Lantana camara L.: Transforming an Invasive Species into a Multifunctional Green Resource

Received 28 Jun, 2025

Accepted 01 Sep, 2025

Published 30 Sep, 2025

Invasive alien species are not considered a healthy component for the natural biodiversity of any invaded area. Lantana camara L. (Family-Verbenaceae); an ornamental shrub and native of America, is included in the category of Global invasive species. İts negative socio-ecological impacts have been observed in many parts of the world. However, there is still a need for providing sustainable solutions to curb the negative impact of Lantana, and therefore, the present review is undertaken to know about the currently available eco-friendly alternatives for better management of Lantana weed. For this purpose, an extensive literature search was carried out using various keywords related to the objective of the study on the online available scientific databases, for example, Scopus, PubMed, Springer, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Research Gate, etc. The relevant information thus retrieved is presented in this review article. This paper highlights the eco-friendly and economic utility of Lantana weed as a prospective sustainable green bioresource. Lantana has shown potential in form of production of bioethanol & biogas, bio-briquettes, particle boards, natural eco-friendly dyes from flowers, green synthesis of nanoparticles, green manure contributing to soil fertility, raw material for paper manufacture, phytoremediation of heavy metal polluted sites, biofumigant against pests of stored grains, biocontrol agent against biological organisms and as a bioherbicide etc. in many of the studies carried out in different regions of the world. Beyond industrial uses, local communities are also utilizing Lantana bushes for making sturdy furniture, toys, bee-keeping boxes, fish-catchers, hangers, domestic articles, etc. These diverse applications highlight its potential to transform from an ecological threat into a valuable green resource. Thus, the menace of this invasive weed could be better managed by leveraging this potential, which can not only support sustainable development goals but also offer additional income-generating opportunities for local communities.

INTRODUCTION

Invasion of any biological species to a place apart from its natural habitat may have deleterious effects on various components of the ecosystem of that region. Invasive species are well known to out-compete native species by disrupting their regeneration and negatively affecting the biodiversity of invaded regions. Besides habitat destruction, invasive species also pose threats to the economy and human beings in myriad ways. Therefore, invasive alien species are not considered good for the native biodiversity^1,2.

Lantana camara L. (Family-Verbenaceae); hereafter referred to as Lantana, is considered one of the most noxious weeds and a globally invasive shrub of the world³. It is commonly known as Wild Sage, Red Sage, Large Leaf Lantana, etc. Lantana is a highly variable perennial plant species tolerant of growing in diverse habitats with varying environments like wastelands, rainforest edges, beachfronts, dry forests, agricultural lands, pastures, and other anthropogenically disturbed regions⁴. It is a scrambling shrub reaching up to 4 m height, having a four-angled stem with simple and opposite decussate leaves, a cylindric spiked inflorescence with multicolor zygomorphic flowers developing into fleshy purplish-black color berries⁵.

Its high adaptability to survive in drought conditions and showing resistance to browsing due to high tannin content, autocompatibility, pollination by different insects, high seed output, etc., are some of the major reasons for its global invasion. Crossing the boundaries of its native range of Central and Northern South America and the Caribbean Islands, Lantana has invaded many tropical and subtropical countries, mostly as an ornamental or hedge plant, and has reached more than approximately 60 countries or island groups between 35°N and 35°S. Its presence is also observed in protected areas such as in 12 National Parks of Java, Indonesia⁶. Lantana was introduced as an ornamental plant in India in the Calcutta Botanical Garden in 1809. Since then, it has spread to most parts of the country except a few regions, and a well-designed management plan is required to control this invasive species⁷.

Being allelopathic, Lantana has affected native biodiversity of invaded regions, declined soil fertility, and altered ecosystem processes^8,9. It has been shown to affect forage availability for livestock, reduction in crop yields, and native medicinal plant species with a profound impact on the livelihood of local people in Uganda, West Africa. Not only this, Lantana also exhibits several other negative socio-ecological impacts such as on tourism, aesthetics of a landscape, management stress on local communities etc.¹⁰. Among the all-negative impact reports of Lantana in non-native regions, a recent study by Mukherjee et al.¹¹ have demonstrated positive role of Lantana for conservation and maintenance of btterfly abundance in Purulia, West Bengal, India.

Effective management of invasive species requires a holistic strategy to eradicate the menace as well as the appropriate utilization of biomass. An integrative management strategy should be applied in order to combat with Lantana menace, which includes mechanical, biological, chemical, cultural, ecological, and economic approaches depending upon the locality and other variable factors. There are many studies and practices that exhibit the eco-friendly potential of Lantana in view of a resource-utilization perspective. The present article aims to explore the potential of Lanatna as a green bioresource for its better management in invaded areas while contributing to sustainable development.

Lantana: Prospects as a green bioresource: The ecological and economic benefits associated with a plant species can pave the way for its sustainable and value-added utilization across various sectors¹². Lantana is among the plant species with a wide range of beneficial applications, such as bioenergy production, environmental remediation, and sustainable material development (Fig. 1). These are being discussed briefly as follows:

Biofuel: Biofuel is the demand in the 21st century. For this purpose, the plant kingdom and microbial world are being explored by scientists all over the world, and Lantana is one of the plant species that has shown the potential to produce biofuel. As Lantana contains 61.1% (w/w) holocellulose, it could be used as a cheap feedstock for bioethanol production. Dry stem wood pieces of Lantana have been shown to produce bioethanol after hydrolysis and fermentation by thermotolerant yeast¹³. Kuhad et al.¹⁴ have shown the synthesis of bioethanol from Lantana after fermentation with yeast and Pichia stipitis. Production of biogas has also been observed from its biomass¹⁵.

Fig. 1: Eco-friendly uses of Lantana camara

Lantana biomass is one of the most suitable, highly dense feedstocks for solid biofuels, having a low ash content (1.2%), low sulfur content (0.13%), low nitrogen content (1.04%), and a high calorific value (19.51 MJ/kg). Due to this, it could be easily utilized for manufacturing non-woody briquettes and help in the creation of a circular economy¹⁶. The eco-friendly briquettes possess promising fuel characteristics, which make them an environmentally friendly and efficient alternative for decentralized energy production, contributing to sustainable biomass utilization and rural energy solutions¹⁷. Recently, Bisen et al.¹⁸ have shown the production of good-quality bio-briquettes from various proportions of Lantana biomass, along with cow dung and poultry feed, as binders. These briquettes could be further used for the production of biofuel and provide a sustainable solution for the effective management of Lantana.

