Phytochemical Properties and Pharmacological Applications of Ageratum Conyzoides

Ageratum conyzoides, commonly known as billy goat weed, is a pantropical herbaceous plant renowned for its rich phytochemical profile and diverse pharmacological potential. The aerial parts yield essential oils dominated by precocene I and II, alongside a complex mixture of flavonoids, terpenoids, chromenes, coumarins and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These secondary metabolites underpin a broad spectrum of bioactivities, including antioxidant and free-radical scavenging effects, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions, antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy, and antiproliferative properties against various cancer cell lines. Traditional uses for wound healing, antipyretic, antihyperglycaemic and antiparasitic purposes have spurred modern investigations into its safety profile, mechanism of action and dosage optimisation. The plant’s dual identity as a noxious weed and a pharmaceutical resource highlights its global significance, encouraging efforts to integrate sustainable management with drug-discovery initiatives.

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Phytochemical Properties and Pharmacological Applications of Ageratum Conyzoides publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical properties and pharmacological applications of ageratum conyzoides across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Phytochemical: A biologically active compound produced by plants, often contributing to their therapeutic properties.

Secondary metabolite: A non-essential organic compound synthesized by plants for defence and ecological interaction rather than primary metabolism.

Flavonoid: A class of polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, characterised by a 15-carbon skeleton.

Terpenoid: A diverse group of naturally occurring hydrocarbons derived from isoprene units, many of which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Chromene: A bicyclic compound combining benzene and pyran rings, often implicated in antifungal and cytotoxic activities in plant extracts.

Coumarin: A fragrant organic compound with a benzopyrone structure, known for its anticoagulant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

References

1. Ecology, Biology, Environmental Impacts, and Management of an Agro-Environmental Weed Ageratum conyzoides. Plants (2023).
2. Medicinal Effect, In Silico Bioactivity Prediction, and Pharmaceutical Formulation of Ageratum conyzoides L.: A Review. Scientifica (2020).
3. Ageratum conyzoides L. and Its Secondary Metabolites in the Management of Different Fungal Pathogens. Molecules (2021).
4. Acute and Sub-chronic (28-day) Oral Toxicity Studies of Hydroalcohol Leaf Extract of Ageratum conyzoides L (Asteraceae). Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (2010).
5. Flavonoids in Ageratum conyzoides L. Exert Potent Antitumor Effects on Human Cervical Adenocarcinoma HeLa Cells In Vitro and In Vivo. BioMed Research International (2020).