Phyto-Chemistry of Congress grass (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) and Harmful and Beneficial effect on Human and Animals: A review

Abstract

Parthenium hysterophorus commonly known as congers grass is a noxious weed belonging to Asteraceae family. It is native to the area surrounding the Gulf of Mexico, Central America, Southern North America, West Indies and Central South America. At present congress grass has become one of the world’s seven most devastating and hazardous weeds. In India also this invasive weed is a big problem. It causes various ailments and allergies in humans as well as animals. Besides this there are some potential of this weed as insecticidal, herbicidal, fungicidal, wood preservative, anti-amoebic and also as therapeutic purpose. To assess the potential of any species especially an obnoxious weed for the welfare living beings, a complete knowledge on its beneficial as well as harmful effects are required. Therefore, this review article is an effort to document the current knowledge on harmful as well as beneficial impact of Parthenium hysterophorus on humans as well as animals.