Green nanoparticles: Nowadays, nanoparticles are the focus of research around the globe, having wide applicability in the fields of energy, environment, medicine, etc. In this regard, green synthesis of nanoparticles is an eco-friendly approach better than other physical and chemical methods. Various parts of Lantana have been utilized to synthesize therapeutic nanoparticles by scientists world over^19-21.

Mavukkandy et al.²² have prepared platinum nanoparticles from leaves of Lantana. Nanogold particles have been prepared from flowers of Lantana²³. Shriniwas and Subhash²⁴ used terpene-rich extract from leaves of Lantana to synthesize silver nanoparticles. These silver nanoparticles have shown antioxidant potential in the Dot blot rapid screening method and significant antibacterial activity against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus as well as gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in agar well diffusion method. A dose-dependent cytotoxicity of the silver nanoparticles on Brine Shrimp Artemia salina napulii was also demonstrated.

Aritonang et al.²⁵ prepared silver nanoparticles from aqueous extract of its leaves, exhibiting significant antibacterial potential against S. aureus and E. coli. Recently, the silver nanoparticles developed from its leaves have shown anticancer efficacy against the A549 cell line of lung cancer (IC₅₀ = 49.52 g/mL) and an IC₅₀ of 46.67 g/mL against breast cancer (MCF7) cell line²⁶. Lu et al.²⁷ highlighted potential role of silver nanoparticles developed from Lantana leaves for production of biodegradable biofilms. Recently, Kemala et al.²⁸ have developed the smallest silver nanoparticle (44 nm) from aqueous extract of Lantana leaves; the plant which was grown in extreme geothermal environment. The silver nanoparticle demonstrated antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus and E. coli but very less anti-fungal effect against Candida albicans.

Similarly, aqueous broth of roots of Lantana has been utilized to prepare gold nanoparticles by Ramkumar et al.²⁹. These gold nanoparticles demonstrated antioxidant potential in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and cytotoxic potential on human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and on Vero cell lines. Thus, roots of Lantana could be a potential source of therapeutic gold nanoparticles against cancer and could be a source of additional income for countries engaged in its management through uprooting.

Copper nanoparticles synthesized using aqueous extract of leaves of Lantana by green bio-reduction method have shown 100% larval mortality of Anopheles multicolor mosquito vector at a very low concentration of 20 ppm³⁰. This further emphasizes importance of nanoparticles over crude plant extracts. Recently, Swamy et al.³¹ have prepared zinc oxide nanoparticles from flowers of Lantana for the first time by combustion method. These nanoparticles have shown strong anti-inflammatory activity against Phospholipase A2 with minimum inhibitory concentration of 41 μg/mL. Leaves of Lantana were also used to synthesize Yttrium oxide nanoparticles demonstrating antibacterial and anticancer properties³².

Phytoremediation: Plants are also utilized to remove soil and water pollution through their heavy metal uptake capacity. Phytoremediation capacity of several plants including Lantana is reported in various scientific studies³³. Lantana has shown the potential of phytoextraction of heavy metals such as Cu, Zn, Cr, and Mn from fly ash amended soil without any symptoms of toxicity in its morphology³⁴. It also possesses high bioaccumulation and low translocation capacity of metal contaminants, which are dumped in the municipal solid wastes³⁵. Lead uptake capacity of Lantana plants is increased by two to three times after the addition of Earthworms to the soil as shown in a study by Jusselme et al.³⁶. Recent studies have shown Lantana plants to be a potential Cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulator. It effectively tolerates high Cd concentration and co-ordinate photosynthesis along with reactive oxygen species scavenging and could be utilized for the amelioration of Cd-polluted soils³⁷.

Lantana is being utilized as an adsorbent of metals in wastewater for example Cr (VI) was adsorbed by activated carbon prepared from Lantana stem with an adsorption capacity of 26.25 mg/g³⁸ has also exhibited a potential role as an adsorbent of phenol from aqueous solutions³⁹. Negi et al.⁴⁰ have shown biosorbent role of leaves of Lantana in removing Pb (II) ions from water. Biochar prepared from Lantana has also shown effective removal of Cu (II) from aqueous solutions indicating its potential role in removing heavy metals from wastewater⁴¹. Recently, Hassen et al.⁴² developed biocarbon from leaves and seeds of Lantana which have shown removal of heavy metals, namely, Cd, Pb and Zn from floriculture wastewater in the Lake Ziway, Ethiopia. Thus, Lantana shows strong potential for conversion into biocarbon, offering a sustainable and economically viable approach to heavy metal remediation in industrial wastewater treatment.

Soil fertility: Lantana survives in conditions of drought and even on poor soils. It could be also utilized as a green manure as evident in many scientific studies⁴³. Sharma and Raghubanshi⁴⁴ have observed that the Lantana litter is low in lignin content but high in Nitrogen (N) and a favorable microclimate beneath Lantana canopy favored faster decomposition and release of N by significantly altering soil N availability, N-mineralization, and total soil N. Due to this, Lantana canopy favors its growth cover by increasing the nutrients beneath its canopy. Fan et al.⁴⁵ studied soil samples underneath, on the edge, and 2-5 m out from Lantana plants and found that soil underneath the Lantana canopy had significantly higher pH, total N & Phosphorus (P), available N & P, with higher soil respiration, enzyme activities and microbial biomass.

Lantana has been shown to improve soil fertility, effective utilization of carbon substrates and thus, it could also improve soil quality for other plant species. A study on effect of Lantana on soil ecosystem in Nairobi National Park, Kenya has revealed its soil nutrient improving capacity as soils of Lantana invaded sites were rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium levels indicating the possible cause of its outcompeting potential than native ones⁴⁶. Decmposed leaf litter of Lantana has shown to improve soil quality by improving soil enzymes, organic matter, NPK status and microbial richness⁴⁷. A good quality of vermicompost could be prepared from leaf litter of Lantana and it could be also utilized as an organic fertilizer by vermicomposting^48,49. Lantana has also shown to be a good food for microbes to produce methane gas⁵⁰.

