Ethnobotanical Importance and Phytochemical constituents of Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) – A Review

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a harmful weed of family Asteraceae (Compositae). Its chemical constituents and ethnobotanical uses have been reviewed in this paper. The reported phytochemical studies revealed the presence of flavonoids, oils, phenolics, terpenoids, amino acids, alkaloids and others. Different parts of the plant have been reported to be used in traditional medicine against fever, diarrhoea, neurologic disorders, urinary tract infections, dysentery, malaria and as emmenagogue. It is also used as remedy for inflammation, eczema, skin rashes, herpes, rheumatic pain, cold, heart trouble and gynaecological ailments. Although plenty of compounds were isolated from this plant, further work needs to be carried out and explore folk recipes for the benefit of improving human health