.E.Br.

Name of plant species

13

Study number

Carumbellosides, pregnene-type
steroid, bourcergenin,
caraumbellogenin5154

Flavone glycosides, bourcerin,

dihydrobourcerin, caratubersides,
pregnene glycosides22,38,4750,93

Luteolin neohesperidoside
bisdesmosidic C-21 steroidal
glycoside44
Megastigmane glycosides,
flavones18,21
Pregnane glycosides, penicilloside93

Polyoxypregnane glycosides, pregnane

ester aglycones45,46
Pregnene glycosides, acylated pregnane
glycosides40
Coumarins, terpenoids, glycosides,
tannins, phenolic compounds95
Stalagmoside-V, steroidal glycosides43

Major chemical constituents

NA

NA

Bioactivity

NA

Antimalarial, antitrypanosomal,
antiplasmodial, hypoglycemic, and
gastric mucosa protective93,94,99101

NA

Insulin promoter, hypoglycemic, and

anti-inflammatory9698
NA

The juice of the plant species with

black pepper is given orally to treat
migraine; decoction of fresh stem is
used orally to treat diabetes37,85
The species is eaten raw or cooked as a
vegetable, is used therapeutically,
and is a potent antidiabetic,
antipyretic, stomachic, carminative,
tonic, and antirheumatic. It is also
used to cure leprosy30,31,39,47,101
NA

NA

NA
It is used as a general tonic27
NA

NA

The species is eaten by the Palliyar

community as a vegetable33

Ethnobotany

Antitrypanosomal, antiplasmodial93,94

Antitrypanosomal, antiplasmodial93,94
NA
NA

Table 1. (Continued)

114

DUTT ET AL.

only. Simultaneously, appetite suppression activity of C.

fimbriata is hypothesized as a secondary effect on the appetite control center of the brain.78 Hydroxycitrate has been
demonstrated to reduce food intake in animals, suggesting a
role in the treatment of obesity, and has been demonstrated
to increase the availability of serotonin in isolated rat brain
cortex, which could affect satiety.8087 More specifically, it
is believed that the pregnane glycosides in C. fimbriata inhibit the hunger sensory mechanisms of the hypothalamus.
However, it is unclear how pregnane glycosides and their
related molecules suppress appetite, although it is thought
that they amplify the signaling of the energy sensing function in the basal hypothalamus.88
Safety reports of C. fimbriata, to be consumed at recommended doses, are in consonance with the use of cactus
in the food chain without any significant adverse side effect,
its listing in Wealth of India as a famine food, testimonials
by individuals for its use as a raw vegetable, its established
50% lethality dose (> 5 g/kg), and clinical studies revealing
no significant adverse effects.1921 Pregnane glycosides
isolated from genus Caralluma (Caralluma penicillata, C.
tuberculata, and C. russelliana) showed antitrypanosomal
and antiplasmodial activity (Tables 1 and 2).93,94 In addition
to this, six compounds isolated from C. tuberculata have
been tested for antimalarial and antitrypanosomal activities;
the antitrypanosomal activities were found to be more effective than the antimalarial activity (Tables 1 and 2).100 The
ethanolic extract of C. tuberculata has also been screened
for its potential to protect gastric mucosa against the injuries
caused by 80% ethanol, 0.2 M NaOH, hypertonic saline, and
indomethacin.99,102
Because of the strong antioxidant activity in the extracts
derived from aerial parts of C. edulis, the extracts from
Caralluma species are the object of increasing interest
for nutraceutical companies.22 C. arabica has also shown
anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antinociceptive,
gastric mucosa protective, and antiulcer properties (Tables 1
and 3).15,16,24,8991,99 Extracts of C. stalagmifera are reported
to possess anti-inflammatory activity.33 Caralluma flava
showed weaker antioxidant activities in the 2,2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl assay (Tables 1 and 3).23 Administration of
Caralluma sinaica extract in different doses (50, 100, 150,
and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) to normal rabbits caused significant
(P < .01) decreases in glucose levels. C. sinaica has also
been reported to contain chemical constituents like coumarins, terpenoids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, and
phenolic compounds. However, the exact chemical constituent responsible for the hypoglycemic effect remains
unknown (Tables 1 and 3).98 Several investigators have
shown that phenolic compounds (e.g., tannins, coumarins,
and flavonoids), triterpenoids, and most of the other
secondary plant metabolites possess hypoglycemic and antiinflammatory effects in various experimental animal models.9597 The fresh juice of C. tuberculata has been reported
to possess hypoglycemic activity.101 C. attenuata also
possesses significant antihyperglycemic activity (Tables 1
and 3).74,92 It is also known that the decrease in fasting blood
glucose levels with aqueous and alcoholic extracts is com-

