Traditional uses of Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asteraceae) and its scientific evidence for therapeutic efficacy: A review

Abstract

Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asteraceae) is a medicinal plant widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. It is an integral part of traditional medicine in Africa, Asia and South America, where it is used to treat a wide range of diseases, such as diabetes, skin diseases, respiratory disorders, inflammation, burns, wounds, diarrhea, fever, muscle pain, reproductive problems, leprosy and other ailments. This review aimed to consolidate and critically analyze scientific studies on A. conyzoides to assess its therapeutic potential and safety. A narrative literature review was carried out using databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus and PubMed, covering the period from 2023 to 2025. Keywords related to the plant’s traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties and toxicology were used. Only studies providing experimental or ethnobotanical data in English were included. Results show that A. conyzoides contains diverse bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, chromenes and phenolic acids. These are associated with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, antioxidant and wound-healing activities. In particular, flavonoids and chromenes contribute to the plant’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, while pyrrolizidine alkaloids may cause hepatotoxicity at high doses. Overall, the available data corroborate many of the traditional uses of this plant. However, the lack of standardized extraction methods and the limited nature of preclinical and clinical data justify further studies to validate its efficacy and ensure the safety of its therapeutic use.