Ageratum conyzoides

Ageratum conyzoides

Ageratum conyzoides is a traditional plant used in Tanzania, primarily for treating gastrointestinal disorders, dermatological conditions, and pain management. It is part of a broader tradition involving 73 Asteraceae species utilized for similar ailments. Scientific evidence indicates that Ageratum conyzoides exhibits high larvicidal activity against sheep gastrointestinal nematode larvae, with over 85% mortality within 12 hours at higher doses. Additionally, it is one of the most commonly used plants for treating peptic ulcers in Tanzania. The ethanol extract of Ageratum conyzoides has also shown effectiveness in inhibiting seed germination and growth of invasive plant species, with 4-ethyloctanoic acid being identified as a key allelochemical. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.

At a glance
Best evidence
A
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Ageratum conyzoides is among 73 Asteraceae species used traditionally in Tanzania for ailments like gastrointestinal disorders, dermatological conditions, and pain management. A PMID
  • Ageratum conyzoides showed high larvicidal activity against sheep gastrointestinal nematode larvae, with over 85% mortality within 12 hours at higher doses. D PMID
  • Ageratum conyzoides is one of the most commonly used plants for treating peptic ulcers in Tanzania, alongside other species. D PMID
  • The ethanol extract from Artemisia frigida inhibited seed germination of five invasive plant species, with 4-ethyloctanoic acid showing significant herbicidal activity. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Ageratum conyzoides?

Ageratum conyzoides (Ageratum conyzoides) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Ageratum conyzoides?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Ageratum conyzoides; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: Ageratum conyzoides is among 73 Asteraceae species used traditionally in Tanzania for ailments like gastrointestinal disorders, dermatological conditions, and pain management.

How strong is the evidence for Ageratum conyzoides?

The strongest finding for Ageratum conyzoides carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Ageratum conyzoides safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Ageratum conyzoides in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Ageratum conyzoides interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Ageratum conyzoides in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

Is Ageratum conyzoides a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Ethnomedicinal Evidence for Medicinal Plants of the Asteraceae Family Used by Tanzanians to Treat Various Ailments: A Review. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Allelopathic Effects of Compounds from the Ethanol Extract of Artemisia frigida on Five Invasive Alien Plants. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Ethnobotanical Evidence of Medicinal Plants Used for Peptic Ulcers in Tanzania: A Systematic Review. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Larvicidal activity of antiparasitic plant extracts against ovine gastrointestinal nematodes: an in vitro study. literature abstract metadata