Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Commonly used Plants for Wound Treatment in Southwestern Nigeria

Aims: Infection of wounds by microorganisms can prolong wound healing process and result in wound associated complications. Therefore, wound treatment entails the use of antimicrobial agents usually administered directly on the wound where possible to prevent microbial colonization. Traditionally, various plants have been used in wound treatment in different regions of the world. This study evaluated the contribution of the antibacterial activity of four plants commonly use in the treatment of wound in southwestern Nigeria to their ethnobotanically acclaimed wound healing property. Methodology: The antibacterial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the selected plants (Chromolaena odorata, Sida acuta, Ageratum conyzoides and Carica papaya) was evaluated using the agar well diffusion assay. Wound isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, two commonly isolated Gram negative and Gram-positive bacteria from wounds were used for this study. Antibacterial activity was inferred for plant extracts that achieved zone of inhibition ? 7 mm in diameter (size of the well inclusive). Results: Generally, the ethanolic extracts of the selected plants showed better extraction yield and antibacterial activity compared to the aqueous extracts. The ethanolic extracts of the four selected plants demonstrated antibacterial activity against the test organisms used while only the aqueous extracts of Chromolaena odorata and Sida acuta showed activity against both test organisms. The aqueous extracts of Ageratum conyzoides and Carica papaya only showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus. Conclusion: Results from this study demonstrated that the antibacterial activity of the selected plants contributes to their acclaimed wound healing property. Although there is need to investigate the role of other non-antibacterial properties of the plants that may be associated with wound healing to fully understand the usefulness of the plants in wound treatment.

Effectiveness of different methods for the extraction of principle actives and phytochemicals content in medicinal herbals / Efectividad de diferentes métodos para la extracción de principios activos y contenido de fitoquímicos en hierbas medicinales

In this present study, we investigated the influence of various extraction methods including maceration, sonication, infusion, decoction, and microwave extraction, on the chemical and biological potential of phytochemicals extracted from three medicinal plants (Ageratum conyzoides, Plantago majorand Arctium lappa L). The results were subsequently analyzed by variance analysis. Our results suggested that sonication is the most effective extraction method among the five methods tested herein, for the extraction of phytochemicals that have a high antioxidant potential and high phenolic content. The three plants employed for this study had a high concentration of flavonoids and phenolics which was compatible with the chemosystematics of the species. All the samples possessed a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of less than 6. Interestingly, a maximum reaction time of approximately 20 min was noted for the complexation of AlCl3 with the flavonoids present in the phytochemical extract during analyses of the kinetic parameters. We finally identified that the Ageratum conyzoides extract, prepared by sonication, possessed a significant pharmacological potential against hepatocarcinoma tumour cells, whose result can guide further studies for its therapeutic efficacy.

En el presente estudio, investigamos la influencia de varios métodos de extracción, incluyendo maceración, sonicación, infusión, decocción y extracción por microondas, sobre el potencial químico y biológico de los fitoquímicos extraídos de tres plantas medicinales (Ageratum conyzoides, Plantago majory Arctium lappa L). Los resultados se analizaron posteriormente mediante análisis de varianza. Nuestros resultados sugieren que la sonicación es el método de extracción más eficaz entre los cinco métodos aquí probados, para la extracción de fitoquímicos que tienen un alto potencial antioxidante y un alto contenido fenólico. Las tres plantas empleadas para este estudio tenían una alta concentración de flavonoides y fenólicos que era compatible con la quimiosistemática de las especies. Todas las muestras poseían un factor de protección solar (SPF) menor a 6. Curiosamente, se observó un tiempo máximo de reacción de aproximadamente 20 min para la complejación de AlCl3con los flavonoides presentes en el extracto fitoquímico durante los análisis de los parámetros cinéticos. Finalmente, identificamos que el extracto de Ageratum conyzoides, elaborado por sonicación, posee un importante potencial farmacológico frente a las células tumorales del hepatocarcinoma, cuyo resultado puede orientar nuevos estudios sobre su eficacia terapéutica.