Biocontrol agent: Allelopathic effects of invasive species could be very well utilized for biocontrol of some biological organisms. For example, aqueous lechate (3% w/v) of Lantana twigs has demonstrated allelopathic effect to the growth of Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) and killed it after 21 days under the experimental conditions. Insufficient production of chlorophyll leading to chlorosis, necrotic patches and folding of the leaves and decreased growth were all observed in water hyacinth, along with signs of decomposing root pockets, blackening of root tips, shrinking of root hairs, and damaging roots⁵¹. The mechanism behind high toxicity after foliar spray of Lantana leaf extract to E. crassipes is suggested as oxidative stress⁵². Therefore, commercial application of Lantana could be done to control Water hyacinth plants on a large scale.

Phytotoxic activity of its essential oil has also been demonstrated against some common weeds Amaranthus hybridus and Portulaca oleracea by inhibiting germination and seedling growth⁵³. Cold and hot aqueous extracts of leaves of Lantana effectively inhibited germination process of Phalaris minor and Sorghum bicolor⁵⁴. This suggests that Lantana could also be utilized as a potential bioherbicide for control of weeds.

Lantana is recommended as a potent biofumigant against stored grain and household insect pests. Essential oil (0.5% v/w) isolated from leaves of Lantana has demonstrated 100% mortality rate against adults of maize grain weevil, Sitophilus zeamais⁵⁵. Zoubiri and Baaliouamer⁵⁶ have also demonstrated adulticidal effect of essential oil against Sitophilus granarius which is an important stored product Beetle usually observed in the grain storage facilities. Rajashekar et al.⁵⁷ found acetylcholinesterase inhibitor activity of a coumaran isolated from leaves of Lantana against housefly, nervous tissue (ganglion) and the whole insect homogenate of stored grain insect. A significant fumigant and contact toxicity against the three most prevalent grain storage pests, namely, Rust red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum Herbst, Rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L., and Adzuki bean weevil, Callosobruchus chinensis Fab. was demonstrated by methanolic extract of Lantana leaves⁵⁸. Thus, a powerful biofumigant for pest management might be developed from Lantana plants.

Nematicidal action: Begum et al.⁵⁹ have reported presence of nematicidal compounds lantanoside, linaroside and camarinic acid against the root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita in aerial parts of Lantana. Lantanilic acid, camaric acid and oleanolic acid isolated from the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Lantana have also exhibited 98, 95 and 70% mortality against M. incognita, respectively at a concentration of 0.5 percent⁶⁰. The nematode M. incognita was also used to assess the nematoidal activity of pentacyclic triterpneoids that were extracted from the aerial portions of Lantana. After 24 hrs, compounds lantanolic acid, lantoic acid and pomolic acid have shown 100% nematode death at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. After 48 hrs, compounds camarin, camarinin, lantacin, and ursolic acid also demonstrated 100% death of nematodes at the same dose⁶¹. Begum et al.⁶² isolated triterpenoids from aerial parts of Lantana and observed that the most effective triterpene against the nematode M. incognita was Oleanonic acid which has shown 80% mortality after 72 hrs at 0.0625% concentration quite comparable to standard drug furadan. Recently, Abdul Ghafoor et al.⁶³ have shown 91% mortality of the root-knot nematode M. incognita by a pentacyclic triterpenoid, namely, 3-oxo-12α-hydroxyolean-22β-[β,β-dimethylacryloyloxy]-13β-28-olide isolated from Lantana roots at 0.125% concentration. Thus, the nematicidal property of Lantana could be utilized in agriculture fields to deter the side effects of synthetic nematicides.

Repellant/insecticide: Role of Lantana as insecticide and mosquito repellent is well known. Lantana camara is traditionally burnt to act as a mosquito-repellant plant on Rusinga Island, and in Rambira, western Kenya. In an experimental hut within a screenwalled greenhouse, Lantana has shown repellent activity against malaria vector Anopheles gambiae⁶⁴. Flower extract of Lantana in coconut oil has exhibited 94.5% protection from Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti in human volunteers⁶⁵. Kumar and Maneemegalai⁶⁶ have demonstrated larvicidal potential of methanol and ethanol extract of leaves and flowers of Lantana against three and four instar larvae of mosquito species A. aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Kumar et al.⁶⁷ have demonstrated significant larvicidal activity (LC₅₀ of 30.71 ppm) of hexane extract of Lantana leaves against fourth instar larva of A. aegypti, an Indian strain of Dengue fever mosquito collected from Delhi and surrounding areas.

Essential oil from the leaves of Lantana has shown to possess adulticidal activity against different mosquito species namely A. aegypti, C. quinquefasciatus, Anopheles culicifacies, Anopheles fluvialitis and Anopheles stephensi⁶⁸. Essential oil from leaves has also shown larvicidal activity against fourth larval instars of Culex pipiens⁶⁹. Essential oil isolated from leaves of Lantana has demonstrated strong repellant and fumigant activity against adults of storage pest Pulse Beetle Callosobruchus maculatus Fabricus⁷⁰.

Yuan and Hu⁷¹ demonstrated repellent, toxic and antifeedant potential of chloroform extract of Lantana leaves against a subterranean termite Reticulitermes flavipens. Methanolic crude extract and hexane fraction of leaves of Lantana have shown repellent activitiy against female A. aegypti in combination with extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves⁷². Hexane extract of Lantana stem has also demonstrated appreciable larvicidal activity against early fourth instar larva of A. aegypti, a vector of Dengue fever⁷³. Hari and Mathew⁷⁴ have also demonstrated larvicidal potential of petroleum ether extract of leaves of Lantana against C. quinquefasciatus (LC₅₀ 10.63 mg/L) and A. aegypti (LC₅₀ 74.93 mg/L) larvae.

