A Review of Dendrophthoe pentandra (Mistletoe): Phytomorphology, Extraction Techniques, Phytochemicals, and Biological Activities

Abstract

Dendrophtoe pentandra, popularly known as mistletoe, is a semi-parasitic plant that can grow on many host plants and is native to Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia. D. pentandra is regarded as an unfavourable plant for an economically significant horticultural plant; however, D. pentandra is also regarded as a medicinal plant and is used in traditional and alternative medicine to treat coughs, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Scientific research has also found that this plant has significant potential for medical properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, antiproliferative, antidiabetic and antihyperglycaemic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, and anti-aging properties. Numerous phytochemical compounds from D. pentandra extracts have been identified using extraction techniques such as maceration and reflux. Thus, this review aims to provide thorough information on phytomorphology, extraction techniques, phytochemicals, biological activities, and the future prospects of D. pentandra.

Efficacy of quercetin-like compounds from the mistletoe plant of Dendrophthoe pentandra L. Miq, as oral random blood sugar lowering treatment in diabetic rats

“…These essential compounds are suitable for human skin and do not irritate the epidermis (Awang et al. 2023 ; Rachmawati 2023 ). Thus, the active compounds could potentially be used for cosmetic preparations in humans.…”