Dendrophthoe falcata

Ethnobotanical sources report that branches and leaves of Dendrophthoe falcata are prepared as teas, decoctions, and topical washes across several regions. In parts of North-East India, including the Himalaya, people use a leaf infusion for respiratory complaints such as cough and bronchitis, and a decoction of fresh shoots as a carminative and for gastritis; Poonam and Singh note these uses in their Himalayan ethnomedicine survey (Poonam and Singh, 2009). In southern India, leafy infusions are recorded in Tamil Nadu for treating ulcers and as a mild diuretic, with additional applications as an emollient wash for skin irritations, as summarized by Vijayakumar et al. in their review of Indian Loranthaceae (Vijayakumar et al., 2018). Among the Balangingi people of Peninsular Malaysia, an infusion of aerial stems and leaves is taken for diarrhea and stomach upsets, while leaves are occasionally crushed and applied as a poultice to small wounds; these uses are documented by Ragupathy et al. in their extensive ethnobotanical field study (Ragupathy et al., 2008). Khare notes the plant’s appearance in Ayurvedic and folk formulations in North India, especially for treating ulcers and external swellings (Khare, 2007).

For a simple, traditional preparation, a mild leaf infusion can be made by pouring roughly 250 mL of near‑boiling water over 1–2 g of dried leaves and steeping, covered, for 10–15 minutes before straining. This is taken in small amounts for occasional relief of cough or mild stomach discomfort. A decoction for a stronger mouthwash or skin rinse uses 4–5 g of dried shoots per 300 mL of water; bring to a boil, simmer gently for 10 minutes, cool, and strain. Because Dendrophthoe species can contain lectin‑like compounds associated with toxicity in some mistletoes, keep doses modest; avoid during pregnancy or nursing and do not exceed occasional short‑term use without professional guidance. For external application, test a small skin area first.

Well‑established phytochemicals in Dendrophthoe falcata include flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, and triterpenoids like oleanolic and betulinic acids; these classes are reported in phyllochemical studies and align with the plant’s reported anti‑inflammatory, anti‑ulcer, and antimicrobial activities (Thakur et al., 2010; Kala et al., 2013). Phenolics and tannins further support astringent actions used in wound care preparations.

The plant remains in local use as an ingredient in herbal teas and washes across parts of India and Malaysia, and modern pharmacognostic research continues to evaluate its antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory potential for validation of these traditional applications.

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