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The Antioxidant Properties of Extracts of Cuscuta spp. Depend on the Parasite and the Host Species

Summary

Dodder plants (Cuscuta species) used in traditional medicine contain powerful antioxidant compounds that can help protect cells from damage. This study found that different dodder species have varying amounts of these beneficial compounds, and surprisingly, the type of host plant the dodder parasitizes directly affects how many antioxidants it produces. When dodders infect aromatic plants like thyme and rosemary, they accumulate more antioxidant compounds than when grown on other plants.

Background

Cuscuta species (dodders) are parasitic plants widely used in traditional medicine and known to contain polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. However, few of the nearly 200 known Cuscuta species have been characterized for their medicinal potential, particularly those found in Bulgaria.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the antioxidant potential of four Cuscuta species distributed in Bulgaria and evaluate how host plant species influence the polyphenolic content and antioxidant properties of Cuscuta campestris.

Results

Cuscuta epithymum showed the highest polyphenolic content (7.2 mg/g fresh weight) and antioxidant activity, while C. europaea demonstrated strong antioxidant potential despite low polyphenolic content. Host plant species significantly affected C. campestris polyphenolic content and flavonoid profile, with aromatic hosts producing higher concentrations than the model host Arabidopsis thaliana.

Conclusion

Different Cuscuta species exhibit species-dependent antioxidant properties, and host plant identity significantly modulates the polyphenolic content and flavonoid profiles of parasitic Cuscuta plants. This demonstrates that parasites acquire protective molecules from their hosts, suggesting metabolic plasticity and adaptive advantage in multi-host parasitism.
  • Published in:Antioxidants (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/antiox14070761; PMID: 40722865
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