Phytochemistry and Antimicrobial Activity of Parthenium hysterophorus L.: A Review

This dangerous plant is known for its negative impact on biodiversity, agriculture and human being. Parthenium plant is capable of causing allergic respiratory problems, contact dermatitis, diarrhea, skin allergy, skin rashes excessive water loss, mutagenicity, both in human and livestock. There are different attempts to control parthenium weed in which most of the methods are not successful due to rapid re-infestation of the plant. Even though parthenium plant is known for its toxicity, it is traditionally used for the treatment of fevers, headaches, wounds, diabetes, diarrhea, anemia, heart troubles and malaria to list some in different part of the world. The aim of this review article is mainly to explore the chemical components and antimicrobial property of parthenium hysterophorus. In this review the effect of parthenium on environment, human being and agriculture and major controlling practices have also been summarized