Phytochemical Characterization and Pharmacological Applications of Chromolaena Odorata
Summary
Chromolaena odorata is a widely distributed tropical shrub recognised for its complex phytochemical composition and diverse pharmacological effects. Comprehensive profiling has identified a rich array of secondary metabolites including phenolic acids, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes and terpenoids. Advanced chromatographic and spectrometric techniques have elucidated this metabolite matrix with high resolution, revealing compounds such as chlorogenic acid, odoratenin and chromomoric acids. These constituents underpin a spectrum of biological activities encompassing antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antidiabetic properties. Ethnomedical applications, notably in wound healing and the management of infectious and metabolic disorders, are now supported by mechanistic studies demonstrating free-radical scavenging, enzyme inhibition, modulation of signalling pathways and enhancement of tissue repair processes. Collectively, the body of research emphasises the global significance of C. odorata both as a source of novel therapeutic leads and as a subject for sustainable pharmacognostic development.
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Phytochemical Characterization and Pharmacological Applications of Chromolaena Odorata publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical characterization and pharmacological applications of chromolaena odorata across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Phenolic compounds: A class of secondary metabolites characterised by one or more hydroxyl groups attached to aromatic rings, known for antioxidant activity.
Flavonoids: Polyphenolic compounds with a common phenyl-benzopyrone structure, contributing to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
α-Glucosidase inhibition: The process of blocking the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of carbohydrates to glucose, used to manage postprandial blood sugar levels.
Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): The lowest concentration of an agent that prevents visible growth of a microorganism, indicating antimicrobial potency.
Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50): The concentration of a substance required to inhibit a biological or biochemical function by 50%, used to compare efficacy across assays.
DPPH assay: A method for evaluating free-radical scavenging activity based on the reduction of the stable DPPH radical, measured spectrophotometrically.
References
- Unveiling the anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidative properties, and UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/ GC–MS metabolite profile of the lipophilic extract of siam weed (Chromolaena odorata). Arabian Journal of Chemistry (2023).
- Phytochemistry, Biological, and Toxicity Study on Aqueous and Methanol Extracts of Chromolaena odorata. The Scientific World JOURNAL (2023).
- Development and Evaluation of Liquid Plaster Loaded with Chromolaena odorata Leaf Extract Endowed with Several Beneficial Properties to Wound Healing. Gels (2022).
- Biological activities of Chromolaena odorata: A mechanistic review. South African Journal of Botany (2022).
- Identification of Chromomoric Acid C‑I as an Nrf2 Activator in Chromolaena odorata. Journal of Natural Products (2014).
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