Vernonia cinerea


	Scientific Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Angiosperms, Eudicots, Asterids Order: Asterales Family: Asteraceae Genus: Vernonia Species: Vernonia cinerea Synonyms: Cyanthillium cinereum, Conyza cinerea Common names: Purple fleabane Local Names: Bojure, Ewe-Oghan. Species ID: NMP-193;wfo-0000045003;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 211151 Description Vernonia cinerea, commonly known as little ironweed or Sahadevi, is a small, erect annual or perennial herb. It features ribbed stems with short fine hairs, and leaves that are variable in size, typically elliptic to lanceolate, with entire or toothed margins. Distribution and Habitat This plant is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, including Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa. It is commonly found in open fields, grasslands, roadsides, and wastelands, thriving in diverse environmental conditions. Medicinal Properties Vernonia cinerea has a rich history in traditional medicine. It is used to treat a variety of ailments, including: Antimalarial: Effective against malaria. Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation. Antidiabetic: Helps manage diabetes. Antioxidant: Protects against oxidative stress. Anticancer: Shows potential in cancer treatment. Antimicrobial: Exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Renoprotective: Protects kidney function. Gastrointestinal Treatment: Used for treating digestive disorders. Toxicity While Vernonia cinerea is generally considered safe for use in traditional medicine, some of its bioactive compounds can be toxic in high doses. Proper dosage and preparation methods are essential to avoid potential toxicity. Additional Information In addition to its medicinal uses, Vernonia cinerea is also utilized in ethnoveterinary medicine and as a natural remedy for various skin conditions and respiratory disorders. Its widespread use in traditional medicine highlights its significance as a valuable medicinal herb. References Ijeh, II, & Ejike, CECC. (2011). Current perspectives on the medicinal potential of Vernonia cinerea. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 5(7), 1051-1061. Farombi, E. O., & Owoeye, O. (2011). Bitter leaf (Vernonia cinerea) as a bioactive plant in the management of health. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 8(6), 2533-2555. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph8062533 Erasto, P., Grierson, D. S., & Afolayan, A. J. (2006). Bioactive sesquiterpene lactones from the leaves of Vernonia cinerea. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 106(1), 117-120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.12.016 More Links https://www.gbif.org/species/6445389 https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.136600/Vernonia_cinerea https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000045003 http://publish.plantnet-project.org/project/riceweeds_en/collection/collection/information/details/VENCI More Pictures
Compounds of Vernonia cinerea	Octadecanoic acid ethyl ester Lupenol Eicosanoic acid ethyl ester Hexadecenoic acid methyl ester
References	Ahmadu, A. A., & Onanuga, A. (2015). Further constituents of Vernonia cineria leaves. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 5(3), 070-073.