AGEprost® (Ageratum conyzoides Aerial Extract)

Ageratum conyzoides L. — Asteraceae (Tropical whiteweed / Goat weed / Billygoat weed)
Evidence Level
Moderate
3 Clinical Trials
4 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

AGEprost® is a hydroalcoholic aerial extract of Ageratum conyzoides (Tropical whiteweed) developed by Gencor (now Saanroo Health Sciences). At 250 mg/day for 12 weeks, a 109-man placebo-controlled RCT (Detering, BioFactors) reported reduced International Prostate Symptom Score and decreased daytime + nighttime urinary frequency. Self-affirmed GRAS; Health Canada-approved prostate health claims (2021).

Studied Dose PIVOTAL: 250 mg/day × 12 weeks (Detering BioFactors, n=109 men aged 41-76 with BPH symptoms, double-blind placebo-controlled). TYPICAL FINISHED PRODUCT: 250 mg/day single-capsule format. Self-affirmed GRAS; Health Canada LNHPD-approved (2021).
Active Compound Ageratum conyzoides L. (Tropical whiteweed) hydroalcoholic AERIAL extract — terpenoids, sterols, flavonoids, coumarins, lignans. Maltodextrin carrier

Benefits

BPH symptom severity reduction (Detering 109-man RCT)

Detering et al., BioFactors. 12-week double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in 109 men aged 41-76 with BPH symptoms. 250 mg/day Ageratum conyzoides aerial extract reduced symptom severity across all questions of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) vs placebo. Foundational pivotal evidence for the ingredient.

Reduced daytime and nighttime urinary frequency

The same Detering RCT reported significant reductions in both daytime urinary frequency and nighttime frequency (nocturia) — addressing two of the most quality-of-life-impacting BPH symptoms. Total urinary frequency decreased significantly vs placebo.

Health Canada LNHPD approved claims (2021)

March 2021: AGEprost® listed on Health Canada's Licensed Natural Health Products Database with three approved claims — supports prostate health, clinically shown to support prostate health, and helps relieve urologic symptoms associated with BPH. Health Canada's evidence requirements are stricter than US dietary supplement claim standards.

Multi-mechanism: 5-α-reductase inhibition + smooth muscle relaxation

Preclinical work indicates two complementary mechanisms: 5-alpha-reductase inhibition (the same enzyme target as finasteride and dutasteride, blocking testosterone-to-DHT conversion) and smooth muscle relaxation at the bladder neck and urethra (complementary to the action of alpha-1 blockers like tamsulosin). Most other prostate ingredients target only one of these.

Mechanism of action

1

5-alpha-reductase inhibition

Inhibits the enzyme converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Same target class as finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart). Reduced DHT exposure is associated with reduced prostatic growth driver.

2

Bladder neck smooth muscle relaxation

Relaxes smooth muscle at the bladder neck, improving urinary flow. Mechanistically complementary to alpha-1 receptor antagonists (tamsulosin), which target the same anatomical region via a different receptor.

3

Urethra smooth muscle relaxation

Relaxes smooth muscle around the urethra, reducing functional obstruction and improving flow. Combined with bladder neck relaxation, this addresses the dynamic component of BPH-related obstruction.

4

Multi-compound phytochemistry

Active compounds include terpenoids, sterols, flavonoids, coumarins, and lignans. The hydroalcoholic extraction of aerial parts captures a broad-spectrum profile rather than isolating a single bioactive — distinguishing from single-compound prostate ingredients.

Clinical trials

1
Detering — 12-Week 109-Man BPH RCT (BioFactors)

Detering M et al., BioFactors. Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study, n=109 men aged 41-76 with BPH symptoms, 250 mg/day Ageratum conyzoides aerial extract vs placebo for 12 weeks. Reduced symptom severity across all IPSS questions. Significant decreases in daytime urinary frequency, nighttime frequency, and total urinary frequency. Foundational pivotal evidence supporting Health Canada LNHPD claims and the ingredient's commercial positioning.

2
Health Canada LNHPD Listing (2021)

March 2021 listing on Health Canada Licensed Natural Health Products Database with three approved claims: supports prostate health, clinically shown to support prostate health, and relieves urologic symptoms associated with BPH. LNHPD requires substantiating evidence review beyond US dietary supplement standards.