Ethanolic extracts of babandotan leaves (Ageratum conyzoides L.) prevents inflammation and proteoglycan degradation by inhibiting TNF-α and MMP-9 on osteoarthritis rats induced by monosodium iodoacetate

Objective To analyze the effects of Ageratum conyzoides L. on the monosodium iodoacetate induced osteoarthritis rats. Methods Thin layer chromatography was performed to analyze the constituents of the babandotan extract leaves. White male Sprague–Dawley rats used in this study were divided into 6 groups: normal control and negative control groups, both given 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose; the positive control group that was given glucosamine and chondroitin suspension (486 mg/200 g B.W.); the 3 dose variation extract groups including dose 1, 2, and 3 that were given 40, 80, and 160 mg/200 g B.W. respectively on day 29 until 50. All the groups were induced with 0.05 mL monosodium iodoacetate (20 mg/mL) on day 1, except normal control induced by saline. Measurement of edema volume of rat knees was performed on day 0, 8, 15, 22, 29, 43, and 50. Hematology data was measured at day 1, 29 and 50. Serum was collected at day 50 to evaluate TNF-α and MMP-9 by ELISA. Cartilage histopathology was evaluated by staining with H&E and Safranin-O-fast green staining on day 50. Results The babandotan leaves extract dose 2 (80 mg/200 g B.W.) and dose 3 (160 mg/200 g B.W.) could decrease the edema volume, increase the area and thickness of articular cartilage, and increase proteoglycan level. Particularly, dose 3 (160 mg/200 g B.W.) of extract babandotan leaves were able to significantly decrease the number of leukocytes, lymphocytes and udem volume, and decrease TNF alpha and MMP-9 levels. Conclusions Babandotan leaves extract can recover inflammation and cartilages degradation by inhibiting TNF-α in inflammation processes and MMP-9 in the collagenase reaction in the cartilages.

Ethanolic extracts of babandotan leaves (Ageratum conyzoides L.) prevents inflammation and proteoglycan degradation by inhibiting TNF-α and MMP-9 on osteoarthritis rats induced by monosodium iodoacetate

OBJECTIVE@#To analyze the effects of Ageratum conyzoides L. on the monosodium iodoacetate induced osteoarthritis rats.@*METHODS@#Thin layer chromatography was performed to analyze the constituents of the babandotan extract leaves. White male Sprague-Dawley rats used in this study were divided into 6 groups: normal control and negative control groups, both given 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose; the positive control group that was given glucosamine and chondroitin suspension (486 mg/200 g B.W.); the 3 dose variation extract groups including dose 1, 2, and 3 that were given 40, 80, and 160 mg/200 g B.W. respectively on day 29 until 50. All the groups were induced with 0.05 mL monosodium iodoacetate (20 mg/mL) on day 1, except normal control induced by saline. Measurement of edema volume of rat knees was performed on day 0, 8, 15, 22, 29, 43, and 50. Hematology data was measured at day 1, 29 and 50. Serum was collected at day 50 to evaluate TNF-α and MMP-9 by ELISA. Cartilage histopathology was evaluated by staining with H&E and Safranin-O-fast green staining on day 50.@*RESULTS@#The babandotan leaves extract dose 2 (80 mg/200 g B.W.) and dose 3 (160 mg/200 g B.W.) could decrease the edema volume, increase the area and thickness of articular cartilage, and increase proteoglycan level. Particularly, dose 3 (160 mg/200 g B.W.) of extract babandotan leaves were able to significantly decrease the number of leukocytes, lymphocytes and udem volume, and decrease TNF alpha and MMP-9 levels.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Babandotan leaves extract can recover inflammation and cartilages degradation by inhibiting TNF-α in inflammation processes and MMP-9 in the collagenase reaction in the cartilages.