Essential oils obtained from leaves and flower of Lantana have also shown insecticidal activity against Sitophilus granarius using direct contact application⁷⁵. Essential oils of Lantana has also demonstrated molluscicidal activity against Pomacea canaliculata, Gyraulus convexiusculus, and Tarebia granifera, which are snails of fresh water and act as agriculture pest. Larvicidal activity of essential oils was also demonstrated aginst mosquito such as Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex quinquefasciatus with LC₅₀ values ranging from 15.1-29.0 μg/mL, 26.4-53.8, and 20.8-59.3 μg mL mg/L, respectively⁷⁶. Essential oil-loaded nano-emulsion formulation of leaves of Lantana was investigated for larvicidal and pupicidal activity by Udappusamy et al.⁷⁷ and effective activity was observed against larval and pupal stages of the A. aegypti mosquitoes. Leaf extract of Lantana at a concentration of 4% has shown repellent action against Culex Mosquitoes as the mosquito landing was reduced up to 90% providing protection for 2 hrs⁷⁸. Recently, synergistic but strong mosquito repellant efficacy against Anopheles gambiae s.l. and Anopheles funestus of Lantana along with Striga hermonthica and Hyptis spicigera was demonstrated⁷⁹.

Acaricidal activity: de Sousa et al.⁸⁰ reported acaricidal activity of essential oils of Lantana against a tick Rhipicephalus microplus. A strong acaricidal activity with a LC₅₀ of 2.9 mg/mL was observed against engorged females.

Antifilarial activity: The in vivo anti-filarial properties of Lantana stem were initially shown by Misra et al.⁸¹. In the rodent model, Mastomys coucha, 76% of the female worms were sterilized by ethanolic stem extract of Lantana in a dose of 1 g/kg as well as killed Brugia malayi parasites. The adulticidal activity was also demonstrated by its chloroform fraction apart from sterilising female worms. Additionally, against a subcutaneous filariid, Acanthocheilonema viteae in rodents, the extract demonstrated a mild macrofilaricidal effect along with considerable sterilisation (60.66%) and microfilaricidal (95.04%) efficacy. In vitro antifilarial efficacy against B. malayi parasites has also been demonstrated by two compounds, oleanonic acid and oleanolic acid, that were extracted from hexane and chloroform fractions.

Dry powder of leaves, stem bark and roots of Lantana were extracted with hexane, methylene chloride and methanol and subjected for in vitro testing on the bovine model parasite, Onchocerca ochengi, as well as Loa loa microfilariae. In primary screening against O. ochengi, all of the extracts showed 100% activity at a concentration of 500 μg/mL. The highest activity was observed with the hexane extract of leaves against O. ochengi. Lantadene A; isolated from the methylene chloride extract of its leaves has also demonstrated anti-filarial potential of Lantana⁸².

Leishmanicidal activity: Braga et al.⁸³ have demonstrated leishmanicidal effect of methanolic extract of Lantana leaves against Leishmania amazonensis (IC₅₀ 14 μg/mL) and L. chagasi (IC₅₀ 250 μg/mL). Essential oil from leaves of Lantana has shown significant leishmanicidal activity against promastigote forms of L. amazonensis with an IC₅₀ value of 0.25 μg/mL⁸⁴. In both the studies, effect of Lantana on L. chagasi was less promising than L. amazonensis. Significant leishmanicidal activities were demonstrated by triterpenes oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, lantadene A, and lantanilic acid isolated from aerial parts of Lantana against promastigotes of L. major⁸⁵. Barros et al.⁸⁶ also demonstrated leishmanicidal activity of essential oil from leaves of Lantana against the promastigote form of Leishmania braziliensis (IC₅₀ 72.31μg/mL). It has also shown trypanocidal potential by exhibiting 67.39% inhibition against epimastigote form of protozoa Trypanosoma cruzi at a concentration of 250 μg/mL.

Looking to the wide insecticidal spectrum of Lantana, it could be used to develop some cost-effective mosquito repellents for domestic use. Overall, the Lantana menace can be effectively mitigated by utilizing it for the above-mentioned pursuits.

Other significant uses: Indigenous communities adapt to their surrounding bio-resources to fulfill their need and culture-based necessities^87,88. For example, creation of an artificial limb from wood of Silk Cotton Tree is a novel use by a tribal person reported from Udaipur, India⁸⁹. Similarly, local communities have started utilizing Lantana bushes for making sturdy furniture, toys, bee-keeping boxes, fish-catchers, hangers, domestic articles etc. in India which are helpful as an additional source of income^90,91.

Its flowers have shown to yield eco-friendly natural dye for cotton and silk material which could be utilized in textile industries⁹². Lantana has demonstrated good compatibility in bonding with cement and thus its ligno-cellulosic material could be utilized to prepare cement bonded particle boards of good strength suitable for various industries⁹³.

Somasundaram et al.⁹⁴ have explored potential of Lantana stem fibre for preparation of lightweight polymer matrix composites and observed synthesis of highly strong fibres with high cellulose content, high crystallinity and thermal stability. These could be used in secondary and tertiary structural applications such as door panels, furniture, garden products, packaging materials, and interior components. Overall, the integration of Lantana fibers into composite materials presents a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers, offering both environmental and economic benefits. By valorizing an invasive species, this approach not only supports the development of green composites but also contributes to waste reduction, resource efficiency, and the promotion of a circular economy.

It has also shown to provide raw material for paper making and thereby can reduce pressure on other woody plant species⁹⁵. Ligno-cellulosic material obtained from Lantana has also proven to be a good substrate for cultivation of edible Oyster mushroom⁹⁶. All of these properties may promote livelihood of locals and prove helpful in cost-effective management of this weed.

Bandi et al.⁹⁷ utilized berries of Lantana to synthesize highly fluorescent nitrogen doped carbon dots having low cytotoxicity and excitation dependent emission and thus could be utilized as multi-color bioimaging agent and also to detect Pb²⁺ in water and human sera. Seeds of Lantana could be utilized as animal feed and also as a potential source of edible oil along with industrial applications by producing broad spectrum Ultra Violet (UV) protectants. In vitro protection against UV light as measured through sun protection factor was observed by 90% hydroethanolic extract of Lantana leaves in a concentration-dependent manner. The sun protection efficacy could be utilized for development of natural sun-screens from Lantana providing a broader scope for cosmeceutical industry⁹⁸. Though utilization alone is not the only solution for its management, but through many of these ecological approaches, problems arising by invasion of Lantana could be subsided as a part of appropriate management strategy.

