A Comprehensive Review on Ageratum conyzoides Linn. Leaves: Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Perspectives

Abstract

Ageratum conyzoides Linn. (Family: Asteraceae) is a widely distributed medicinal plant with a long history of traditional use and considerable pharmacological potential. This review provides an updated overview of its ethnomedicinal importance, phytochemical composition, and experimentally validated pharmacological activities. Relevant literature was retrieved from major scientific databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink, with emphasis on studies investigating the phytoconstituents and biological activities of Ageratum conyzoides. Traditionally, the plant has been used for wound healing, skin disorders, ophthalmic ailments, gastrointestinal disturbances such as colic, diarrhoea and dysentery, fever, gynaecological conditions, sleeping sickness, oral health problems, and inflammatory disorders. Phytochemical investigations have identified diverse secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, chromenes, steroids, and other bioactive constituents. Experimental studies have demonstrated a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, anticancer, antioxidant/free-radical-scavenging, and antimalarial effects. Collectively, the available evidence supports the traditional applications of Ageratum conyzoides and highlights its diverse phytochemical profile as a promising source of biologically active compounds. However, further investigations involving standardized extracts, isolation and characterization of active constituents, mechanistic studies, pharmacokinetic evaluation, toxicity assessment, and well-designed clinical studies are required to establish its therapeutic efficacy and safety. This review provides a comprehensive foundation for future ethnopharmacological research, natural product development, and exploration of Ageratum conyzoides as a potential source of novel therapeutic agents.