Morpho-anatomical study of Ageratum conyzoides

ABSTRACT Ageratum conyzoides L., belonging to the family Asteraceae, is a tropical plant found in some regions of Africa, Asia and South America. This species is popularly known as billy goat weed, “mentrasto” and “catinga-de-bode” and has a large variety of secondary metabolites and biological activities mentioned in the literature. The objective of this work was to contribute the pharmacobotanical standardization of A. conyzoides. Cross-sections were obtained, by hand, for microscopic characterization of root, stem, petiole and leaf blade; to the leaf blade were still made paradermal and longitudinal sections, scanning electron microscopy analysis and maceration. The analysis showed that secretory structures ducts are evidenced only in the petiole and the leaf blade. The root has parenchymatous medullar region; stem, petiole and leaf blade exhibit striated cuticle. Non-glandular trichomes are present in stem, petiole and leaf blade, while capitate glandular trichomes are present only in the leaf blade and are restricted to the abaxial face. These anatomical features are useful for diagnosis of the species and provide support to their quality control.

Actividad antioxidante de extractos de diferente polaridad de Ageratum conyzoides L / Antioxidant activity of different polarity extracts from Ageratum conyzoides L

The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant activity of extracts of different polarity of the species Ageratum conyzoides L., evaluating by different spectrophotometric methods: ABTS•+, DPPH•, FRAP and ORAC. Extracts of A. conyzoides L., showed good antioxidant activity in the methodologies evaluated. The extract was the most active of ethyl acetate (ACExtA) which showed the best evaluated values techniques with higher power as determined by the assay values of TEAC ORAC = 494048.95 +/- 29695.80 uMol Trolox/100g sample. Measurements of antioxidant activity by different techniques offer advantages in terms of predicting the in vitro antioxidant capacity of this plant, it is also recommended to explore the structural characteristics of the compounds present in the ethyl acetate extract of the plant with to explore the potential benefits and possible mechanisms of action of new antioxidants...

El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo investigar la actividad antioxidante de extractos de diferente polaridad de la especie Ageratum conyzoides L., mediante la evaluación por diferentes métodos espectrofotométricos: ABTS•+, DPPH•, FRAP y ORAC. Los extractos de A. conyzoides L., presentaron una buena actividad antioxidante en las metodologías evaluadas. El extracto más activo fue el de acetato de etilo (ACExtA), que presentó los mejores valores por las técnicas evaluadas con la mayor potencia determinada por el ensayo ORAC con valores de TEAC = 494048,95 +/- 29695,80 uMol Trolox/100g muestra. Las mediciones de la actividad antioxidante por diferentes técnicas, ofrecen ventajas en términos de la predicción de la capacidad antioxidante in vitro de esta planta, además se recomienda explorar las características estructurales de los compuestos presentes en el extracto de acetato de etilo de esta planta con el fin de investigar los beneficios potenciales y los mecanismos de acción de posibles nuevos antioxidantes...

Fungicidal activity and constituents of Ageratum conyzoides essential oil from three regions in São Paulo state, Brazil / Atividade fungicida e constituintes químicos do óleo essencial de Ageratum conyzoides de três regiões do estado de São Paulo, Brasil

The chemical composition and antifungal activity of the Ageratum conyzoides essential oils, obtained from the leaves collected in Ibiúna (1), Ribeirão Pires (2) and Campinas (3) in the São Paulo state, Brazil, were investigated. The essential oils were obtained from A. conyzoides leaves by hydrodestilation and analyzed by GC/MS. The chemical composition of the A. conyzoides oil collected in Ribeirão Pires and Ibiúna consisted mainly of precocene I and II. The essential oil from leaves collected in Campinas had only traces of precocene II and a highest proportion of precocene I, α-humulene and (E)-caryophyllene than the oils (1) and (2). The Aspergillus flavus growth was inhibited by essential oils (1) and (2) at 60 and 64%, respectively, and the oil (3) was inactive. On the other hand, the three essential oils inhibited the sporulation of the fungus for more than 120 days. The essential oils of leaves collected in sites that show similarities in the latitude, altitude and average temperatures, as Ribeirão Pires and Ibiúna, showed chemical composition and antifungal activity similar, either, which showed the importance of geo-ecological factors in production of metabolites of the plant.(AU)

