Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical, Biological and Tissue Culture Studies on Parthenium hysterophorus Linn.: A Review

Abstract

Parthenium hysterophorus Linn. (Asteraceae) has been labeled as a useless weed. It has been associated with skin disorders. Studies have indicated that it contains several important chemical constituents mainly histamine and sesquiterpenes. It is a rich source of sesquiterpene lactones such as parthenin, hysterin and dihydroparthenin. It has shown several prominent biological activities (including antitumor activity) in animal and human-models. Studies related to plant tissue culture and agrotechnology have also been undertaken on parthenium. The present article is an attempt to highlight the summary of studies on this 'weed'.