Invasive alien species: Potential cheap resources of plant substances for medicinal use

Abstract

On the basis of the literature examined, the scientific acquisitions concerning the pharmacological properties and medicinal uses of Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Erigeron canadensis – two American vascular plants of Asteraceae family that have become invasive in Europe and others continents – are collected and discussed. The data reveal the potential of the invasive as cheap sources of compounds with valuable pharmacological activities. In addition to the two plants presented as a case study, there are hundreds of plant species at hand as potential assets to explore and make money.