Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Ageratum conyzoides on Spray-Paint-Induced Injury in the Lungs of Adult Wistar Rats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aqueous leaf extract of Ageratum conyzoides on spray-paint-induced injury in the lungs of adult Wistar rats. The 30 adult Wistar rats weighing between 250g and 280g that were used in this research were divided into 5 groups of six 6 rats per group. The haematological outcome showed that spray paint caused some derangements in haematolodical parameters especially lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes and platelets. Histologically, interstitial haemorrhage, pulmonary edema, and activation of lymphoid tissue were observed in the rat treated with spray paint only. Ageratum conyzoides shrunk the local activated immune system and the florid-activated broncho-alveolar aggregates of the immune system in the Ageratum conyzoides treated rats. In conclusion, Ageratum conyzoides has ameliorative effects against spray-paint-induced injury in the lungs of Wistar rats and its effect is inversely proportional to dosage. It is more potent at low doses.