A composição química e a atividade antifúngica do óleo essencial de folhas de Ageratum conyzoides, coletadas em Ibiúna (1), Ribeirão Pires (2) e Campinas (3) no estado de São Paulo, foram investigadas. Os óleos essenciais foram obtidos a partir de folhas de A. conyzoides por hidrodestilação e analisados ​​por CG/EM. A composição química do óleo essencial de A. conyzoides coletadas em Ribeirão Pires e Ibiúna consiste principalmente de precoceno I e II. O óleo essencial das folhas coletadas em Campinas possui apenas traços de precoceno II e uma maior proporção de precoceno I, α-humuleno e (E)-cariofileno quando comparado com os óleos (1) e (2). O crescimento de Aspergillus flavus foi inibido pelos óleos essenciais (1) e (2) em 60 e 64%, respectivamente, enquanto que o óleo (3) foi inativo. Por outro lado, os três óleos essenciais inibiram a esporulação do fungo por mais de 120 dias. Os óleos essenciais de folhas coletadas em locais que mostram semelhanças na latitude, altitude e temperatura média, como Ribeirão Pires e Ibiúna, mostraram composição química e atividade antifúngica semelhante. Isso mostrou a importância dos fatores geo-ecológicos na produção de metabólitos da planta.(AU)

Composição química e toxicidade de óleos essenciais para o pulgão-verde Schizaphis graminum (Rondani, 1852) / Chemical composition and toxicity of essential oils to the green-aphid Schizaphis graminum (Rondani, 1852)

Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar e quantificar os constituintes dos óleos essenciais de Illicum verum, Ageratum conyzoides, Piper hispidinervum e Ocotea odorifera, bem como avaliar a toxicidade para o pulgão-verde Schizaphis graminum. A qualificação dos constituintes foi realizada por meio de um cromatógrafo gasoso + espectrômetro de massas, e a quantificação, por um cromatógrafo gasoso + detector de ionização de chama, ambos com uma coluna DB5. O método de hidrodestilação promoveu um rendimento (p/p) de 3,81% para I. verum, 0,46% para A. conyzoides, 2,85% para P. hispidinervum e 0,68% para O. odorífera. Já os componentes majoritários foram: precoceno (87,0%) e (E)-cariofileno (7,1%) para A. conyzoides; (E)-anetol (90,4%), limoneno (2,6%) e metil-chavicol (1,3%) para I. verum; metil-eugenol (81,2%) e safrol (10,6%) para Ocotea odorífera; e safrol (82,5%) e α-terpinoleno (13,4%) para P. hispidinervum. Pelos testes de toxicidade aguda (24 horas) com folhas de sorgo ou papel-filtro contaminados, verificou-se que o óleo de A. conyzoides foi o mais tóxico para o pulgão, com CL50 de 7,13 e 7,08 µL óleo/cm2 respectivamente, seguido por O. odorifera com CL50 de 11,80 e 103,00 µL óleo/cm2 respectivamente; I. verum de 51,80 µL óleo/cm2 em ambos os substratos; e o menos tóxico foi o óleo essencial de P. hispidinervum, com CL50 de 62,50 e 143,00 µL óleo/cm2, respectivamente. Dessa maneira, sugere-se que o uso dos óleos essenciais pode representar uma nova ferramenta em programas de manejo integrado de pragas.(AU)

