Lantana camara L.: A Review of its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, and Toxicology

Lantana camara L. (Family: Verbenaceae); native to America, is an invasive weed in many parts of the world. İt is famous for its highly scented, various color flowers and is planted as an ornamental plant species. Due to wide seed dispersal, high tolerance capacity, and allelopathic effect on native plant species, it has rapidly spread in non-native regions around the globe. Several reports of its negative ecological impact are well-known, and an effective management strategy is desired to combat this invasive plant. In this regard, utilization of its beneficial potential could be a better alternative to fulfill many of the sustainable development goals. The present article is, therefore, an attempt to assess its ethnomedicinal prospects, chemical constituents, and pharmacological potential in view of the scientific investigations undertaken so far. For this purpose, online scientific databases were thoroughly searched using notable keywords, and relevant information was compiled. Lantana camara is traditionally used in many cultures for the treatment of various diseases, for example, fever, arthritis, rheumatism, headache, respiratory infections, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal disturbances, etc. Phytochemical investigations have identified a variety of bioactive compounds such as lantadenes, humulene, caryophyllene, apigenin, quercetin, epicatechin, lancamarinic acid, lancamarin, etc. from its various parts. Besides, several important biological activities, for example, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, spermicidal, anti-nociceptive, analgesic, etc., have been demonstrated in scientific studies carried out in different regions of the world. However, the plant has shown liver toxicity in animals and hence, for thorough assessment of its safety profile is warranted. This review aims to provide a comprehensive compilation of the currently available knowledge on the traditional uses, phytochemical, and pharmacological profile of L. camara, highlighting its therapeutic potential, toxicological risks, and the need for further research to validate its efficacy and ensure its safe medicinal use. It will be advantageous for policymakers to create a roadmap for the sustainable management of its menace in the non-native areas.