Question 1

What is Eupatorium odoratum used for in traditional medicine?

Accepted Answer

Eupatorium odoratum is primarily used in traditional and folk medicine as a topical wound-healing agent. Crushed fresh leaves are applied to cuts and abrasions to stop bleeding and reduce inflammation. It also appears in some traditions as an antimicrobial and mild anti-inflammatory treatment for skin conditions.

Question 2

Is Eupatorium odoratum the same as Chromolaena odorata?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Chromolaena odorata is the currently accepted scientific synonym for Eupatorium odoratum. The plant is widely referred to by both names in botanical literature, with Chromolaena odorata more commonly used in contemporary taxonomy and Eupatorium odoratum still found in older Ayurvedic and pharmacological texts.

Question 3

Is Eupatorium odoratum safe to use?

Accepted Answer

Topical use of crushed leaves for wound care is the most documented and generally considered lower-risk application. However, the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be harmful to the liver if ingested in significant amounts over time. Internal use should only be undertaken under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic or medical practitioner.

Question 4

Where does Eupatorium odoratum grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The plant grows widely across Sri Lanka's low country and mid-country zones, typically below around 1,500 metres elevation. It favours disturbed land such as roadsides, forest edges, and abandoned agricultural plots, and is not typically cultivated but found growing wild.

Question 5

What bioactive compounds are found in Eupatorium odoratum?

Accepted Answer

Phytochemical studies have identified alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, essential oils, chromene compounds, and phenolic acids in various parts of the plant. These compounds are believed to contribute to its observed antimicrobial and wound-healing properties in laboratory settings.

Question 6

Is Eupatorium odoratum an invasive species in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Eupatorium odoratum is considered an invasive alien species in Sri Lanka and many other tropical countries. It spreads rapidly through wind-dispersed seeds and competes with native vegetation, particularly in disturbed habitats around forest margins and agricultural land. Conservation areas undertake management efforts to control its spread.

Question 7

How is Eupatorium odoratum listed in Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic plant catalog?

Accepted Answer

It is catalogued under the reference code LK94006797 within Lakpura's documentation of Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic medicinal plant resources. Sri Lanka's Department of Ayurveda maintains broader official records of native and naturalised plants used in indigenous medical practice on the island.