The aim of this study was to assess the chemical composition of essential oils of Illicum verum, Ageratum conyzoides, Piper hispidinervum and Ocotea odorífera, as well as their toxicity to the green-aphid Schizaphis graminum. Compound identification was carried out with gas chromatography + mass spectrometry, and quantification with gas chromatography + flame ionization detector, both with DB5 column. The hydrodistillation process promoted oil yield of 3.81% for I. verum; 0.46% for A. conyzoides; 2.85 % for P. hispidinervum; and 0.68 % for O. odorífera. The major components from the oils of A. conyzoides was precocene (87.0%) and (E)-caryophyllene (7.1%); (E)-anethol (90.4%), limonene (2.6%) and methyl-chavicol (1.3%) for I. verum; methyleugenol (81.2%) and safrole (10.6%) for O. odorifera; and safrole (82.5%) and α-terpinolene (13.4%) for P. hispidinervum. The acute toxicity test (24 hours) performed by contact in sorghum leaves or contaminated filter-paper showed that the higher toxicity occur with essential oils of A. conyzoides, with LC50 of 7.01 and 7.01 µg oil/cm2, respectively; followed by O. odorifera, with LC50 of 17.10 and 66.70 µg oil/cm2, respectively; I. verum, with LC50of 66.40 and 65.40 µg oil/cm2, respectively; and low toxicity was observed for the P. hispidinervum essential oil, with LC50 of 64.00 and 143.00 oil/cm2, respectively. With the results obtained in this research, we can state that the use of these essential oils can be a new tool in integrated pest management.(AU)

Anti-inflammatory Effect and Underlying Mechanism of Ethanol Extracts of Ageratum Conyzoides. L. in Guangxi / 中国药师

Objective:To explore the anti-inflammatory effects and the underlying mechanisms of ethanol extract of Ageratum cony-zoides. L. from Guangxi. Methods:The auricle edema model was induced by dimethylbenzene in the mice and the paw edema model was induced by carrageenan respectively in the mice and rats to study the anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extract of Ageratum cony-zoides. L. from Guangxi. The content of malondiadehyde (MDA) and proateglandin E2 (PGE2), and the activity of superoxide dis-mutase( SOD) in the mouse edema paw was measured. The contents of tumour necrosisfactor-α ( TNF-α) , interleukin-1β ( IL-1β) and interleukin-6(IL-6) in the rat serum were detected as well. Results:Compared with the model control group, the ethanol extracts of Ageratum conyzoides. L. from Guangxi could remarkably inhibit auricle edema in the mice and paw edema in the mice and rats( P<0. 05 or P<0. 01), the inhibition ratio for high, medium and low dosage group(6. 0, 3. 0, 1. 5 g·kg-1)was 29. 24%,16. 42% and 11. 21% in the auricle edema mice and 28. 66%,18. 79% and 13. 13% in the paw edema mice , respectively. It could remarkably re-duce MDA and PGE2 content and enhance the activity of SOD in the mouse inflammatory tissue(P<0. 05 or P<0. 01). In the paw e-dema rats, the inhibition ratio for high, medium and low dosage group(4. 5,2. 3, 1. 2 g·kg-1)was 43. 69%, 36. 01% and 23. 29%at the 3rd h, respectively , and it also could remarkably reduce serum TNF-α, IL-1βand IL-6 content(P<0. 05 or P<0. 01). Con-clusion:The ethanol extracts of Ageratum conyzoides. L. from Guangxi show significantly anti-inflammatory effects, and the mecha-nisms may be related to the ability of scavenging oxygen free radicals and reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines and proinflam-matory cytokines.

Selenium Priming Selectively Ameliorates Weed – Induced Phytotoxicity by Modulating Antioxidant Defense Components in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) and Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.).

Aims: Present investigation was performed to assess the phytotoxic effect of weed, Ageratum conyzoides L. on two pulses, lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) and grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) and the ameliorative role of selenium (Se) to counter it. Place and Duration of Study: Leaf samples of Ageratum were collected from the lentilgrowing fields of Kalyani, West Bengal, India during winter of 2011-12. The lab-based works were performed at Department of Botany, R.P.M. College, West Bengal, India throughout the period of 2012. Study Design: The study was carried out using four replicates treatment-1 in a completely randomized block design. Methodology: Ageratum leaf aqueous extract of 200 mg ml-1 (w/v) was prepared and used on the two crops in (a) nutrient media, and (b) media + Se concentrations of 10, 20 and 40 μM separately. Also, Se was added alone (no extract) in nutrient media. A control (no exogenous Se, no extract) was maintained. The experiment was performed in an environmentally controlled growing chamber and plants were grown till flowering. Different morpho-physiological parameters along with root-tip mitosis and flower bud meiosis were