parable to that of a 100 mg/kg tolbutamide dose.103 C. attenuate contains luteolin-4-O-neohesperidoside with a
significant anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity;
similarly, C. umbellata has also been evaluated for
anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity (Tables 1
and 3).15,24
Several members of the genus Caralluma have been
found to be medicinally active in the treatment of rheumatism, diabetes, and leprosy and as antiseptics and disinfectants.104 In several pharmacological studies on species of
Caralluma, some of the isolated pregnane glycosides or
their esters showed antitumor activity, and others were
postulated to be precursors of cardenolides.55,105108 Combined treatment with C. tuberculata and cyclophosphamide
showed that the species diminished the effect of cyclophosphamide on DNA levels; however, RNA levels were
further suppressed, resulting in increased cytotoxicity.102
Steroidal glycosides and pregnane glycosides isolated from
C. dalzielii were tested for their antiproliferative activity on
murine monocyte/macrophage cell lines ( J774.A1), human
epithelial kidney cell lines (HEK-293), and murine fibrosarcoma cell lines (WEHI-164) cell lines; moderate to high
potency of cytotoxicity was found in almost all tested
compounds, confirming the significant cytotoxic activity of
pregnane glycosides (Tables 1 and 2).31,43 Antifungal and
anthelmintic activities of C. fimbriata Wall. has also been
studied in detail.109
CONCLUSIONS
The genus Caralluma is composed of about 260 species,
the ethnobotanical properties of some of which have been
described. Caralluma species have been extensively used
for the treatment of various ailments. The phytochemical
analysis revealed that a large number of active compounds
have been isolated from different species of Caralluma. The
pharmacological data summarized in this review reveal that
no work has been conducted on the isolated compounds for
anti-obesity and appetite-inhibitory activities. Only one
drug from C. fimbriata has been released under the trade
name Genaslim for body weight control, but the clinical
trials on the product does not support appetite-suppressant
activity in the extract even though GRAS status has been
given to the extract of C. fimbriata (Slimaluna). Because
only the extract of C. fimbriata is believed to be an antiobesity agent and appetite suppressor and no significant
scientific evidence supports such uses, therefore more research on the active biomolecules within the extract and
other species of this genus is required. Other biological
activities suggest possible leads for researchers to discover
herbal or galenic remedies with bona fide effects, but most
of the evidence remains suggestive but not conclusive so
further phytochemical and pharmacological research is
needed. Additional interventions are needed to address the
most serious public health concerns (i.e., obesity and diabetes) prevailing in developed and developing countries;
therefore plants in the genus Caralluma should be further
evaluated for their safety and efficacy. Several other

115
0.0500.71 lM
0.060.95 lM
0.0920.2 lM

J774 AI
HEK-293
WEHI-164 cell lines

NA
NA
NA

0.8
5.0
ND
ND
ND
5.0
ND
ND
ND
22.28
17.75
64.11
19.20
> 100
45.1
18.5

62.6

> 1.56
7.94
6.2
7.0
> 12.5
> 12.5
3.0
5.0
11.0
4.8
7.0
6.2
> 12.5
10.8
6.6
0.005
0.17