3
GRAS Status (Self-Affirmed by Gencor)

Self-affirmed Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status by Gencor (now Saanroo Health Sciences). Self-affirmed GRAS is documented and supported by safety data but is not the same as FDA-reviewed GRAS. Aerial parts hydroalcoholic extract has supporting in vitro and in vivo safety data.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated; self-affirmed GRAS status.
Mild GI upset (rare).
Pregnancy/lactation: AVOID — male prostate health ingredient (not for women).
Allergic reactions in Asteraceae-sensitive individuals (ragweed, daisy, chrysanthemum cross-reactivity).
Long-term safety: 12-week clinical trial (Detering) supportive.
Hormone-sensitive cancers: discuss with oncologist (5-α-reductase mechanism).

Important Drug interactions

5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride): theoretical additive DHT reduction — discuss with physician.
Alpha-1 blockers (tamsulosin, doxazosin, alfuzosin): theoretical complementary mechanism — generally compatible per BPH treatment patterns.
Testosterone replacement therapy: theoretical interaction (DHT pathway).
Anticoagulants: no documented interactions but caution with multi-compound herbals.
Other prostate supplements (saw palmetto, pygeum, nettle root): compatible — multi-mechanism approach.

Frequently asked questions about AGEprost® (Ageratum conyzoides Aerial Extract)

What is AGEprost® (Ageratum conyzoides Aerial Extract)?

AGEprost® is a hydroalcoholic aerial extract of Ageratum conyzoides (Tropical whiteweed) developed by Gencor (now Saanroo Health Sciences).

What does AGEprost® (Ageratum conyzoides Aerial Extract) do?

Inhibits the enzyme converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Same target class as finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart). Reduced DHT exposure is associated with reduced prostatic growth driver. In clinical research, AGEprost® (Ageratum conyzoides Aerial Extract) has been studied for bph symptom severity reduction (detering 109-man rct), reduced daytime and nighttime urinary frequency, health canada lnhpd approved claims (2021).

Who should take AGEprost® (Ageratum conyzoides Aerial Extract)?

AGEprost® (Ageratum conyzoides Aerial Extract) may be most relevant for people interested in men's health, prostate health. It has been clinically studied for bph symptom severity reduction (detering 109-man rct), reduced daytime and nighttime urinary frequency, health canada lnhpd approved claims (2021). As with any supplement, consult your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you have medical conditions or take prescription medications.

How long does AGEprost® (Ageratum conyzoides Aerial Extract) take to work?

In clinical trials, effects typically appear over 12+ weeks of consistent use. Acute or same-day effects (where applicable) typically appear within hours, but most cumulative benefits — particularly those affecting biomarkers, mood, sleep quality, or chronic symptoms — require 4-12 weeks of regular use to fully assess. If you don't notice benefit after 12 weeks at the appropriate dose, it may not be your responder.

When is the best time to take AGEprost® (Ageratum conyzoides Aerial Extract)?

AGEprost® (Ageratum conyzoides Aerial Extract) can typically be taken with breakfast or dinner — taking with food reduces GI sensitivity for most supplements. Specific timing matters less than daily consistency for cumulative effects. Always check product labeling and follow personalized guidance from your healthcare provider.

Is AGEprost® (Ageratum conyzoides Aerial Extract) worth taking?

AGEprost® (Ageratum conyzoides Aerial Extract) has moderate clinical evidence (Evidence Level 3/5 on NutraSmarts) — meaningful trial support exists, though results are less consistent than top-tier ingredients. Whether it's worth taking depends on your specific goals, what you've already tried, your budget, and your overall supplement strategy. The honest framing: no supplement is essential for most people, and lifestyle factors (sleep, exercise, diet, stress management) typically produce larger effects than any single supplement. AGEprost® (Ageratum conyzoides Aerial Extract) is most worth trying if its evidence-supported uses align with your specific goals.

What is the recommended dosage of AGEprost® (Ageratum conyzoides Aerial Extract)?

The clinically studied dose for AGEprost® (Ageratum conyzoides Aerial Extract) is PIVOTAL: 250 mg/day × 12 weeks (Detering BioFactors, n=109 men aged 41-76 with BPH symptoms, double-blind placebo-controlled). TYPICAL FINISHED PRODUCT: 250 mg/day single-capsule format. Self-affirmed GRAS; Health Canada LNHPD-approved (2021).. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is AGEprost® (Ageratum conyzoides Aerial Extract) used for?

AGEprost® (Ageratum conyzoides Aerial Extract) is studied for bph symptom severity reduction (detering 109-man rct), reduced daytime and nighttime urinary frequency, health canada lnhpd approved claims (2021). Detering et al., BioFactors. 12-week double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in 109 men aged 41-76 with BPH symptoms.