CONCLUSION

Lantana is an ornamental shrub with variable flower colors and termed as ‘Global Invasive species. It has invaded both natural and agricultural ecosystems in many parts of the Palaeotropics. Despite some negative effects observed in non-native regions of its invasion, it possesses immense ecological and economic potential; which if utilized in proper manner; it could come up as an eco-friendly green bio-resource in myriad ways. It is recommended that potential uses of Lantana for example, as biofumigant, bioherbicide, biofuel production, phytoremediation, soil fertility enhancement, synthesis of green nanoparticles, raw material for paper manufacturing, making furniture, dyes etc. could be incorporated as a part of its management strategy which may benefit many local communities by generating additional income as well as helpful for a sustainable future.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

This article highlights the potential of Lantana camara, an invasive weed, as a multifunctional bio-resource, offering sustainable alternatives in bioenergy, bioremediation, and biomaterials. By utilizing its diverse applications, it offers an eco-friendly solution to invasive species management while supporting rural livelihoods and contributing to the circular economy and sustainable development goals.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

One of the authors, V.M. is working as CSIR-UGC Junior Research Fellow and highly thankful to CSIR-UGC for providing financial assistance.

REFERENCES

1. Priyanka, N. and P.K. Joshi, 2013. A review of Lantana camara studies in India. Int. J. Sci. Res. Publ., 3.
2. Sundaram, B., Si. Krishnan, A.J. Hiremath and G. Joseph, 2012. Ecology and impacts of the invasive species, Lantana camara, in a social-ecological system in South India: Perspectives from local knowledge. Hum. Ecol., 40: 931-942.
3. Kato-Noguchi, H. and D. Kurniadie, 2021. Allelopathy of Lantana camara as an invasive plant. Plants, 10.
4. Negi, G.C.S., S. Sharma, S.C.R. Vishvakarma, S.S. Samant, R.K. Maikhuri, R.C. Prasad and L.M.S. Palni, 2019. Ecology and use of Lantana camara in India. Bot. Rev., 85: 109-130.
5. Sharma, G.P., A.S. Raghubanshi and J.S. Singh, 2005. Lantana invasion: An overview. Weed Biol. Manage., 5: 157-165.
6. Padmanaba, M., K.W. Tomlinson, A.C. Hughes and R.T. Corlett, 2017. Alien plant invasions of protected areas in Java, Indonesia. Sci. Rep., 7.
7. Tiwari, S., S.N. Mishra, D. Kumar, B. Kumar and S.N. Vaidya et al., 2022. Modelling the potential risk zone of Lantana camara invasion and response to climate change in Eastern India. Ecol. Processes, 11.
8. Taylor, S. and L. Kumar, 2012. Sensitivity analysis of CLIMEX parameters in modelling potential distribution of Lantana camara L.PLoS ONE, 7.
9. Goncalves, E., I. Herrera, M. Duarte, R.O. Bustamante and M. Lampo et al., 2014. Global invasion of Lantana camara: Has the climatic niche been conserved across continents? PLoS ONE, 9.
10. Shackleton, R.T., A.B.R. Witt, W. Aool and C.F. Pratt, 2017. Distribution of the invasive alien weed, Lantana camara, and its ecological and livelihood impacts in Eastern Africa. Afr. J. Range Forage Sci., 34: 1-11.
11. Mukherjee, S.S., M.T. Ahmed and A. Hossain, 2022. Role of a Global Invasive Species (GIS), Lantana camara in conservation and sustenance of local butterfly community. Acta Ecol. Sin., 42: 600-604.
12. Jain, V., S.K. Verma, S.K. Sharma and S.S. Katewa, 2011. Bombax ceiba Linn.-as an umbrella tree species in forests of Southern Rajasthan, India. Res. J. Environ. Sci., 5: 722-729.
13. Pasha, C., M. Nagavalli and L.V. Rao, 2007. Lantana camara for fuel ethanol production using thermotolerant yeast. Lett. Appl. Microbiol., 44: 666-672.
14. Kuhad, R.C., R. Gupta, Y.P. Khasa and A. Singh, 2010. Bioethanol production from Lantana camara (red sage): Pretreatment, saccharification and fermentation. Bioresour. Technol., 101: 8348-8354.
15. Sinha, D., S. Banerjee, S. Mandal, A. Basu and A. Banerjee et al., 2021. Enhanced biogas production from Lantana camara via bioaugmentation of cellulolytic bacteria. Bioresour. Technol., 340.
16. Arora, J.K., D.K. Bakshi, Alkesh and M. Singh, 2025. Production and characterization of fuel pellets from Lantana camara and Emblica officinalis pomace biomass combinations. J. Indian Acad. Wood Sci., 22: 50-56.
17. Kaushik, Y. and P. Arora, 2024. Investigating the sustainable energy generation potential of an invasive weed: Lantana camera. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res., 31: 62493-62509.
18. Bisen, K.S., B. Gupta, P. Baredar, P.K. Jhinge, 2025. Characterization and syngas production from downdraft gasification of bio-briquettes made from Lantana camera L. and Parthenium hysterophorous L. weeds using poultry litter and cow dung as binder. Fuel, 390.
19. Patil, S.P., K.G. Sahu and G.S. Andhale, 2024. Lantana camara mediated green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles: A mini review. Inorg. Chem. Commun., 160.
20. Kfait Ullah Khan, Misbahur Rehman, M. Hameed, K. Hayat and F. Saeed et al., 2025. Lantana camara plant extract catalyzed biosynthesis of graphene-metal nanocomposites with potential cytotoxic activities. PLoS ONE, 20.
21. Ajitha, B., Y.A.K. Reddy, S. Shameer, K.M. Rajesh, Y. Suneetha and P.S. Reddy, 2015. Lantana camara leaf extract mediated silver nanoparticles: Antibacterial, green catalyst. J. Photochem. Photobiol. B: Biol., 149: 84-92.
