C <i>hromolaena odorata</i> : An Ethnobotanical Herb with a Wide Spectrum of Pharmacological Activities

Abstract

Chromolaena odorata (L.), is a perennial shrub growing in the central and southern part of America that has spread to many other tropical Asian, Austrian, and West African countries. It usually creates dense thickets in the invaded ranges, which decrease the diversity and quantity of native species. It is included in the top 100 worst invasive alien species in the world and is regarded as a noxious weed in commercial plantations and agricultural fields. The ethnopharmacological qualities of this plant are observed against painful swelling, antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic action, wound healing, skin infections, stomach issues and many other pertinent therapeutic features, which have been documented in the literature on a significant scale. It has been found that the root and leaf extracts of plants contain a variety of active secondary metabolites, including phenolic, essential oils, flavonoid chemicals, saponins, and alkaloids. These metabolites can work alone or in concert to mediate the diverse biological activities. This article's objective is to give a summary to provide an overview of the phytochemical ingredients, bioactivities, and pharmacological properties of C. odorata , all of which are important for the potential future development of contemporary medications. This approach may unlock the full potential of C. odorata , creating new opportunities for modern drug discovery and practical applications in both medical and agricultural fields.