Parthenium hysterophorus: Weed of Pharmacological Importance

Parthenium hysterophorus, often known as congers grass, is a noxious weed that is a member of the Asteraceae family of plants. Its natural habitats include the areas surrounding the Gulf of Mexico, Central America, Southern North America, the West Indies, and Central South America, among other places. Congress grass has risen to become one of the world’s seven most destructive and deadly weeds, according to the World Health Organization. This invasive plant is also a significant concern in India. It is responsible for a variety of illnesses and allergies in both people and animals. Aside from that, there is some potential for this plant to be used as an insecticide, herbicide, fungicide, wood preservative, anti-amoebic, and even for medicinal purposes. If any species, particularly an invasive weed, is to be evaluated for its ability to benefit living organisms, it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of both its positive and negative impacts. As a result, this review paper is an attempt to describe the present state of knowledge regarding the hazardous and helpful effects of Parthenium hysterophorus on people and animals.