Chromolaena odorata
What's the taxonomical classification of Chromolaena odorata?
Chromolaena odorata belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Moving further down the taxonomic hierarchy, the plant is placed in the order Asterales and is a member of the family Asteraceae. Finally, its specific biological identity is defined by the genus Chromolaena and the species odorata.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Chromolaena |
| Species | odorata |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Chromolaena odorata has an erect, woody shrub structure characterized by opposite, ovate leaves with serrated margins and a distinctively pungent, aromatic scent when crushed. The stems are typically angled and can reach heights of up to three meters in densely vegetated areas. Small, tubular white or pale lilac flowers are clustered in dense, terminal heads that appear during the blooming season. These flower heads are surrounded by inconspicuous bracts and produce numerous small, wind-dispersed seeds. The plant's root system is extensive, allowing it to spread rapidly through both seed dispersal and vegetative regrowth.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical regions of the Americas, specifically spanning from Mexico through Central America and into parts of South America. Due to its high adaptability, it has become a widespread invasive species in many other tropical and subtropical territories around the world. It is now extensively established across much of Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The species thrives in disturbed habitats, forest edges, and agricultural lands within these warm climates. Its ability to spread through wind-dispersed seeds allows it to colonize diverse geographical landscapes rapidly.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Chromolaena odorata, is cultivated by sowing wind-dispersed seeds in well-drained soil and providing full sunlight for optimal growth.
It thrives in tropical and subtropical environments where moisture is consistent but standing water is avoided. Growers often manage the species as a fast-growing shrub that can quickly colonize disturbed areas. Because it is highly invasive in many regions, cultivation is frequently restricted to controlled research or medicinal studies.
Regular weeding and pruning are necessary to prevent the plant from outcompeting local vegetation.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant utilizes its leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and pollen for various medicinal applications in traditional healing practices. The leaves are frequently crushed to treat wounds, skin infections, and inflammation due to their antimicrobial properties. Roots are often decocted into teas to address gastrointestinal issues or used topically for skin ailments. Both the stems and flowers are employed in traditional remedies to manage fever and digestive distress. Additionally, the pollen may be utilized in specific topical preparations to aid in the healing process.
According to a study published by "Journal of separation science", Chromolaena odorata is identified as a plant responsible for pyrroliizidine alkaloid contamination. The study uses phytochemical markers such as lycopsamine-type pyrroliizidine alkaloids and their N-oxides, which have m/z 300 and 316, to identify this botanical source. These markers include lycopsamine, intermedine, rinderine, and echinatine. Identification of these plants can help minimize potential liver damaging effects.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- flower
- leaf
- pollen
- root
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Chromolaena odorata, has been utilized across various cultures for centuries as a potent medicinal herb to treat wounds, skin infections, and gastrointestinal ailments. In the Bunong traditional medicine system of Cambodia, the leaves are frequently applied topically to accelerate the healing of cuts and bruises. Similarly, Thai medicinal plants practitioners incorporate the species into local remedies to manage inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. These diverse traditional practices highlight the widespread recognition of its bioactive properties in Southeast Asian ethnobotany. The historical reliance on this species underscores its significant role in managing community health through natural means.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King and H.Rob. (Asteraceae) was identified as one of the most cited medicinal plants among the Bunong people. This research was conducted during the years 2013 and 2014 by interviewing 202 villagers across 28 villages in 5 districts of Mondulkiri province. The study focused on the treatment of 11 most common ailments, which included 4 major ailments such as cold/fever, diarrhea, postpartum disorders, and stomachache. The Bunong people utilize a total of 214 plants belonging to 72 families to treat 51 different ailments. In their traditional healthcare practices, the root was the most important part of plants used and decoction was the most cited method of preparation.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Bunong traditional medicine
- Thai medicinal plants
What are the pharmacological activities of Chromolaena odorata?