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in medicinal tea of Ageratum conyzoides

It is now widely-recognized that the view that herbal remedies have no adverse effects and/or toxicity is incorrect; some traditionally-used plants can present toxicity. The well-established popular use of Ageratum conyzoides has led to its inclusion in a category of medicinal crude drugs created by the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency. Ageratum belongs to the Eupatorieae tribe, Asteraceae, and is described as containing toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Aqueous extracts of Ageratum conyzoides L. harvested in Brazil (commercial, flowering and non-flowering samples) were prepared according to the prescribed method and analyzed by HPLC-HRMS. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids lycopsamine, dihydrolycopsamine, and acetyl-lycopsamine and their N-oxides, were detected in the analyzed extracts, lycopsamine and its N-oxide being known hepatotoxins and tumorigens. Together with the pyrrolizidine alkaloids identified by HPLC-HRMS, thirteen phenolic compounds were identified, notably, methoxylated flavonoids and chromenes. Toxicological studies on A. conyzoides are necessary, as is monitoring of its clinical use. To date, there are no established safety guidelines on pyrrolizidine alkaloids-containing plants, and their use in Brazil.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Ageratum conyzoides L. on Biochemical Indices Induced by Acetaminophen Toxicity in Wistar rats.

Ageratum conyzoides L. (Compositae) has been used in various parts of the world for the treatment of various diseases based on their age-old use in folklore system. Present study was aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of acetone and n-hexane extracts of Ageratum conyzoides in wistar rats following acetaminophen (APAP) induced hepatotoxicity. Single high dose exposure of APAP significantly (p<0.05) increased in ALT, AST, and GGT activity and levels of BUN, CR, unconjugated bilirubin and A/G ratio, whereas activity of LDH-P, total protein, albumin, globulin and conjugated bilirubin were significantly (p<0.05) reduced as compared to control. Pre-exposure with acetone and n-hexane extracts of A. conyzoides restore the values of ALT, GGT, LDH-P, albumin, unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin as compared to control whereas the AST, globulin, A/G ratio, BUN and CR levels are not restored by administration of plant extracts. It is evident from observations that acetone and n-hexane extracts of A. conyzoides was able to restore the levels of SGPT, SGOT, LDH and bilirubin as an indication of the stabilization of plasma membrane as well as repair of hepatic tissue damages caused by APAP.

Estudo da divergência genética por características morfológicas entre acessos de mentrasto (Ageratum conyzoides L. ) coletados no estado do Tocantins em diferentes épocas / Genetic divergence study by morphologic traits among mentrasto (Ageratum conyzoides L. ) accessions collected in the state of Tocantins in different period

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar a divergência genética entre nove acessos de mentrasto (Ageratum conyzoides) por métodos multivariados utilizando caracteres morfológicos, em quatro épocas de colheita. Os nove acessos de mentrasto foram obtidos de plantas que ocorrem naturalmente nas cinco regiões climáticas do Estado do Tocantins. Em cada época de colheita foram avaliadas as características como biomassa fresca da parte aérea, biomassa seca, área foliar, número de folhas, floração e altura. Pela análise de agrupamento (método de Tocher) foram formados dois grupos na primeira e quarta épocas de colheita, três grupos na segunda época e quatro grupos na terceira época de colheita. Observou-se variação na constituição dos grupos pelos acessos nas épocas de colheita. A divergência genética entre acessos de mentrasto, avaliada por caracteres morfológicos, foi influenciada pelo estádio de desenvolvimento da espécie. A existência de variabilidade entre os acessos coletados em diferentes localidades fornece subsídio para a coleta sistematizada de germoplasma em A. conyzoides no Estado do Tocantins.