22. Mavukkandy, M.O., S. Chakraborty, T. Abbasi and S.A. Abbasi, 2016. A clean-green synthesis of platinum nanoparticles utilizing a pernicious weed lantana (Lantana camara). Am. J. Eng. Appl. Sci., 9: 84-90.
23. Kumar, B., K. Smita and L. Cumbal, 2016. Biofabrication of nanogold from the flower extracts of Lantana camara. IET Nanobiotechnol., 10: 154-157.
24. Shriniwas P.P. and T.K. Subhash, 2017. Antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized using terpenes rich extract of Lantana camera L. leaves. Biochem. Biophys. Rep., 10: 76-81.
25. Aritonang, H.F., H. Koleangan and A.D. Wuntu, 2019. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous extract of medicinal plants’ (Impatiens balsamina and Lantana camara) fresh leaves and analysis of antimicrobial activity. Int. J. Microbiol., 2019.
26. Hublikar, L.V., S.V. Ganachari, V.B. Patil, S. Nandi and A. Honnad, 2023. Anticancer potential of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles using Lantana camara leaf extract. Prog. Biomater., 12: 155-169.
27. Lu, M., S. Chadha, Saruchi and V. Kumar, 2024. Fabrication of silver nanoparticles synthesize using Lantana camara leaves extract on biofilm of sodium alginate. J. Indian Chem. Soc., 101.
28. Kemala, P., R. Idroes, K. Khairan, M. Ramli and B. Ginting et al., 2025. Eco-friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles: Enhancing optimization reaction, characterization, and antimicrobial properties with Lantana camera from geothermal area. S. Afr. J. Chem. Eng., 51: 57-67.
29. Ramkumar, R., G. Balasubramani, R.K. Raja, M. Raja, R. Govindan, E.K. Girija and P. Perumal, 2017. Lantana camara Linn root extract-mediated gold nanoparticles and their in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic potentials. Artif. Cells Nanomed. Biotechnol., 45: 748-757.
30. Hassanain, N.A.E.H., A.Z. Shehata, M.M. Mokhtar, R.M. Shaapan, M.A.E.H. Hassanain and S. Zaky, 2019. Comparison between insecticidal activity of Lantana camara extract and its synthesized nanoparticles against Anopheline mosquitoes. Pak. J. Biol. Sci., 22: 327-334.
31. Swamy, M.M., B.S. Surendra, C. Mallikarjunaswamy, S. Pramila and N.D. Rekha, 2021. Bio-mediated synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Lantana camara flower extract: Its characterizations, photocatalytic, electrochemical and anti-inflammatory applications. Environ. Nanotechnol. Monit. Manage., 15.
32. Govindasamy, R., M. Govindarasu, S.S. Alharthi, P. Mani and N. Bernaurdshaw et al., 2022. Sustainable green synthesis of yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃) nanoparticles using Lantana camara leaf extracts: Physicochemical characterization, photocatalytic degradation, antibacterial, and anticancer potency. Nanomaterials, 12.
33. Khan, A.U., A.N. Khan, Abdul Waris, M. Ilyas and D. Zamel, 2022. Phytoremediation of pollutants from wastewater: A concise review. Open Life Sci., 17: 488-496.
34. Pandey, S.K. and T. Bhattacharya, 2018. Effect of two biodegradable chelates on metals uptake, translocation and biochemical changes of Lantana camara growing in fly ash amended soil. Int. J. Phytorem., 20: 214-224.
35. Singh, M., M. Verma and R.N. Kumar, 2018. Effects of open dumping of MSW on metal contamination of soil, plants, and earthworms in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India. Environ. Monit. Assess., 190.
36. Jusselme, M.D., F. Poly, E. Miambi, P. Mora, M. Blouin, A. Pando and C. Rouland-Lefèvre, 2012. Effect of earthworms on plant Lantana camara Pb-uptake and on bacterial communities in root-adhering soil. Sci. Total Environ., 416: 200-207.
37. Liu, S., S. Ali, R. Yang, J. Tao and B. Ren, 2019. A newly discovered Cd-hyperaccumulator Lantana camara L. J. Hazard. Mater., 371: 233-242.
38. Ravulapalli, S. and R. Kunta, 2018. Enhanced removal of chromium (VI) from wastewater using active carbon derived from Lantana camera plant as adsorbent. Water Sci. Technol., 78: 1377-1389.
39. Girish, C.R. and V.R. Murty, 2014. Adsorption of phenol from aqueous solution using Lantana camara, forest waste: Kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamic studies. Int. Scholarly Res. Not., 2014.
40. Negi, A., S.K. Joshi and N.S. Bhandari, 2023. Estimation of sorption-desorption characteristics of biosorbent of Lantana camara leaves for removal of Pb (II) ions from wastewater. Environ. Monit. Assess., 195.
41. Gope, M., S. Das, S. Khan, I. Som and A. Patra et al., 2024. Removal of cadmium [Cd(II)] and copper [Cu(II)] from contaminated water using biochars derived from Clerodendrum viscosum L. Lantana camara L. and sewage. Energy Sources Part A: Recovery Util. Environ. Eff., 47: 738-754.
42. Hassen, H., Z. Yusuf and J.M. Sasikumar, 2025. Biocarbon derived from Lantana camara L. leaf and seed for adsorption of heavy metals from floriculture wastewater. Discover Environ., 3.
43. Sharma, P.K., T.S. Verma and R.M. Bhagat, 1995. Soil structural improvements with the addition of Lantana camara biomass in rice‐wheat cropping. Soil Manage., 11: 199-203.
44. Sharma, G.P. and A.S. Raghubanshi, 2009. Lantana invasion alters soil nitrogen pools and processes in the tropical dry deciduous forest of India. Appl. Soil Ecol., 42: 134-140.
45. Fan, L., Y. Chen, J.G. Yuan and Z.Y. Yang, 2010. The effect of Lantana camara Linn. invasion on soil chemical and microbiological properties and plant biomass accumulation in Southern China. Geoderma, 154: 370-378.