0.8
62.6
> 100
ND
> 100
0.25
0.34
< 0.1
57.65
22.28
17.75
64.11
19.20
> 100
ND
ND
ND
> 100
1.4
5.7
> 100
> 100

0.5
3.5
7.07
> 12.5
8.44
9.51
1.01 (1.83)a
6.04 (9.09)a
5.23 (9.03)a
1.85 (3.4)a
5.80
7.19
6.14
6.38
> 12.5
> 12.5
> 12.5
7.03
11 106
11 104
1.58
2.27
Chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain (K1)
and sensitive strain (FCR3) (in vitro)
Drug-resistant strain of P. falciparum (K1) (in vitro)
Drug-resistant strain of P. falciparum (K1) (in vitro)
Drug-resistant strain of P. falciparum (K1) (in vitro)
Drug-resistant strain of P. falciparum (K1) (in vitro)
Drug-resistant strain of P. falciparum (K1) (in vitro)
Drug-sensitive strain of P. falciparum (FCR3) (in vitro)
Drug-sensitive strain of P. falciparum (FCR3) (in vitro)
Drug-sensitive strain of P. falciparum (FCR3) (in vitro)
Drug-sensitive strain of P. falciparum (FCR3) (in vitro)
Drug-resistant strain of P. falciparum (K1) (in vitro)
Drug-resistant strain of P. falciparum (K1) (in vitro)
Drug-resistant strain of P. falciparum (K1) (in vitro)
Drug-resistant strain of P. falciparum (K1) (in vitro)
Drug-resistant strain of P. falciparum (K1) (in vitro)
Drug-resistant strain of P. falciparum (K1) (in vitro)
Drug-resistant strain of P. falciparum (K1) (in vitro)

62.6

3.5

Cytotoxicity on
MRC5 IC50 (lg/mL)
62.6

Trypanosoma brucei brucei GUTat 3.1 strain (in vitro)

Model/mode of
administration

0.5

IC50
(lg/mL)

90% inhibitory concentration (lg/mL).

b
Twenty-six glucosides have been studied for antiproliferative activity in three cell lines. The range of 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values are given.
NA, not available; ND, not determined.

Antitrypanosomal
Petroleum ether-soluble fraction of methanol
extract of C. tuberculata
Chloroform-soluble fraction of methanol extract
of C. tuberculata
Petroleum ethersoluble fraction of C. tuberculata
CHCl3 extract of C. tuberculata
Penicilloside A
Penicilloside B
Penicilloside C
Penicilloside D
Penicilloside E
Penicilloside F
Penicilloside G
Caratuberside C
Caratuberside D
Caratuberside E
Caratuberside F
Caratuberside G
Russelioside B
Russelioside C
Russelioside D
Russelioside E
Melarsoprol (control)
Pentamidine (control)
Suramine (control)
Effornithine (control)
Antiplasmodial (antimalarial)
Petroleum ether-soluble fraction of methanol
extract of C. tuberculata
Petroleum ether extract of C. tuberculata
Fraction C-2
Fraction C-3
Fraction C-4
Fraction C-5
Fraction C-2
Fraction C-3
Fraction C-4
Fraction C-5
Caratuberside C
Caratuberside D
Caratuberside E
Caratuberside F
Caratuberside G
Artemisinin (control)
Chloroquine (control)
Antiproliferative
Pregnane glycosidesb

Activity, extract/pure
compound

Table 2. Compounds/Extract of Caralluma Showing the Bioactivities (In Vitro), Dose, Model, and Toxicity

36

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

94

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

93,94,100

93,94,100

References

116

27

REFERENCES
27

No toxic effects23,24

No competing financial interests exist.

DPPH, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl; LD50, 50% lethality dose; NA, not available.

NA
C. quadrangula (shole plant)

Anti-inflammatory
Anti-obesity (clinical trial)
Antioxidant (chemical
method; cell-free system)

Antigastric

Antinociceptive

NA
NA
NA

14.5 1.4; 899 29.5

Humans
DPPH assay; phosphomolybdate
assay
DPPH assay; phosphomolybdate
assay

28

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

NA
LD50 = 5 g/kg
31.5 1.0; 335 0.5

Rats

Mice/rats
Mice
NA
NA
NA

200400 mg/kg

200400 mg/kg
250, 500, 1000 mg/kg

100 mg/kg
NA

Rats

NA

No toxic effects99

91

20

90

92

No toxic effects74
Rats
250 mg/kg
NA

No toxic effect up to 200 mg/kg98

Male albino rabbits
100 mg/kg
50200 mg/kg

objectives such as genetic engineering for improved synthesis of desired metabolites in the species should be also be
included in future research.

C. sinacia 80% ethanolic

extract
Butanol extract of
C. attenuata
Aqueous extract of
C. attenuata
10% ethanolic extract
Carabelloside-1
10% ethanolic extract
Ethanolic extract of
C. tuberculata
Luteolin-4-O-neohisperidoside
C. fimbriata extract
C. flava (whole plant extract)
Antidiabetic

Model
Effective dose
Dose range
Extract/pure compounds
Biological activity

Table 3. Compounds/Extract of Caralluma Showing Bioactivities, Dose Range, Dose, Model, and Toxicity

Toxicity/references

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