Abstract:
Loranthus species, known as mistletoes, are gaining unprecedented attention as
anticancer species. This review aims to explore and evaluate the anticancer potential
of Loranthus species by examining their traditional Ayurvedic uses, and
phytochemical composition. The methodology involved a comprehensive literature
review using academic databases such as Google Scholar (32 articles), Academia
(24 articles), ResearchGate (18 articles), Web of Science (45 articles), and PubMed
(34 articles), employing relevant search terms to collect data. VOS Viewer software
was used to analyse the information, elaborate on the analysis, such as trend line,
keywords, types of articles and phytochemicals. A structured questionnaire survey
was conducted with ten Ayurvedic practitioners to gather insights on the clinical use
of Loranthus species. The number of publications related to mistletoe cancer
treatment has shown a marked increase since the early 1990s, peaking at 38 articles
in 2023, indicating growing scientific interest in this field over the past three
decades. The network visualisation highlights Mistletoe’s role in cancer treatment,
focusing on clinical applications, molecular mechanisms, and biochemical
properties, while also emphasising its integration in Ayurvedic and traditional
medicine. This review, supported by a survey of Ayurvedic practitioners in Sri
Lanka, highlights the anticancer potential of Loranthus species. Traditional use
confirms their value, particularly with host-specific variations noted for medicinal
effectiveness. Phytochemical analysis reveals key bioactive compounds—
flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, and lectins—with strong antioxidant and
anticancer properties. Extracts of L. micranthus, L. europaeus, and Dendrophthoe
falcata show cytotoxic effects against breast, lung, cervical, ovarian, and colon
cancer cells through apoptosis induction and immune modulation involving NF-κB
and JAK/STAT pathways. Survey feedback stresses the need for standardization
due to host-related variability and a lack of clinical trials, despite strong preclinical
evidence. These findings support further research into Loranthus as a natural
anticancer agent within the Ayurvedic framework.
