Vernonia colorata


	Scientific Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Angiosperms, Eudicots, Asterids Order: Asterales Family: Asteraceae Genus: Vernonia Species: Vernonia colorata Synonyms: Vernonia amygdalina Common Names: Bitter tree Local Names: NMP-194;wfo-0000035247;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 992807 Species ID: Eriro-Ijebu Description Vernonia colorata is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 3 meters in height. The leaves are typically green, elliptic to lanceolate, with a rough texture. The plant produces small, purple to white flowers grouped in terminal clusters. Distribution and Habitat This species is native to tropical Africa and is found in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda. It thrives in various habitats including forest edges, open woodlands, and grasslands, often in well-drained soils. Medicinal Properties Vernonia colorata has a long history of use in traditional medicine across Africa. It is known for its: Antimalarial: Used to treat malaria and related fevers. Anthelmintic: Effective against parasitic worms. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant: Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress. Antimicrobial: Exhibits properties against bacterial and fungal infections. Gastrointestinal Treatment: Utilized for treating stomachaches, diarrhea, and dysentery. Skin Conditions: Applied topically for wounds, boils, and other skin ailments. practitioners to avoid adverse effects. Additional Information Vernonia colorata is also noted for its use in ethnoveterinary medicine, particularly in treating livestock diseases. Its role in traditional healing practices underscores its significance in both human and animal healthcare in tropical regions. References Farombi, E. O., & Owoeye, O. (2011). Bitter leaf (Vernonia species) 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 Ijeh, II, & Ejike, CECC. (2011). Current perspectives on the medicinal potential of Vernonia species. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 5(7), 1051-1061. Nutrients. (2024). Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less.: An Updated Review. Nutrients, 16(9), 1396. External Links https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vernonia_colorata https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:258123-1 https://www.worldfloraonline.org/taxon/wfo-0000035247 https://www.gbif.org/species/5396914 More Pictures
Compounds of Vernonia colorata	Palmitic Acid Erucic acid Butyl Octyl ester 9-Methyl-Z-10-pentadecen-1-ol 4-Methyl-1-decene 3,11-Tetradecadien-1-ol 9-Octadecenoic acid
References	Idris, Muhammad Hauwa, Abdullahi Mann, Adamu Yusuf Kabiru, and Musa Bola Busari. "In vivo Antiplasmodial Activity and GCMS Analysis of Vernonia colorata (Willd) Drake Leaf." European Journal of Medicinal Plants 14, no. 3 (2016): 1-11.