Abstract
Ageratum conyzoides L., Tridax procumbens L. and Bidens pilosa L. are well known plant species of the Asteraceae family that are considered weeds in intensive agriculture. These weeds are traditionally known to have medicinal properties and have been used for therapeutic treatments. However, it is only the lack of proper knowledge, awareness and screening that have limited their use in pharmaceutical sectors. This review attempts to consolidate the traditional, phytochemical and pharmacological studies that have been carried out on Ageratum conyzoides L., Tridax procumbens L. and Bidens pilosa L., which we note are widely spread throughout the world. This study was conducted through a coherent search on Ageratum conyzoides L., Tridax procumbens L. and Bidens pilosa L. with respect to traditional uses, phytochemical and pharmacological studies that have been performed on these three agricultural weeds all over the world. An exploration of reported descriptions of the potential medical importance of three agricultural weed species (A. conyzoides, T. procumbens and B. pilosa) has been presented. The present review would encourage further clinical investigations into these three plants and their extracts to more closely define the range of uses of these herbs for clinical applications. This, in turn, would give a clear understanding whether these weed species might be targeted to be conserved in a sustainable manner rather than eradicated.
Highlights
Nature has been a prolific source of medicinal agents for a long period of time, and multifaceted progress has been achieved by researchers worldwide in utilization of medicinal plants for novel drug discoveries.[1]
Asteraceae shows the highest percentage (18.6%) of useful family members followed by Solanaceae (9.3%), Lamiaceae (9.3%) and Papilionaceae (6.6%). 7 It is suspected that the high percentage of medicinal weed species in these families may reflect the presence of some important bioactive compounds
36 These effects of A. conyzoides were confirmed by a study carried out on rats which led to a dramatic reduction (p
Summary
Nature has been a prolific source of medicinal agents for a long period of time, and multifaceted progress has been achieved by researchers worldwide in utilization of medicinal plants for novel drug discoveries.[1]. Recently many strategies have been put forward to explore less utilized plants which are likely to be good sources of bioactive compounds Weeds are one such group of plants, many of which are traditionally known to have medicinal properties..[2] Leaves, flowers (floral summits and flowering heads), aerial parts and fruits are the mostly used plant parts for medicinal purposes. This review will identify which agricultural weeds need conservation than total elimination under the tag “weeds” Such identification will be beneficial in understanding on what species that need to be reconsidered for cultivation under controlled conditions, which will increase agrobiodiversity, sustainable utilization and accessibility of plant medicinal products
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