Chromolaena odorata L. An Invasive Alien Species: As a Destructive Weed and A Prospective Drug

Abstract

Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson (Asteraceae), formerly known as Eupatorium odoratua L., is a perennial weed. Chromolaena odorata L., (Asteraceae) is considered as an invasive alien plant species as it has successfully invaded open/degraded forests and forests plantations, fallow/wastelands, roadsides and other open areas in high rainfall regions of India. It grows in almost pure stands and are better competitors as compared to indigenous plant species as a result it brings down the diversity of the native plant communities invaded by it. However, Chromolaena odorata L. also exhibits anti‑inflammatory, antipyretic, anal­gesic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and numerous other relevant medicinal properties on an appreciable scale, and is also well known in some parts of the world as a traditional medicine for treatment of various ailments. This review aims to summarize the role of C. odorata L. both as an invasive alien species (IAS) as well as its wound healing activities of biological systems, which are crucial for its use as a potential future drug design, development and application for the treatment of wounds.