Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus)

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Other names for parthenium

Congress Grass
Santa Maria Feverfew
False Ragweed

Synopsis of parthenium

Parthenium hysterophorus is a fast-growing, invasive flowering plant native to Central and South America, now widespread across Asia, Africa, and Australia. It is commonly known as congress grass, feverfew, or Santa Maria feverfew (not to be confused with Tanacetum parthenium, the true medicinal feverfew used for migraines). Though often classified as a noxious weed due to its aggressive growth and allergenic potential, Parthenium hysterophorus also has a complex medicinal profile that is being explored in traditional and modern phytotherapy.

The plant contains a number of bioactive phytochemicals, including parthenin, hysterin, flavonoids, and sesquiterpene lactones, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antimalarial effects. Traditional medicine systems in India, Bangladesh, and Africa have used parts of the plant—particularly the leaves and roots—for the treatment of fevers, skin disorders, wound healing, diarrhea, and respiratory issues.

Scientific research has found that extracts of Parthenium hysterophorus exhibit cytotoxic activity against certain cancer cell lines and possess larvicidal and anthelmintic properties. However, its clinical use is limited by the presence of allergenic sesquiterpene lactones, which can cause contact dermatitis, respiratory irritation, and photosensitization, especially in people frequently exposed to the plant in the environment.

Because of its toxicity and the risk of allergic reactions, internal use of Parthenium hysterophorus is not widely recommended in modern herbalism without strict formulation and dosage controls.

Historical Use in Medicine
Although Parthenium hysterophorus lacks the widespread historical reverence seen with many medicinal herbs, it has been used in folk and tribal medicine in India, Nepal, Pakistan, and parts of Africa. Healers have used the leaf juice externally for eczema, boils, and insect bites, and infusions of leaves or roots have been administered in small doses for fever, malaria, and intestinal worms.

Some traditional systems also used the plant for its emmenagogue (menstruation-inducing) and abortifacient properties—highlighting the potency and risk associated with its use. In parts of Africa, crushed leaves were applied as poultices for wounds and skin infections, or smoked to relieve asthma-like symptoms.

In modern times, the plant has been studied more for its ecological threat than its therapeutic value. However, researchers have shown interest in isolating its bioactive compounds for potential pharmaceutical development—especially in antimicrobial and anticancer research.

Due to its invasive nature and potential to cause dermatitis and allergic rhinitis, Parthenium hysterophorus is often considered more of a public health concern than a mainstream herbal remedy. Still, its strong phytochemical profile has made it a subject of pharmacognosy and toxicology research.

Parthenium is used for these health conditions

Asthma (Traditional)
Bleeding (external) (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Scratches and Abrasions (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)

This ingredient is used to support these body systems

None