Malays. J. Anal. Sci. Volume 30 Number 1 (2026): 1736

Review Article

A mini review on the morphology, phytochemical constituents and selected biological activities of Mikania micrantha Kunth (asteraceae)

Norhayati Yusuf^1,2, Nurul Huda Abdul Wahab^1,3 and Asnuzilawati Asari^1,3*

¹Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

²Biology Security and Sustainability Research Interest Group, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

³Advanced Nano Materials (ANoMA) Research Group, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

^*Corresponding author: asnu@umt.edu.my

Abstract

Mikania micrantha Kunth (Asteraceae) is a well-known fast-growing invasive climber that is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. Although recognised as one of the world’s most destructive alien weeds, M. micrantha has become the focus of increasing research interest for its phytochemical constituents and pharmacological potential. This mini review highlights current knowledge on its morphology, phytochemical constituents and selected biological activities. Many bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolics, sesquiterpene lactones and alkaloids were reported to contribute to diverse biological properties, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-tumour and allelopathic effects. These findings demonstrated the dual identity of M. micrantha as both a major ecological threat and a promising source of novel therapeutic agents. A deeper understanding of its phytochemistry and bioactivity may help transform this invasive species into a sustainable resource for drug discovery and value-added applications.

Keywords: Mikania micrantha, invasive weed, phytoconstituents, pharmacological activities, therapeutic potential

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