This study aimed to analyze the genetic divergence among nine mentrasto (Ageratum conyzoides) accessions by multivariate methods using morphologic traits for four harvesting periods. The nine accessions of mentrasto were obtained from plants that occur naturally in five climatic regions of the state of Tocantins. At each harvesting period, the following traits were evaluated: fresh biomass of the aerial part, dry biomass, leaf area, number of leaves, flowering and height. The grouping analysis (Tocher's method) identified two groups, in the first and fourth harvest periods, three groups in the second harvest period and four groups in the third harvest period. Variation was observed for the group constitutions among the different harvesting periods. The genetic divergence among mentrasto accessions, evaluated by morphologic traits, was influenced by developmental stage of specie. The existence of genetic variability among accessions from different regions supports the systematic collection of A. conyzoides germplasm in the state of Tocantins.

Atividade antitumoral do Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asteraceae) / Antitumoral activity of the Ageratum conyzoides L. (Asteraceae)

O Ageratum conyzoides, vegetal conhecido popularmente no Brasil é constituído por várias substâncias químicas, dentre elas os flavonóides, aos quais já foi atribuída a atividade antitumoral. Neste estudo foi avaliado o efeito das frações clorofórmica e metanólica do extrato AcOEt das folhas sobre o crescimento do tumor de Ehrlich. Foi constatado que o tratamento com as frações metanólicas, nas doses de 50 mg/kg de peso foi eficaz, inibindo o crescimento tumoral. A porcentagem de inibição para a fração metanólica estabilizada foi de 69,84 por cento e de 68,25 por cento para a fração metanólica não estabilizada. Estudos posteriores se fazem necessários para esclarecer quais os mecanismos envolvidos nesta inibição do crescimento tumoral.

Ageratum conyzoides, a popular vegetal in Brazil, is composed by many chemical compounds, including flavonoids, and antitumoral activity has been attributed to it. In this assay the effect of chloroform and methanol fractions from EtOAc extract of the leaves on the growth of the Ehrlich tumor was evaluated. Under our experimental conditions we have observed that the treatment with methanol fractions, under the dosage of 50 mg/kg was efficient on inhibiting the tumoral growth. There was an inhibition percentage of 69.84 percent to the stabilized methanol fraction and 68.25 percent to the non-stabilized fraction. Further studies are necessary to clarify which mechanisms are involved in the inhibition of the tumoral growth.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Ageratum conyzoides L

The chemical constituents of Ngu sac product were identified, they are total nitrogen 1.2%, Ca 0.5%, Mg 4.6%, and ash 27.3%. Ngu sac product contains a lot of inorganic substances. And Ngu sac product has biological activities against some bacteria such as B.subtilis, P.aeruginosa, some fungus such as Asp.niger and F.oxysporum

Pharmacological screening of Ageratum conyzoides L. (mentrasto)

The pharmacological activities of a water extract (WE) of Ageratum conyzoides L, a plant populary known for its analgesic and anti-inflamatory properties, were studied in vivo and in vitro preparations. Oral administration (p.o.) of the water extract (WE, 0.1 to 5 g/Kg) to rats and mice induced quietness and reduced the spontaneous motility. the sleeping time induced by sodium pentobarbital (50 mg/Kg, i.p.) in mice was not altered by previous treatment with We (2 g/Kg, p.o.). The same treatment did not influence the paw edema induced by carrageenan or dextran, nor did it reduce the chronic paw edema induced by complete Freund's adjuvant or formaldehyde in rats. The tail flick response in immersion test and writhings induced by 0.8%acetic acid in mice were not altered by WE either. In isolated guinea-pig ilea WE (0.4 to 4 mg/ml) did not alter the EC50 values of histamine or acetylcholine, but reduced the maximal response to the agonists by 20 to 50%. We (0.01 to 10 mg/ml) produced tonic contractions of the ileal smooth muscle proportional to the doses, reaching a maximum of 75% relatively to the maximum obtained with histamine. Those contractions were blocked by diphenhydramine (10 nM) and reduced by 32% in presence of atropine (10 nM). The results indicated that oral treatment of rodents with A. conyzoides L neither reduced the inflammatory edema nor did it decrease the reaction to pain stimuli. In vitro the extract presented an unexpected histamine-like activity characteristic of a partial agonist. The results did not confirm the popular medicinal indications of the plant.