Ageratum conyzoides L. , Liverbalsam 250g

Ageratum conyzoides L.

Liverbalsam

250g

Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Ageratum 
Species: conyzoides
Common names: Catinga de Bode, Mexican ageratum, Erva de Sao Joao, Aru batu, Bandotan, Berokan, Rumput tahi ayam, Rompesaraguelo, Wedusan 
Part Used: Plant

Ageratum is an annual herb that grows about 60 cm high and produces small pretty pink flowers at the top of its hairy stems. In some countries it is considered a weed that is hard to control. Ageratum ranges from Southeastern North America to Central America, but the center of origin is in Central America and the Caribbean. Ageratum is also found in several countries in tropical and sub-tropical regions, including Brazil.

TRIBAL AND HERBAL MEDICINE USES

Ageratum is widely utilized in traditional medicine systems where ever it grows. In Brazil an infusion is prepared with the leaves or the entire plant and employed to treat colic, colds and fevers, diarrhea, rheumatism, spasms, and as a tonic. It is also highly recomended there for burns and wounds. In other countries in Latin and South America the plant is widely used for its antibacterial properties for numerous infectious conditions and bacterial infections. In Africa, ageratum is used to treat fever, rheumatism, headache, pneumonia, wounds, burns and colic.

PLANT CHEMICALS

Ageratum contains many bioactive compounds including flavonoids, alkaloids, cumarins, essential oils, chromenes, benzofurans, terpenoids and tannins. The main plant chemical found in the plant include: 6,7-dimethoxy-2,2-dimethylchromene, 6-demetoxyageratochromene, 6-vinyl-demethoxy-ageratochromene, ageratochromene, alpha-cubebene, alpha-pinene, alpha-terpinene, beta-caryophyllene, beta-cubebene, beta-elemene, beta-farnesene, beta-myrcene, beta-pinene, beta-selinene, beta-sitosterol, cadinene, caryophyllene-oxide, conyzorigin, coumarin, dotriacontene, endo-borneol, endo-bornyl-acetate, ethyl-eugenol, ethyl-vanillin, farnesol, friedelin, HCN, hexadecenoic-acid, kaempferol, kaempferol-3,7-diglucoside, kaempferol-3-o-rhamnosylglucoside, linoleic-acid, quercetin, quercetin-3,7-diglucoside, and quercetin-3-o-rhamnosylglucoside.

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND CLINICAL RESEARCH

Laboratory research has validated several of ageratum's uses in traditional medicine. Test tube studies (in vitro) have reported that extracts of the whole plant have an antibacterial action againstStaphylococus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Eschericichia coli, andPseudomonas aeruginosa. In animal studies, it demonstrated a muscle relaxing and pain relieving effect, confirming its popular use for rheumatism. In Brazil, a water extract of the whole plant was given to human patients with arthritis; 66% reported a decrease in pain and inflammation and 24% reported an improvement in mobility after one week of treatment without side effects. Researchers in Africa confirmed its traditional uses for wound healing in animal studies with rats in 2003. Other research in India reported that ageratum protected mice from radiation damage and prevented ulcers in mice. Both cellular protection actions were attributed, in part, to an antioxidant effect noted for ageratum. Scientists have also discovered that ageratum has an insecticidal effect by interfering with the reproductive cycles of many species of insects. Acute and chronic toxicity studies were conducted in Brazil with rats and researchers reported that ageratum was non-toxic at all dosages tested. 

REFERENCED QUOTES ON AGERATUM

From Medicinal Plants Information of Orissa (India):
Local Names: Pokasunga (Oriya), Odemadanga (Tribal) 
Description of the Plant: Herb or undershrub. Flower colour white. Flowers in October / November. Fruits in November / December. Frequently occurs in plains and hilly areas. 
Plant Parts Used: Root / Leaf / Whole plant 
Healthcare Properties:

1. Epilepsy: Squeeze the leaves of Ageratum conyzoideswith a pinch of common salt and extract the juice. Put 2 to 3 drops of this juice in both the nostrils once only. (D-4) [OR-2-2-1348]
2. Wound (cuts, scratches): Grind the leaves of Ageratum conyzoides and extract the juice. Apply this juice on cut areas once only. (R-11) (B-35) (D-3) [OR-2-1-1057] [OR-2-1-1212]

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Clinical References

1. Moura, A.C., et al. "Antiinflammatory and chronic toxicity study of the leaves of Ageratum conyzoides L. in rats." Phytomedicine. 2005 Jan;12(1-2):138-42.
2. Akinyemi, K.O., et al. "Screening of crude extracts of six medicinal plants used in South-West Nigerian unorthodox medicine for anti-methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus activity." BMC Complement Altern Med. 2005 Mar 11;5(1):6.
3. Moody, J,O., et al. "Do Aloe vera and Ageratum conyzoides enhance the anti-microbial activity of traditional medicinal soft soaps (Osedudu)?" J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 May;92(1):57-60.
4. Abena, A.A., et al. Analgesic effects of a raw extract of Ageratum conyzoides in the rat/" Encephale 1993 19(4), 329-332
5. Oladejo, O.W., et al. "A comparative study of the wound healing properties of honey and Ageratum conyzoides." Afr J Med Med Sci. 2003 Jun;32(2):193-6.
6. Jagetia, G.C., et al. "Evaluation of the radioprotective effect of Ageratum conyzoides Linn. extract in mice exposed to different doses of gamma radiation." J Pharm Pharmacol. 2003 Aug;55(8):1151-8.
7. Shirwaikar, A., et al. "The gastroprotective activity of the ethanol extract of Ageratum conyzoides." J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 May;86(1):117-21.
8. Silva, M.J., et al. "Effects of the water soluble fraction from leaves of Ageratum conyzoides on smooth muscle." Phytother Res. 2000 Mar;14(2):130-2.
9. Saxena, R.C., et al. "Laboratory assessment of indigenous plant extracts for anti-juvenile hormone activity in Culex quinquefasciatus." Indian J Med Res 95, 204-206 (1992)
10. Yamamoto, L.A., et al. "Pharmacological screening of Ageratum conyzoides L. (Mentrasto)." Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 86, 145-147 (1991)
11. Gill, S, et al. "Flavonoid compounds of the Ageratum conyzoides L. herb." Acta Pol Pharm 35(2), 241-243 (1978)
12. Durodola, J.I., et al. "Antibacterial property of crude extracts from a herbal wound healing remedy - Ageratum conyzoides, L." Planta Med 32(4), 388-390 (1977)

Package with 250g