What is Lantana used for?
They are used as natural preservatives and are considered to have many antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are said to increase the shelf-life of foods. The extracts of Lantana plants are often used as natural food coloring as red Lantana plants have a deep red and yellow hue. All parts of Lantana, including leaves, flowers, and especially the unripe berries, contain a toxin called pentacyclic triterpenoids. This substance, in small volumes, causes stomach upset. In larger volumes, it will damage the liver and result in an accumulation in phylloerythrin.Lantana berries are only consumed when they are ripe and completely pigmented. They should not be eaten if the skin is green or partially green. Ripe berries have a sweet, subtly tart taste. Some consumers note a faint flavor reminiscent of black currants and cherries.Not green or partially green. There is no doubt that green Lantana camara berries have killed children and sickened adults. Conversely, a mild tea made from the leaf is still used in the Caribbean Islands to ease cold symptoms. The ripe berries are used to make jam, jellies, pies and cordials in Ecuador.Lantana Berries Information and Facts. They are only safe to eat when fully ripe; unripe berries with green or partially green skin are inedible. These berries have a crunchy, waxy texture and encase tiny seeds.
What disease is cured by Lantana camara?
Lantana camara (Verbenaceae) is a plant used in Cameroonian traditional medicine to treat dementia, epilepsy, and sleeping disorders. Lantana camara Linn. Verbenaceae) is used for improving memory in certain African societies.
What are the benefits of drinking Lantana camara leaves?
It could be suggested that Lantana camara leaves extract can suppress gastric damage induced by aggressive factors. The antiulcer activity of Lantana camara leaves extract is further supported by histopathological study which showed protection of mucosal layer from ulceration and inflammation. Health Benefits In traditional medicine, Lantana plants have been used for centuries. They are said to treat various common health issues such as fever, colds, coughs, headaches, skin infections, and digestive problems. These plants are also said to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties.The leaves and roots essential oil of lantana demonstrated to have many biological activities such as anthelminthic, anti-protozoal, anti-ulcerogenic insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, anti- bacterial and anti-pyretic.Lantana camara Linn. In Asian countries like India, the decoction of leaves of the plant LC was used traditionally for the treatment of rheumatism. In Ghana, the infusions of whole plant are used against arthritis.In traditional herbal systems, lantana leaf tea has been used to manage asthma, coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion. The plant’s expectorant properties help in loosening mucus and clearing the airways.
Is Lantana camara poisonous to humans?
Symptoms. Green unripe fruits of the plant are toxic to humans. Ingestion of the flowers, fruits, and leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, and liver failure, while the leaves can cause contact dermatitis. About 1% body weight of green leaves will induce poisoning. All parts of the plant are toxic including the ripe black fruits.Symptoms. Green unripe fruits of the plant are toxic to humans. Ingestion of the flowers, fruits, and leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty breathing, and liver failure, while the leaves can cause contact dermatitis.
Can you touch Lantana flowers?
Yes, all parts of the lantana plant are considered toxic, especially when ingested in high quantities. These plants should not be planted where children or pets can come in contact with them. Lantana camara plant in Tala, Machakos County, pictured on January 23, 2026. Dr Mercy Maina, a consultant pharmacologist and toxicologist, describes the plant as “highly toxic” to humans, pets, and livestock.Yes, all parts of the lantana plant are considered toxic, especially when ingested in high quantities. These plants should not be planted where children or pets can come in contact with them.Why is lantana a problem? Lantana forms dense thickets that exclude native species, leading to its complete dominance of the understorey and eventually the canopy.You can barely kill lantana if you want. Just dig them up and plant them where you want. I prune back a lot and and watered right after transplant and then about twice a week until I see it putting on leaves again.