This plant has potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, wound healing, and analgesic pharmacological activities. Its phytochemical constituents work together to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress within biological systems. The plant exhibits significant efficacy in inhibiting the growth of various pathogenic bacteria and soothing localized pain. Furthermore, its ability to accelerate tissue regeneration makes it an effective agent for promoting rapid wound healing. These diverse medicinal properties highlight its potential as a significant natural resource for therapeutic applications.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob. (Asteraceae) possesses a wide range of ethnopharmacological uses for treating conditions such as malaria, wounds, diarrhoea, skin infection, toothache, dysentery, stomach ache, sore throat, convulsions, piles, coughs and colds. The plant is reported to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anthelmintic, antifungal, cytotoxic, anticonvulsant, antiprotozoal, antispasmodic, antipyretic and analgesic properties. These pharmacological activities are possibly due to the presence of flavonoids, essential oils, phenolics, tannins and saponins. Two biotypes are present in sub-Saharan Africa, namely the more widespread Asian/West African biotype (AWAB) and the southern African biotype (SAB). While the usefulness of the AWAB biotype is well elucidated, the medicinal and pharmacological potential of the SAB plant remains to be established.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- antibacterial
- antioxidant
- wound healing
- analgesic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse array of bioactive constituents including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, terpenoids, and tannins. These various chemical classes contribute to the significant pharmacological potential of the species in treating wounds and inflammation. The presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids provides strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Tannins within the leaves further assist in wound healing through their astringent effects. While terpenoids offer additional medicinal benefits, the pyrrolizidine alkaloids represent important components that require careful study regarding toxicity.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Chromolaena odorata possesses medicinal potential possibly due to the presence of flavonoids, essential oils, phenolics, tannins and saponins. The species, specifically the Asian/West African biotype (AWAB) and the southern African biotype (SAB), has many ethnopharmacological uses. The plant is reported to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anthelmintic, antifungal, cytotoxic, anticonvulsant, antiprotozoal, antispasmodic, antipyretic and analgesic properties. These medicinal attributes are used for the treatment of malaria, wounds, diarrhoea, skin infection, toothache, dysentery, stomach ache, sore throat, convulsions, piles, coughs and colds.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- flavonoids
- phenolic compounds
- pyrrolizidine alkaloids
- terpenoids
- tannins
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for the treatment of burn wounds, cuts and wounds, skin infections, soft tissue wounds, and general wound healing. Its leaves possess significant antimicrobial properties that effectively combat various skin infections. When applied topically, the plant accelerates the natural wound healing process by stimulating tissue regeneration. It is frequently employed in traditional medicine to close open cuts and wounds quickly. This botanical resource serves as a vital remedy for managing both minor and serious soft tissue wounds.
According to a study published by "Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)", Chromolaena odorata is used as a traditional medicine in Vietnam for the treatment of soft tissue wounds, burn wounds, and skin infections. The aqueous extract of the leaves demonstrates a significant inhibition of collagen gel contraction at concentrations of 50 to 200 micrograms/ml. When the extract at 50 to 150 micrograms/ml was washed out and replaced by fresh medium, the contraction of collagen by cells was resumed. After incubation in a tetrazolium salt for 2 h, live cells were visualized at 50 to 150 micrograms/ml of extract. However, all cells were killed in the higher extract doses of 300 or 400 micrograms/ml.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- burn wounds
- cuts and wounds
- skin infections
- soft tissue wounds
- wound healing
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is processed into medicinal herbal preparations including Chromolaena odorata crude extracts, decoctions, essential oils, ointments, and powdered leaves. Crude extracts are often used in laboratory studies to identify bioactive compounds, while decoctions involve boiling the plant parts to create a therapeutic liquid. Essential oils are extracted through distillation to capture concentrated aromatic properties for various applications. Ointments provide a topical method for applying the plant's healing properties directly to the skin. Finally, powdered leaves are frequently used as a traditional remedy for wound healing or as a topical dusting agent.
According to a study published by "Microbial pathogenesis", Chromolaena odorata has several beneficial medicinal properties due to a high content of phenolic compounds, especially in the leaves. The crude extract of Chromolaena odorata leaves inhibited 100 % of 28 clinically tested S. suis strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration values for the extract ranged from 3.9-62.5 mg/mL. Time-kill tests demonstrated a complete elimination of all strains after 24 h exposure to the minimum inhibitory concentration. Additionally, the extract showed a significant inhibitory effect on biofilm formation at sub-MIC concentrations.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Chromolaena odorata crude extracts
- decoction
- essential oils
- ointment
- powdered leaves
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause severe health complications including carcinogenicity, hepatotoxicity, impaired male fertility, increased oxidative stress, and toxicity to fibroblasts. Exposure to its chemical compounds has been linked to the development of cancerous cells and significant damage to liver functions. Research indicates that certain extracts can disrupt reproductive health by lowering male fertility levels. Furthermore, the plant triggers increased oxidative stress within cells, leading to cellular instability. These biological processes often result in direct toxicity to fibroblasts, which are essential for tissue repair and skin integrity.
According to a study published by "Food additives & contaminants. Part B, Surveillance", Chromolaena odorata pollen was found in the majority of honey samples, identifying the plant as a major source of pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) contamination. These PAs are known to be hepatotoxic and carcinogenic. In the analysis of 48 honey samples, the average PA concentration was 283 μg kg-1. The highest concentration recorded was 2639 μg kg-1. Consequently, 85% of the honeys from various agro-ecological zones were PA positive.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- carcinogenicity
- hepatotoxicity
- impaired male fertility
- increased oxidative stress
- toxicity to fibroblasts
What herbs are paired with Chromolaena odorata?
This plant Chromolaena odorata is most effectively paired with herbs such as basil, mint, and lemon balm to enhance its medicinal and aromatic properties.
When used in traditional decoctions, the addition of mint helps to balance the pungent, strong scent of the leaves. Pairing it with basil can provide synergistic antimicrobial effects during topical applications for wound healing. Lemon balm is often included in herbal teas made from this plant to soothe the digestive system and mitigate bitterness.
These combinations are frequently utilized in ethnobotanical practices to optimize the therapeutic efficacy of the plant.