Ethno-botany and Pharmacognosy of Ageratum conyzoides L. (Compositae)

Plants have been one of the important sources of medicines since the beginning of human civilization. Nowadays, there is a growing demand for plant based medicines, health products, pharmaceuticals, food supplements, cosmetics etc. Ageratum conyzoides L. is a multipurpose herb. Ageratum conyzoides L. is traditionally used as purgative, febrifuge, anti-ulcer and wound dressing. A review of its ethno-botany and pharmacognosy is given in the present article. The results revealed that Ageratum conyzoides L. is a multipurpose herb and will allow researchers to develop drugs  of substitution (phytomedicines) at low cost for the local market, developed, manufactured and distributed in the difficult economic context. Because of its established hematopoietic properties, it is therefore necessary that this medicinal herb be included in our bio-prospection program and screened/ assayed for the antisickling effects.