46. Simba, Y.R., A.M. Kamweya, P.N. Mwangi and J.M. Ochora, 2013. Impact of the invasive shrub, Lantana camara L. on soil properties in Nairobi National Park, Kenya. Int. J. Biodivers. Conserv., 5: 803-809.
47. Wang, R., X. Kang, G. Quan and J. Zhang, 65. Influence of Lantana camara on soil II. Effects of Lantana camara leaf litter on plants and soil properties. Allelopathy J., 2015: 207-216.
48. Suthar, S. and P. Sharma, 2013. Vermicomposting of toxic weed Lantana camara biomass: Chemical and microbial properties changes and assessment of toxicity of end product using seed bioassay. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Saf., 95: 179-187.
49. Hussain, N., T. Abbasi and S.A. Abbasi, 2015. Vermicomposting eliminates the toxicity of lantana (Lantana camara) and turns it into a plant friendly organic fertilizer. J. Hazard. Mater., 298: 46-57.
50. Saha, B., A. Sathyan, A.S. Kalamdhad and M. Khwairakpam, 2020. Anaerobic biodegradability test for Lantana camara to optimize the appropriate food to microorganism (F/M) ratio. Environ. Technol., 41: 3191-3198.
51. Saxena, M.K., 2000. Aqueous leachate of Lantana camara kills water hyacinth. J. Chem. Ecol., 26: 2435-2447.
52. Dwivedi, A.K., 2025. Spectroscopic evaluation of sunscreen potential of Lantana camera. Int. J. Pharmacogn., 12: 330-333.
53. Verdeguer, M., M.A. Blazquez and H. Boira, 2009. Phytotoxic effects of Lantana camara, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Eriocephalus africanus essential oils in weeds of mediterranean summer crops. Biochem. Syst. Ecol., 37: 362-369.
54. El-Kenany, E.T. and S.M. El-Darier, 2013. Suppression effects of Lantana camara L. aqueous extracts on germination efficiency of Phalaris minor Retz. and Sorghum bicolor L. (Moench). J. Taibah Univ. Sci., 7: 64-71.
55. Bouda, H., L.A. Tapondjou, D.A. Fontem and M.Y. Gumedzoe, 2001. Effect of essential oils from leaves of Ageratum conyzoides, Lantana camara and Chromolaena odorata on the mortality of Sitophilus zeamis (Coleoptera, Curculionidae). J. Stored Prod. Res., 37: 103-109.
56. Zoubiri, S. and A. Baaliouamer, 2012. GC and GC/MS analyses of the Algerian Lantana camara leaf essential oil: Effect against Sitophilus granarius adults. J. Saudi Chem. Soc., 16: 291-297.
57. Rajashekar, Y., A. Raghavendra and N. Bakthavatsalam, 2014. Acetylcholinesterase inhibition by biofumigant (Coumaran) from leaves of Lantana camara in stored grain and household insect pests. Biomed Res. Int., 2014.
58. Rajashekar, Y., K.V. Ravindra and N. Bakthavatsalam, 2014. Leaves of Lantana camara Linn. (Verbenaceae) as a potential insecticide for the management of three species of stored grain insect pests. J. Food Sci. Technol., 51: 3494-3499.
59. Begum, S., A. Wahab, B.S. Siddiqui and F. Qamar, 2000. Nematicidal constituents of the aerial parts of Lantana camara. J. Nat. Prod., 63: 765-767.
60. Qamar, F., S. Begum, S.M. Raza, A. Wahab and B.S. Siddiqui 2005. Nematicidal natural products from the aerial parts of Lantana camara Linn. Nat. Prod. Res., 19: 609-613.
61. Begum, S., S.Q. Zehra, B.S. Siddiqui, S. Fayyaz and M. Ramzan, 2008. Pentacyclic triterpenoids from the aerial parts of Lantana camara and their nematicidal activity. Chem. Biodivers., 5: 1856-1866.
62. Begum, S., A. Ayub, B.S. Siddiqui, S. Fayyaz and F. Kazi, 2015. Nematicidal triterpenoids from Lantana camara. Chem. Biodivers., 12: 1435-1442.
63. Abdul Ghafoor, R., S.N. Ali, A. Wahab, O.H. Mustafvi and Z. Bano et al., 2025. Lantanocamarolide, a new pentacyclic triterpenoid from roots of Lantana camara Linn. and its nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita. Nat. Prod. Res.
64. Seyoum, A., K. Palsson, S. Kung'a, E.W. Kabiru and W. Lwande et al., 2002. Traditional use of mosquito-repellent plants in Western Kenya and their evaluation in semi-field experimental huts against Anopheles gambiae: Ethnobotanical studies and application by thermal expulsion and direct burning. Trans. R. Soc. Trop. Med. Hyg., 96: 225-231.
65. Dua, V.K., C. Pandey, R. Singh, V.P. Sharma and S.K. Subbarao, 2003. Isolation of repellent ingredients from Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) flowers and their repellency against Aedes mosquitoes. J. Appl. Entomol., 127: 509-511.
66. Kumar, M.S. and S. Maneemegalai, 2008. Evaluation of larvicidal effect of Lantana camara Linn. against mosquito species Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Adv. Bio. Res., 2: 39-43.
67. Kumar, S., N. Wahab, M. Mishra and R. Warikoo, 2012. Evaluation of 15 local plant species as larvicidal agents against an Indian strain of dengue fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae). Front. Physiol., 3.
68. Dua, V.K., A.C. Pandey and A.P. Dash, 2010. Adulticidal activity of essential oil of Lantana camara leaves against mosquitoes. Indian J. Med. Res., 131: 434-439.
69. Zoubiri, S. and A. Baaliouamer, 2011. Larvicidal activity of two Algerian Verbenaceae essential oils against Culex pipiens. Vet. Parasitol., 181: 370-373
70. Zandi-Sohani, N., M. Hojjati and Á.A. Carbonell-Barrachina, 2012. Bioactivity of Lantana camara L. essential oil against Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius). Chil. J. Agric. Res., 72: 502-506
71. Yuan, Z. and X.P. Hu, 2012. Repellent, antifeedant, and toxic activities of Lantana camara leaf extract against Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). J. Econ. Entomol., 105: 2115-2121
