Exploring the Advantages of Cuscuta campestris and Cuscuta campestris Benefits
Cuscuta campestris and its benefits have been known in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. Although the parts of the plant that grow above the ground are famous for improving liver and kidney conditions, it has many other uses too. Do you want to know how this parasitic herb can benefit human health? Keep exploring with us till the end.
In this article, we’re going to discuss a bit about Cuscuta campestris and its benefits along with some ideas on how to use it. But before we get into how Cuscuta can benefit human health, it’s worth knowing exactly what it is and what chemical constituents it contains. So, let’s get started.
What is Cuscuta campestris?
Cuscuta campestris is a thread-like parasitic herb that grows on a wide range of herbaceous shrubs and plants and affects the growth of its host plant. This is a species that belongs to the Morning Glory family scientifically known as Convolvulacea.
Although Cuscuta campestris is endemic to central North America, it’s widely grown in Asian countries, especially in China and India. Depending on its place of origin, the plant goes by many other names including field dodder, yellow dodder, golden dodder, and large-seeded alfalfa dodder as well as others.
The parts of the plant that grow above the ground have traditionally been used to make medicines for centuries. Today, Cuscuta is available in various forms of supplements, especially in capsules and Cuscuta tinctures.
Let’s take a look at what chemical constituents it contains:
Chemical constituents of Cuscuta campestris
Cuscuta contains a wide range of vital chemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and fatty acids, some of which act as potent antioxidants.
Common chemical constituents of Cuscuta may include:
🧪Quercetin
🧪Kaempferol
🧪Cuscutine
🧪Cuscutamide
🧪Cuscutalin
🧪Palmitic acid
🧪Oleic acid
🧪Linolenic acid
🧪Stigmasterol
🧪Beta-sitosterol
🧪Laurotetanine
🧪Scoparone
🧪Melanetlin
🧪Hyperoside
🧪Aromadendrin
🧪Taxifolin
🧪Luteolin
Potential health benefits of Cuscuta campestris
The health benefits of Cuscuta campestris seem to come from the chemical constituents it contains, particularly those that act as antioxidants. Modern scientific research on Cuscuta is limited even though the herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. Therefore, most of its benefits are anecdotal and supported by traditional uses. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Cuscuta campestris may improve the health and functionality of the liver
Cuscuta campestris has been shown to improve liver health and functionality in many different hepatic conditions including liver injury and infection. This effect is likely come from its tremendous antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. The seeds of the herb have been widely used to nourish the health of the liver for centuries in many Asian countries, especially in China and India.
One 2019 review investigating the effects of Cuscuta campestris on the liver of mothers and infants with liver conditions in Turkey showed that the herb has significant antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help correct liver conditions.
Cuscuta campestris may support the health of bone and cartilage
Studies have found that the seeds of Cuscuta campestris have the potential to promote hyaline cartilage repair and improve bone density. Research suggests that Cuscuata can increase bone cell proliferation and inhibit the death of new bone cells known as osteoblasts.
Cuscuta campestris may improve male fertility
Cuscuta campestris and the flavonoids it contains have estrogen-like effects on the body and may play a protective role in male organs and sperms. This is the reason why Cuscuta campestris has been used to improve male fertility and address male infertility for decades in China.
Cuscuta campestris may help prevent hair fall
The estrogen-like effects of Cuscuata campestris can oppose the conversion of testosterone which in turn may help in inhibiting testosterone-induced hair fall.
Cuscuta campestris may help keep blood sugar levels in check
Cuscuta campestris has significant anti-diabetic effects on the body. Research suggests that administering Curscuta extract may help reduce blood glucose levels, increase glycogen content, and enhance lean body mass. These effects are also beneficial for maintaining a healthy blood pressure level and overall health of the heart and blood vessels.
Cuscuta campestris may help boost immune response
Cuscuta campestris can effectively improve the immune response in the body. Studies have found that cuscuta extract has the capacity to support the health of the immune organ spleen as well as the process of killing invasive germs known as phagocytosis. This effect effectively boosts the immune response.
How to use Cuscuta campestris supplements
Cuscuta campestris is available in various supplementary forms, mostly in tincture and capsule forms. The dosage of Cuscuta depends on personal health needs and goals of taking. It’s recommended to consult with a licensed herbal healthcare provider to determine dosage and method of use. In general, for Cuscuata tincture, a dosage of 20 drops to 30 drops is often advised by clinicians which can be taken two to three times per day with water or juices.
Here you can see our pure and natural Cuscata Tincture.
Side effects and precautions
Cuscuta campestris is a natural herb and possibly safe and well-tolerable for most people. No side effects have been reported so far when taken as advised by the clinicians. However, Cuscuta is not advisable for people with constipation and profuse uterine bleeding and also for pregnant and breastfeeding women. To avoid any unpleasant effects, it’s best to consult with a licensed natural medicine practitioner before using Cuscata supplements.
Final words
Cuscuta campestris is a parasitic plant with many potential benefits. Some of them may include improving the health of the liver and kidneys, supporting bones and cartilage, managing blood sugar levels, and improving male fertility as well as others. Consider working with a licensed naturopathic doctor or herbalist to determine dosage and method of use.