Comparative Phytochemical Characterization of Argyreia nervosa and Parthenium hysterophorus: Ethnopharmacological Promise versus Ecological Risk

Abstract

Argyreia nervosa (Convolvulaceae) and Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae) are medicinally and ecologically significant plants, respectively, with contrasting ethnopharmacological profiles. A. nervosa is widely recognized for its therapeutic potential in traditional medicine, while P. Hysterophorus is regarded as an invasive weed with documented toxicological concerns, though recent studies suggest possible pharmacological activities. This study undertakes a comparative phytochemical evaluation of both species to investigate the qualitative and quantitative distribution of bioactive constituents. Standard phytochemical screening methods were employed to detect major classes of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenolics, and glycosides. Preliminary results indicate that A. nervosa is rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds that correlate with its reported antioxidant and therapeutic properties. In contrast, P. hysterophorus exhibits significant levels of sesquiterpene lactones, phenolics, and saponins, which may account for both its allelopathic and potential pharmacological activities. The comparative analysis highlights the phytochemical diversity between the two species, providing insights into their distinct biological roles, therapeutic versus invasive, and offering a basis for further pharmacological, toxicological, and molecular investigations. This study emphasizes the importance of systematic phytochemical evaluation in exploring the dual potential of plants as sources of novel drugs as well as ecological threats.