Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob. (Asteraceae) in sub-Saharan Africa: A synthesis and review of its medicinal potential.

摘要: Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob. (Asteraceae) is a scrambling perennial shrub that originated in the Americas, but now common sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Oceania, where it has become serious weed. The species, particularly biotype found West many ethnopharmacological uses, including treatment of malaria, wounds, diarrhoea, skin infection, toothache, dysentery, stomach ache, sore throat, convulsions, piles, coughs colds. Furthermore, no attempt been made to synthesise review available literature on usefulness plant African region, hence this paper examines beneficial attributes C. Africa. Material methods Published information species was gathered by use different database platforms, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SciFinder Scopus. Results Records indicate two biotypes are present Africa viz. more widespread Asian/West (AWAB) southern (SAB). While former well elucidated literature, such latter still scarce. Although importance AWAB as fallow soil fertility improvement slash burn rotation system agriculture increasingly being recognised, its usage traditional medicinal practice far appreciated. wide range possibly because presence flavonoids, essential oils, phenolics, tannins saponins. reported have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anthelminthic, antifungal, cytotoxic, anticonvulsant, antiprotozoal, antispasmodic, antipyretic analgesic properties. Conclusion results suggest can be exploited an alternative other threatened known possess similar potential, pharmacological potential SAB remains established. Further studies phytochemistry properties plants will not only advance our knowledge ethnobotany ethnomedicine, may also improve health local people.