Caralluma umbellata is a medicinal succulent herb belonging to the family Asclepiadaceae (Apocynaceae), widely distributed in the arid and semi-arid regions of India. Traditionally, the plant has been used for the treatment of stomach disorders, abdominal pain, diabetes, inflammation, obesity, ulcers, liver diseases and microbial infections. Recent pharmacological and phytochemical investigations have validated many of its traditional uses. The plant is rich in bioactive compounds such as pregnane glycosides, flavonoids, polyphenols, triterpenoids, β-sitosterol, lupeol, quercetin, stigmasterol, betulin and steroidal glycosides which contribute to its therapeutic activities. Various studies demonstrated significant antihyperglycemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of C. umbellata. Methanolic and ethanolic extracts enhanced glucose uptake and inhibited α-amylase and pancreatic lipase activities. Hepatoprotective studies revealed protection against paracetamol-induced liver toxicity through antioxidant mechanisms and CYP2E1 inhibition. Antibacterial studies showed broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while anti-inflammatory studies confirmed significant inhibition of paw edema in animal models. Recent advancements in green nanotechnology further highlighted the biomedical importance of C. umbellata through the synthesis of nickel-doped silver nanoparticles exhibiting potent antimicrobial, antioxidant and antidiabetic properties. This review comprehensively summarizes the taxonomy, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, mechanisms of action and future therapeutic prospects of C. umbellata.
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