Medicinal Benefits of Chromolaena odorata
Chromolaena odorata escaped from botanical gardens in Dacca (India), Java (Indonesia), and Peradeniya (Sri Lanka) in the nineteenth century (Sri Lanka).
The plant was accidentally introduced to Western Africa with forestry seeds. It was introduced to Ivory Coast in 1952 to control Imperata grasses after being introduced as an ornamental in Southern Africa. It was discovered in 1994 in Queensland, Australia, and was possibly introduced with foreign pasture seeds.
In the southern Indian state of Kerala, the plant is known as Communist Pacha because it was introduced in the 1950s, when communists formed a government. The plant Chromolaena odorata, also known as “devil weed,” was discovered on the east side of the Big Island (Hawai’i) earlier in 2021, according to the Hawaii Tribune-Herald in September 28, 2021.
Chromolaena odorata is a flowering shrub native to the tropics and subtropics of the Asteraceae (Daisy) family.
It is native to the United States, from Florida and Texas south through Mexico and the Caribbean to South America. It’s spread to tropical Asia, West Africa, and parts of Australia.
Chromolaena odorata is a perennial herb that grows quickly. It is a multi-stemmed shrub which grows up to 2.5 m (100 inches) tall in open areas.
It was previously classified under the genus Eupatorium, but it is now thought to be more closely related to other genera in the tribe Eupatorieae.
Plants’ medicinal benefits have been studied for years, but many plants remain unexplored. This is especially true for jungle plants like Chromolaena odorata. African tribes have long used this plant, also known as wild celery, for its medicinal properties. However, research on this plant has only recently begun and is still expanding.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Chromolaena
Species: C. odorata
Binomial name: Chromolaena odorata
It was previously classified under the genus Eupatorium, but it is now thought to be more closely related to other genera in the tribe Eupatorieae.
Nutritional Value of Chromolaena odorata
The following are said to be present in Chromolaena odorata:
- Phenol
- Alkaloids
- Triterpenoid
- Tannin
- Flavonoid
- Limonene
- Cardiac glycoside
- Anthraquinones
- Phlobatannin
- Saponin
- Cardenolides
- Volatile Oil
The nutritional contents of chromolaena odorata, as mentioned above, can benefit the body’s health.
The medicinal properties of Chromolaena odorata
Chromolaena odorata has been found to have numerous medicinal benefits and has been used to treat a variety of ailments. This plant has antifungal, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties, among others.
Here are a few of the advantages of Chromolaena odorata.
Cyst Treatment
Cysts are abnormal, fluid-filled sacs that can form in any tissue of the body. They are fairly common, and can be effectively treated with Chromolaena odorata.
Cervical Cancer Prevention
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix’s cells. Cancer is a disease in which the body’s cells proliferate uncontrollably.
Cervical cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases for women. You can avoid developing the disease by drinking chromolaena odorata, which contains anti-cancer properties.
Pain Reliever
The liquid obtained from the leaves of this plant can be used as a pain reliever because it aids in the relief of back and body pains.
Diabetes Prevention
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar), which causes serious damage to the body’s internal organs over time. Consuming Chromolaena odorata can help reduce a person’s risk of developing diabetes.
Ulcer Treatment
Chromolaena odorata heals wounds obtained from ulcers through a variety of mechanisms.
Contribution to Heart Health
Chromolaena odorata aids in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Blood Pressure Reduction
In hypertensive patients, Chromolaena odorata reduces blood pressure.
Disadvantages of Excessive Chromolaena odorata Consumption
Every plant has advantages and disadvantages: uncontrolled use of this plant (Chromolaena odorata) extract has a negative effect on kidney function.
Carcinogenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids are found in Chromolaena odorata. Cattle are poisoned by it. It may also trigger allergic reactions. According to recent research, the plant is larvicidal against all major mosquito vectors.
