Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
tion in humans replicates the animal studies, then
A. conyzoides
could be used with antimalarial
compounds in the treatment of malaria.
The essential oil of
Ageratum conyzoides
inhibited the mycelial growth and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)
production by
Aspergillus flavus.92
.
92
AFB1 is a highly toxic and carcinogenic metabolite produced by
Aspergillus
species on food and agricultural commodities. The essential oil inhibited fungal growth
to different extents depending on the concentration and completely inhibited aflatoxin production
at concentrations above 0.10 µg/ml. The analysis of the oil by GC/MS showed that its main compo-
nents are precocene II (46.35%), precocene I (42.78%), coumarin (5.01%) and trans-caryophyllene
(3.02%). Comparison by transmission electron microscopy of the fungal cells, a control, and those
incubated with different concentrations of essential oil showed ultrastructural changes that were
concentration dependent of the essential oil of
A. conyzoides
. Such ultrastructural changes were
more evident in the endomembrane system, affecting mainly the mitochondria. Degradation was
also observed in both surrounding fibrils.93
93
The ability to inhibit aflatoxin production by
A. conyzoi-
des
may prove useful in the preservation of agricultural products.
Ageratum
has also been shown to posess anti-inflammatory,93
93
anticoccidial,
94
antioxidant, and
gastroprotective activities.
95
ALCHORNEA CORDIFOLIA
Botanical Name —
Alchornea cordifolia
(Schum et Thon.) Muell. Arg.
Synonyms —
Alchornea cordata
Benth.,
Cacoucia caudifolia
(Schumach. & Thonn.) Walp.,
Schousboea cordifolia
Schumach. & Thonn.
Family —
Euphorbiaceae
Common Names —
Christmas bush
African Names —
Hausa: bambami; Igbo: ububo; Efik: mbom; Yoruba: ewe-epa; Bwari: tahi;
Ijaw: epai; Bini: uwonowen; Igara: oje, ose
Description —
Alchornea cordifolia
is a multistemmed shrub or small tree, sometimes climb-
ing but most times an erect spreading plant, up to 5 m high and 30 cm girth. The leaves are simple,
broadly ovate, and cordate, with a drawn-out apex and heart-shaped base, 15-28 cm long and 8-16
cm broad. The margins are entire, wavy, or slightly dentate. They are sparsely hairy on the lower
surface with glands in axils of basal nerves. The stalks are from 5 to 14 cm long. The plant produces
