A holistic review on phytochemical insights with ethnomedicinal and insecticidal applications of Xanthium strumarium L.

Xanthium strumarium L. (cocklebur) is a widely distributed herb belonging to the Asteraceae family and has been traditionally used to manage inflammatory, liver, and skin ailments. Its chemical constituents include both therapeutic and toxic compounds, attracting increasing scientific interest for pharmacological and pest-control purposes. The scope of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the phytochemical makeup, medicinal importance, and pest-control potential of X. strumarium, with emphasis on its value as an eco-friendly biopesticide and the need to bridge existing research gaps. The relevant approach of current review is to compile the published literature from scientific databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science to gather information on the plant’s chemical profile, biological activities, toxicity, and pest-management efficacy for wide circulation among the researchers worldwide. In key findings it has been observed that the species contains bioactive constituents such as sesquiterpenes lactones and flavonoids contribute to the species’ robust pesticidal properties. Notably, extracts delivered 88.9% mosquito larval mortality, 86.6% mortality in storage pests, and potent egg toxicity (LC50: 10–14 mg/L). Repellent effects peaked at 99%, supporting its broad-spectrum action on major pests including Aedes, Anopheles, Culex, and C. chinensis. Based on these data and findings it can be inferred that the secondary metabolites present in plant are actively linked to interference with insect growth and reproduction, though data from field studies remain limited and safety evaluations are still incomplete. The herb X. strumarium might be a potential natural source for biopesticide formulations. Advancing its use in sustainable pest management will require guided isolation of active compounds, detailed toxicological assessment, and large-scale field validation to ensure both efficacy and environmental safety.