Phytochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Xanthium Species

The genus Xanthium (Asteraceae) comprises a group of annual weeds commonly known as cockleburs, which have long featured in traditional pharmacopeias across Asia and the Americas. Modern phytochemical investigations have revealed a rich chemical profile including sesquiterpene lactones (notably xanthatin and carboxyatractyloside), phenolic acids (such as chlorogenic and caffeoylquinic acids), flavonoids, lignans, coumarins and steroids. These compounds confer a spectrum of biological activities: anti-inflammatory effects mediated by downregulation of NF-κB, MAPK and STAT pathways; antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties; antidiabetic potential through modulation of glucose-handling enzymes; antimicrobial and antifungal actions; cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects against tumour cell lines; and antimalarial activity targeting Plasmodium species. In parallel, certain glycosides are hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic in livestock and experimental models, underscoring the need for careful quality control. Emerging applications include natural herbicides derived from xanthanolides, nutraceuticals harnessing antioxidant fractions and lead structures for anti-inflammatory or anticancer therapeutics.

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Phytochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Xanthium Species publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical properties and biological activities of xanthium species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Sesquiterpene lactone: A class of terpenoid secondary metabolites containing a 15-carbon backbone and a lactone ring, often responsible for cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Phenolic compound: Plant-derived molecule bearing one or more hydroxyl groups on an aromatic ring, noted for antioxidant and enzyme-modulating activities.

Antioxidant activity: The capacity of a compound or extract to neutralise reactive oxygen species and prevent oxidative damage.

Hepatotoxicity: Toxic effect on liver cells, which in Xanthium is primarily associated with carboxyatractyloside and related glycosides.

Allelopathy: The biochemical inhibition of one plant species by another through release of bioactive metabolites into the environment.

Anti-inflammatory: Describes agents that reduce or suppress activation of immune-related signalling pathways, such as NF-κB, MAPK or STAT families.

References

1. Fractionation of Xanthium strumarium L. foliage phenolics, in-vitro antioxidant activities, and in-vivo anti-diabetic potential. Frontiers in Chemistry (2023).
2. Xanthatin Alleviates LPS-Induced Inflammatory Response in RAW264.7 Macrophages by Inhibiting NF-κB, MAPK and STATs Activation. Molecules (2022).
3. Traditional Uses, Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics and Toxicology of Xanthium strumarium L.: A Review. Molecules (2019).
4. Phytochemical constituents from Xanthium strumarium L. and evaluation of their in vitro antimalarial activities. South African Journal of Botany (2020).
5. Phytotoxic Compounds Isolated from Leaves of the Invasive Weed Xanthium spinosum. Molecules (2018).