An Investigation of Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Ageratum conyzoides Linn. Leaves

Abstract

The word "Herbal medicine" refers to the utilization of medicinal plants for the prevention or treatment of illness. This manuscript emphasizes the therapeutic potential of Ageratum conyzoides leaf extract in treating pain and inflammation, validating its traditional use in herbal medicine. Through rat model experimentation, the study offers empirical support for the plant’s analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, particularly at higher doses. Moreover, the research underscores the significance of ethnopharmacological practices in drug discovery and contemporary drug development. This study utilized rat models to assess the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Ageratum Conyzoides leaf extract. The carrageenan-induced paw edema model was utilized to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity. In contrast, the acetic acid-induced writhing test and the tail flick method were performed to ascertain analgesic efficiency. Rats were administered varying doses of 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of the Ageratum Conyzoides extract. In the anti-inflammatory experiment, only the 800 mg/kg dosage yielded statistically significant anti-inflammatory effects (p < 0.05), while other levels had no observable impact. In the acetic acid writhing test, all groups exhibited decreased writhing responses, but none were statistically significant compared to the control group. The tail-flick test, however, had a distinct analgesic effect at elevated doses. The 800 mg/kg dosage had substantial analgesic effects at both the two and 4-hour intervals (p < 0.05), while the 800 mg/kg dosage reached significance at the 4-hour point. The results demonstrate the conventional application of Ageratum conyzoides in relieving pain and inflammation, evidently attributable to its elevated concentrations of flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins. The findings align with prior research and ensure the conventional application of Ageratum Conyzoides in the therapy of pain and inflammation.