Published Paper Details:

Medicinal plants have served as essential components of human healthcare systems since ancient times, owing to their therapeutic, nutritional, and cultural significance. Their increasing global demand reflects a shift away from synthetic drugs toward natural remedies, particularly in regions where traditional medicine is still a primary source of healthcare. Among these plants, Caralluma fimbriata, a succulent species widely distributed in arid and semi-arid regions, has emerged as a valuable botanical resource. Traditionally used as famine food and an appetite suppressant, Caralluma fimbriata is rich in diverse phytochemicals including pregnane glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, and phenolic compounds, which support its broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. These include anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and hypolipidemic effects. Scientific evidence and traditional reports highlight its potential role in metabolic health, gastrointestinal disorders, pain management, and infectious diseases. Despite its immense therapeutic value, overexploitation, limited cultivation efforts, and habitat degradation threaten its availability. This review consolidates the traditional uses, nutritional attributes, phytochemical composition, and therapeutic properties of Caralluma fimbriata, while emphasizing the need for conservation and future biotechnological interventions to promote sustainable utilization and large-scale applications in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food industries.