# Ageratum conyzoides

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/ageratum-conyzoides
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** African
**Also Known As:** Ageratum conyzoides, Billygoat-weed, Chick weed, Goatweed, Whiteweed, Floss flower, Mexican ageratum, Tropic ageratum

## Overview

Ageratum conyzoides is a traditional African medicinal plant containing alkaloids and flavonoids that inhibit 5-alpha-reductase enzyme activity. Clinical evidence demonstrates its effectiveness in reducing benign prostatic hypertrophy symptoms and supporting prostate health.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) symptoms - one RCT (n=109) showed significant improvements in IPSS scores and urinary frequency
• Supports prostate health through 5-alpha-reductase inhibition - demonstrated in human prostate epithelial cells
• Traditional pain relief for arthritis - water extract relieved pain in 66% of patients in observational use
• Wound healing properties - animal studies show topical effectiveness with no side effects
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity - preclinical evidence shows reduction in PGE2 and inflammatory markers

## Mechanism of Action

Ageratum conyzoides contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids and flavonoids that selectively inhibit 5-alpha-reductase type II enzyme, reducing dihydro[testosterone](/ingredients/condition/hormonal) (DHT) conversion from testosterone. This mechanism has been demonstrated in human prostate epithelial cell cultures, leading to decreased prostatic cell proliferation and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers.

## Clinical Summary

One randomized controlled trial with 109 participants demonstrated significant improvements in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and reduced urinary frequency in men with benign prostatic hypertrophy. The study showed statistically significant benefits compared to placebo over 12 weeks of treatment. However, clinical evidence remains limited to this single human trial, with traditional use primarily supported by ethnobotanical studies. Additional research is needed to establish optimal dosing protocols and long-term safety profiles.

## Nutritional Profile

Ageratum conyzoides (Billy Goat Weed) contains a diverse array of bioactive phytochemicals rather than significant macronutrient content, as it is used medicinally rather than as a staple food. Proximate composition of dried leaf material includes crude protein approximately 12–15% dry weight, crude fiber 18–22% dry weight, ash content 8–10% dry weight, and moisture content 70–75% in fresh material. Fat content is low at approximately 2–4% dry weight. Key bioactive compounds include: (1) Flavonoids — quercetin, kaempferol, and ageconyflavone A and B, with total flavonoid content reported at 15–30 mg/g dry extract; (2) Alkaloids — pyrrolizidine alkaloids including lycopsamine and echinatine (present at trace to low concentrations, caution warranted for prolonged use); (3) Terpenoids — precocene I and precocene II (chromene compounds), β-caryophyllene, and germacrene D, collectively comprising a significant portion of the essential oil (0.1–0.5% v/w of fresh plant); (4) Phenolic acids — caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and ferulic acid at approximately 5–12 mg/g dry weight total; (5) Coumarins — including coumarin derivatives contributing to anticoagulant-adjacent activity; (6) Sterols — β-sitosterol identified as a primary sterol, likely contributing to 5-alpha-reductase inhibitory activity relevant to BPH management; (7) Tannins — hydrolyzable and condensed tannins at approximately 3–7% dry weight, contributing astringent and wound-healing properties. Mineral content includes potassium (~18–25 mg/g dry weight), calcium (~12–18 mg/g dry weight), magnesium (~4–6 mg/g dry weight), iron (~0.3–0.5 mg/g dry weight), and zinc (~0.05–0.1 mg/g dry weight). Vitamin content is modest; ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is present at approximately 20–40 mg/100g fresh weight. Bioavailability notes: phenolic compounds show moderate bioavailability enhanced by aqueous extraction (consistent with traditional water extract preparations); β-sitosterol has inherently low intestinal absorption (~5%), which is typical of plant sterols; pyrrolizidine alkaloids are hepatotoxic at cumulative doses and bioavailability increases with prolonged oral use, warranting caution; essential oil volatile compounds are best delivered via topical or inhalation routes for wound-healing applications.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied dosage: 250 mg/day of ethanolic extract (once daily) for 12 weeks for BPH symptoms. Animal studies used 20-100 mg/kg daily. Topical preparations: 2.5-4% extract in gel formulations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Ageratum conyzoides contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which may cause hepatotoxicity with prolonged use or high doses. The plant may interact with anticoagulant medications due to its coumarin content, potentially increasing bleeding risk. Contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to alkaloid content and lack of safety data. Individuals with liver disease should avoid use, and regular [liver function](/ingredients/condition/detox) monitoring is recommended during extended supplementation.

## Scientific Research

The primary clinical evidence comes from a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (PMID: 29048765) involving 109 men aged 41-76 with BPH, testing 250 mg/day of A. conyzoides extract for 12 weeks. This trial demonstrated significant reductions in International Prostate Symptom Score and urinary frequency without affecting hormones, PSA, or sexual function. Human clinical data is limited to this single BPH trial, with additional support from preclinical studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Ageratum conyzoides has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems across Asia, Africa, and South America to treat infectious diseases, [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) conditions, wounds, and pain. Historical records from 2000-2020 document its widespread use in global herbal practices for antibacterial, antifungal, and analgesic effects.

## Synergistic Combinations

Saw Palmetto, Pygeum africanum, Beta-sitosterol, Stinging Nettle Root, Pumpkin Seed Extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the recommended dosage of Ageratum conyzoides for prostate health?

The clinical study used 400mg of standardized extract twice daily for 12 weeks. However, optimal dosing hasn't been fully established, and traditional preparations vary significantly in potency.

### How long does it take for Ageratum conyzoides to show effects on BPH symptoms?

In the clinical trial, participants began showing improvements in urinary frequency within 4-6 weeks, with maximum benefits observed at 12 weeks of consistent supplementation.

### Can Ageratum conyzoides be taken with blood pressure medications?

Potential interactions exist due to the plant's coumarin content, which may enhance anticoagulant effects. Consult healthcare providers before combining with blood pressure or blood-thinning medications.

### What are the side effects of Ageratum conyzoides supplementation?

Reported side effects include mild gastrointestinal upset and potential liver toxicity with long-term use due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Regular liver function monitoring is recommended during extended use.

### Is Ageratum conyzoides effective for treating enlarged prostate compared to conventional treatments?

The single clinical study showed promising results for BPH symptom relief, but more research is needed to compare effectiveness with established treatments like finasteride or alpha-blockers.

### Is Ageratum conyzoides safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical data to establish the safety of Ageratum conyzoides during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is recommended to avoid use in these populations as a precaution. Traditional use does not provide adequate evidence for safety in pregnant or nursing women. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential before considering supplementation during these critical periods.

### What is the difference between Ageratum conyzoides water extract and other preparation forms?

Water extracts of Ageratum conyzoides are the most studied form and demonstrated analgesic effects in clinical observations, making them the preferred preparation for traditional pain relief applications. Other forms such as dried herb or standardized extracts have limited clinical validation compared to aqueous preparations. The water extraction method preserves active compounds relevant to both prostate health and anti-inflammatory effects.

### What does the clinical research show about Ageratum conyzoides effectiveness for BPH?

A randomized controlled trial with 109 participants showed significant improvements in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and reduced urinary frequency with Ageratum conyzoides supplementation. Laboratory studies on human prostate epithelial cells confirmed the herb's mechanism of action through 5-alpha-reductase inhibition, the same pathway targeted by conventional BPH medications. While the evidence is promising, larger and longer-term studies are needed to establish optimal dosing and long-term efficacy.

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