Ageratum houstonianum (Ageratum houstonianum): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Ageratum houstonianum work medicinally?

Ageratum houstonianum contains bioactive compounds called precocenes, along with flavonoids and alkaloids. Precocenes are known to interfere with juvenile hormone activity, which explains the plant's contraindication in pregnancy. The flavonoids contribute antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may support wound healing. The antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects are attributed to these compounds, though the precise mechanisms require further scientific investigation (Evidence Level C).

Is Ageratum houstonianum safe during pregnancy?

No, Ageratum houstonianum is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided. The precocenes present in this herb can disrupt juvenile hormone activity, which poses potential risks to fetal development. There is insufficient safety data for use during breastfeeding, so avoidance is recommended for nursing mothers as well. Women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should not use this herb (Evidence Level C).

What is the recommended dosage for Ageratum houstonianum?

Traditional use of Ageratum houstonianum involves 5-10 grams of dried leaf prepared as a decoction. To prepare, boil the leaves in water for approximately 10-15 minutes, then strain before consumption. This preparation is traditionally used for fever reduction. Standardized commercial extracts are not widely available. Dosage recommendations are based on traditional Mexican folk medicine rather than clinical trials, so consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance (Evidence Level C/Traditional).

Does Ageratum houstonianum interact with medications?

Limited clinical data exists regarding specific drug interactions for Ageratum houstonianum. Due to the presence of precocenes and potential effects on hormonal pathways, this herb may theoretically interact with hormonal medications, including contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies. Effects on liver enzyme metabolism have not been well characterized. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before using this herb (Evidence Level C).

What are the side effects of Ageratum houstonianum?

Reported side effects of Ageratum houstonianum are generally mild and may include gastrointestinal upset such as nausea or stomach discomfort. The plant belongs to the Asteraceae family, so individuals with known allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemums, or related plants should exercise caution. More serious adverse effects have not been extensively documented in human studies, but the lack of clinical safety data warrants careful use (Evidence Level C/Traditional).

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Ageratum houstonianum is a medicinal plant used traditionally for skin diseases and wound healing [PMID:33449301, PMID:28894278], and it exhibits larvicidal and antibacterial properties [PMID:36496475, PMID:27350770].

Background

Ageratum houstonianum (also known as flossflower or blue billygoat weed) is an annual plant in the Asteraceae family [PMID:15303392, PMID:20848310]. It is grown as an ornamental plant and is considered an invasive weed in certain regions, such as India and Nepal [PMID:30699689, PMID:31751412].

Traditional uses

It is used in folk medicine as an external wound healing aid for skin injuries and to treat external wounds and skin diseases [PMID:33449301, PMID:28894278]. Local traditional healers in Mizoram, Northeast India, use the plant to treat various health problems [PMID:39115787].

Active compounds

Identified compounds include agerarin (6,7-dimethoxy-2,2-dimethyl-2H-chromene) [PMID:28894278, PMID:35807451], precocene I (7-methoxy-2,2-dimethylchromene), precocene II (6,7-methoxy-2,2-dimethylchromene) [PMID:20645797, PMID:11705333], pyrrolizidine alkaloids such as lycopsamine [PMID:11454357], squalene, and (1,4-cyclohexylphenyl) ethanone [PMID:24695379, PMID:27350770].

Mechanism of action

Agerarin acts as a JAK1/2/3 inhibitor [PMID:35807451] and up-regulates aquaporin-3 (AQP3) gene expression via the p38 MAPK pathway and the transcription factor CLOCK [PMID:28894278]. Ethanol extracts have been shown to suppress TNFα-induced MMP-1 expression by inhibiting ERK1/2 MAPK-mediated EGR1 expression [PMID:33449301].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DSkin Aging/Wound Healing

Ethanol extract abrogated TNFα-induced MMP1 expression in HaCaT keratinocytes [PMID:33449301] and increased AQP3 gene expression [PMID:28894278].

Evidence DAtopic Dermatitis

Topical administration of agerarin ameliorated atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions and restored filaggrin (FLG) expression in a mouse model [PMID:35696096].

Evidence DHair Growth

Ethanolic extract and agerarin promote hair growth via MAPK/AP-1 axis-dependent upregulation of SCUBE3 in human dermal papilla cells [PMID:42074317].

Evidence DBacterial Infections

Methanol extracts of leaves showed antibacterial activity, with the maximum zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus epidermidis [PMID:27350770].

Safety & adverse effects

In zebu cattle, toxicosis is characterized by an acute hemorrhagic course or sub-acute photodynamic dermatitis; post-mortem findings in some cases included bloody serous fluid in coccyx-femoral joints and hemorrhages in large muscle tissues [PMID:15303392].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro cell studies (HaCaT keratinocytes, DP cells), in silico docking, and animal models (mice, cattle). There are no human clinical trials provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 36496475 (2022) — Larvicidal and repellent potential of Ageratum houstonianum against Culex pipiens. · Scientific reports
2.PMID: 33449301 (2021) — Inhibition of EGR-1-dependent MMP1 transcription by ethanol extract of Ageratum houstonianum in HaCaT keratinocytes. · Molecular biology reports
3.PMID: 11454357 (2001) — Pyrrolizidine alkaloids from Ageratum houstonianum Mill. · Phytochemistry
4.PMID: 28894278 (2017) — Agerarin, identified from Ageratum houstonianum, stimulates circadian CLOCK-mediated aquaporin-3 gene expression in HaCaT keratinocytes. · Scientific reports
5.PMID: 39115787 (2025) — UPLC-ESI MS/MS- and GC-MS-Based Altitudinal Variations in the Bioactive Potential of Mikania micrantha and Ageratum houstonianum. · Applied biochemistry and biotechnology

Ageratum houstonianum

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Ageratum houstonianum