Ethanobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Helicanthes elastica: A Review

Abstract

Helicanthes elastica (Desv.) Danser (H. elastica), commonly known as Indian mango mistletoe is a hemiparasitic species from the Loranthaceae family that mainly infests mango trees. It is commonly found in Southern India. It is recognized for its diverse medicinal properties, including antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antidiabetic, diuretic, and natriuretic effects.

Additionally, it demonstrates cytotoxic activity (anti-tumor), anti-asthmatic and anti-anaphylactic properties, as well as anti-arthritic, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-urolithiatic, and nephroprotective effects. The wide ranges of therapeutic actions are primarily attributed to the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, steroids, tannins, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. Despite its significant medicinal value, it remains relatively unknown within the scientific community regarding its therapeutic benefits. Therefore, the present review aims to summarise the scientific literature on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, ethanomedicinal and pharmacological activities of H. elastica.