**11. Conclusion**

*Cuscuta*, commonly known as dodder, is a genus of the Convolvulaceae family. Approximately 170 species of *Cuscuta* are extensively distributed in the temperate and subtropical areas of the world. Species of this genus are widely used as essential constituents in functional foods and traditional medicinal systems. Various parts of many members of *Cuscuta* have been found efficacious against a variety of diseases. Phytochemical investigations have confirmed the presence of biologically active moieties such as flavonoids, alkaloids, lignans, saponins, phenolics, tannins and fatty acids. Pharmacological studies and traditional uses of these plants have proved that they are effective anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-osteoporotic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antipyretic, antihypertensive, analgesic, anti-hair fall and anti-stereogenic agents.