72. Keziah, E.A., E.N. Nukenine, S.P.Y. Danga, L. Younoussa and C.O. Esimone, 2015. Creams formulated with Ocimum gratissimum L. and Lantana camara L. crude extracts and fractions as mosquito repellents against Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae). J. Insect Sci., 15.
73. Sharma, A., S. Kumar and P. Tripathi, 2016. Evaluation of the larvicidal efficacy of five indigenous weeds against an Indian strain of dengue vector, Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae). J. Parasitol. R
74. Hari, I. and N. Mathew, 2018. Larvicidal activity of selected plant extracts and their combination against the mosquito vectors Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res., 25: 9176-9185
75. Nea, F., D.A. Kambiré, M. Genva, E.A. Tanoh and E.L. Wognin et al., 2020. Composition, seasonal variation, and biological activities of Lantana camara essential oils from Côte d’Ivoire. Molecules, 25.
76. Hung, N.H., D.N. Dai, P. Satyal, L.T. Huong and B.T. Chinh et al., 2021. Lantana camara essential oils from Vietnam: Chemical composition, molluscicidal, and mosquito larvicidal activity. Chem. Biodivers., 18.
77. Udappusamy, V., H. Mohan and R. Thinagaran, 2022. Lantana camara L. essential oil mediated nano-emulsion formulation for biocontrol application: Anti-mosquitocidal, anti-microbial and antioxidant assay. Arch. Microbiol., 204.
78. Mardin, S., 2025. Repellent bioactivity of Lantana camara leaf extract against Culex mosquitoes. J. Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 11: 865-870.
79. Adjei, L.K., S.A. Abagale and K. Anokye, 2025. Synergistic enhancement of natural mosquito repellents through matrix interactions: Insights from GC-MS and bioassays. Biochem. Syst. Ecol., 121.
80. de Sousa, E.O., A. da Silva Lima, S.G. Lopes, L.M. Costa-Junior and J.G.M. da Costa, 2020. Chemical composition and acaricidal activity of Lantana camara L. and Lantana montevidensis Briq. essential oils on the tick Rhipicephalus microplus. J. Essent. Oil Res., 32: 316-322.
81. Misra, N., M. Sharma, K. Raj, A. Dangi, S. Srivastava and S. Misra-Bhattacharya, 2007. Chemical constituents and antifilarial activity of Lantana camara against human lymphatic filariid Brugia malayi and rodent filariid Acanthocheilonema viteae maintained in rodent hosts. Parasitol. Res., 100: 439-448.
82. Ngwewondo, A., M. Wang, F.P.T. Manfo, M. Samje and J.N. Ganin’s et al., 2018. Filaricidal properties of Lantana camara and Tamarindus indica extracts, and lantadene A from L. camara against Onchocerca ochengi and Loa loa. PLoS Negl. Trop. Dis., 12.
83. Braga, F.G., M.L.M. Bouzada, R.L. Fabri, M.D.O. Matos, F.O. Moreira, E. Scio and E.S. Coimbra, 2007. Antileishmanial and antifungal activity of plants used in traditional medicine in Brazil. J. Ethnopharmacol., 111: 396-402.
84. Machado, R.R.P., W. Valente Jr., B. Lesche, E.S. Coimbra and N.B. de Souza et al., 2012. Essential oil from leaves of Lantana camara: A potential source of medicine against leishmaniasis. Rev. Bras. Farmacogn., 22: 1011-1017.
85. Begum, S., A. Ayub, S.Q. Zehra, B.S. Siddiqui, M.I. Choudhary and Samreen, 2014. Leishmanicidal triterpenes from Lantana camara. Chem. Biodivers., 11: 709-718.
86. Barros, L., A. Duarte, M. Morais-Braga, E. Waczuk and C. Vega et al., 2016. Chemical characterization and trypanocidal, leishmanicidal and cytotoxicity potential of Lantana camera L. (Verbenaceae) essential oil. Molecules, 21.
87. Jain, S.K. and V. Jain, 2017. Methods and Approaches in Ethnobotany (Concepts, Practices and Prospects). Deep Publications, New Delhi, India, ISBN: 978-93-80702-124, Pages: 211.
88. Jain, V., 2020. Sweets as traditional medicine in winter season: An ethnobotanical study in Udaipur city, India. Ethnobotany Res. Appl., 20.
89. Jain, V. and S.K. Verma, 2017. Indigenous artificial limb of Bombax ceiba L. (Bombacaceae) wood-A novel ethnobotanical use. J. Tradit. Folk Pract., 5: 142-147.
90. Patel, S., 2011. A weed with multiple utility: Lantana camara. Rev. Environ. Sci. Bio/Technol., 10: 341-351.
91. Chatterjee, R., 2015. Impact of Lantana camara in the Indian society. Int. J. Environ., 4: 348-354.
92. Datta, D.B., D. Das, B. Sarkar and A. Majumdar, 2023. Lantana camara flowers as a natural dye source for cotton fabrics. J. Nat. Fibers, 20.
93. Ranjan, M., N. Ismita and S. Bhatt, 2017. Study on the suitability of Lantana camara and Dendrocalamus strictus for the manufacturing of cement bonded particle board. Int. J. For. Crop Improv., 8: 141-144.
94. Somasundaram, R., P. Senthamaraikannan, I. Suyambulingam, M. Kanthababu, G.M. Madhu and S. Siengchin, 2024. Greening the composite industry: Evaluating Lantana camara Verbenaceae fiber as a promising substitute for lightweight polymer matrix composites. Ind. Crops Prod., 220.
95. Bhodiwal, S., R. Agarwal and S. Chauhan, 2024. A weed species Lantana camara L.: An alternative raw material in handmade paper making. TWIST, 19: 268-274.
96. Vats, S.K., R.P. Sood, A. Gulati and O.P. Sharma, 1994. Lantana camara L.-A lignocellulosic substrate for cultivation of Pleurotus sajor caju. Bioresour. Technol., 48: 49-52.
97. Bandi, R., R. Dadigala, B.R. Gangapuram and V. Guttena, 2018. Green synthesis of highly fluorescent nitrogen-doped carbon dots from Lantana camera berries for effective detection of lead(II) and bioimaging. J. Photochem. Photobiol. B: Biol., 178: 330-338.
98. Embaby, H.S. and S.M. Mokhtar, 2011. Chemical composition and nutritive value of lantana and sweet pepper seeds and nabak seed kernels. J. Food Sci., 76: C736-C741.