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Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae)
1Department of Chemistry, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia 6907, Australia. elg@chem.uwa.edu.au
Fitoterapia
|July 14, 2001
Summary
Lantana camara L. is a versatile plant, known as a weed, ornamental, and folk medicine. This review explores its phytochemistry, including toxic metabolites and beneficial compounds, to assess its utilization potential.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Ethnobotany
- Toxicology
Background:
- Lantana camara L. is a widely distributed plant with dual roles as an invasive weed and a popular ornamental species.
- It possesses a history of use in traditional folk medicine across various global regions.
- Certain varieties within the L. camara complex exhibit toxicity, particularly in small ruminants, linked to triterpene ester metabolites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the phytochemistry of Lantana camara L. and related species within the Lantana genus.
- To evaluate the potential for utilizing the substantial biomass of Lantana.
- To correlate metabolite profiles with observed biological activities, including toxicity and medicinal uses.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of phytochemical studies on Lantana camara L.
- Analysis of existing data on triterpene ester metabolites and their effects.
- Inclusion of phytochemistry from other Lantana genus members for comparative insights.
Main Results:
- Lantana camara L. produces a diverse array of metabolites, with some found in high yields.
- Specific triterpene esters are identified as causative agents for toxicity in livestock.
- Several compounds isolated from Lantana have demonstrated promising biological activities.
Conclusions:
- Lantana camara L. presents a complex profile of both harmful and beneficial chemical constituents.
- The plant's significant biomass and the presence of valuable metabolites suggest potential for industrial or medicinal utilization.
- Further research into selective cultivation and metabolite extraction could mitigate toxicity while harnessing beneficial properties.
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