Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Activity of the Ageratina Genus

Medicinal plants have long been used for therapeutic purposes in many cultures. They represent sources of important bioactive compounds, often of pharmacological significance. <i>Ageratina</i> Spach is the largest genus in Mexico and is characterised by its traditional use in the treatment of cancer and infections of the skin, blood, and intestines. Different species of <i>Ageratina</i> have been biologically evaluated at the extract and compound levels, and their chemical contents have been purified and characterised. Following a PRISMA meta-analysis, 29 scientific reports were selected and analysed. Tables of different <i>Ageratina</i> species were integrated to compare their cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity at the extract and compound levels. Twelve pure and isolated natural compounds were tested for cytotoxic activity against several cell lines from lung, colon, and breast cancer, cervical carcinoma, hepatocarcinoma, promyelocytic leukaemia, and histiocytic lymphoma. Forty-one pure and isolated natural compounds were evaluated for antimicrobial activity against a wide spectrum of microorganisms, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, fungi, parasites and viruses. <i>Ageratina</i> Spach contains cytotoxic and antimicrobial substances with broad chemical profiles. In addition to being a plant with active compounds, it could be useful for future rational drug design.