Impact of Invasive Plant Species on Ecosystems, Biodiversity Loss and Their Potential Industrial Applications

Abstract

Invasive plant species may cause not only several health problems, but also economic and environmental negative impacts – a gradual decrease of biodiversity and decline of soil fertility, issues that have recently come into the attention of several organizations including the research ones, in order to limit the spread of such species. The control methods of invasive species are often effective on the short term and include the probability of ecosystem imbalance over time, so that an efficient and sustainable management method that could add value to products or improve some industrial processes are strongly required. This study describes the potential of alien plants to maintain the quality of human life through different types of valorization, such as pharmaceutical, agriculture or food industry applications, energy production, paper technology and natural dyeing of various materials. Invasive plant species represent a global problem, accelerated by the current level of pollution and the rapidly-evolving society. Knowledge of chemical composition of different plant parts of invasive species, their potential for developing new products and their health effects will contribute to an efficient control, mechanical, chemical or biological, and an integrated management.

In Vitro Screening of Ecotoxic and Cytotoxic Activities of Ailanthus altissima Leaf Extract against Target and Non-Target Plant and Animal Cells

“…The leaves of A. altissima are known for their high content of polyphenols, molecules with strong antioxidant properties, followed by lower amounts of other compounds, such as alkaloids, sesquiterpene and triterpenoids (ailanthone), proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, etc. [ 17 , 18 ], making leaves of such species excellent candidates for diverse applications (antimicrobials, biopesticides) [ 19 ]. However, extracts from such invasive plant species have been less investigated for their level of impact on the environment or human health, generally because natural products are mostly perceived as safe.…”

Simulated digestion, uptake and colonic fermentation of Gorse (Ulex europeaus) suggests safe use as a source of protein concentrates and bioactives

“…The spread of invasive plants can significantly affect local ecologies and subsequently the economy by depreciating the land capability (Vilà & Ibáñez, 2011), competing with crops of agricultural value (Ziska et al, 2011), and disrupting local niches and ecological webs (Cocîrlea & Oancea, 2022). Among the numerous strategies investigated to counter the spread of invasive species, invasivory has been proposed as an unconventional yet sustainable alternative to incineration, animal grazing, or herbicide use (Iyer et al, 2021).…”