Vernonia perrottetii

Vernonia perrottetii

Scientific Classification:

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Order: Asterales
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Genus: Vernonia
  • Species: V. perrottetii

Synonyms:

Species ID: NMP-283;wfo-0000017828;

Common Names:

SENEGAL: MANDING-BAMBARA segini, GAMBIA: FULA-PULAAR (The Gambia) dattal (DRR) MANDING-MANDINKA eata-silo (DRR) silli, NIGERIA: GWARI bachigehi, HAUSA burzu.

Basic Description:

Vernonia perrottetii is characterized by its erect stems, lanceolate leaves, and purple to violet flower heads arranged in terminal clusters. The plant typically reaches a height of 1 to 2 meters and thrives in well-drained soils.

Distribution and Habitat:

This species is native to West Africa, with a significant presence in Nigeria. It commonly grows in open fields, forest edges, and along roadsides, adapting well to various environmental conditions.

Medicinal Properties:

Vernonia perrottetii holds notable significance in traditional Nigerian medicine. Phytochemical analyses have identified the presence of bioactive compounds such as sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and saponins, which contribute to its therapeutic potential.

  • Antibacterial Activity: Studies have demonstrated the plant's efficacy against bacterial pathogens. For instance, extracts of V. perrottetii exhibited inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus species associated with vulvovaginitis in pregnant women, suggesting its potential as a biocontrol agent for such infections.
  • Anti-Quorum Sensing Activity: Research indicates that sesquiterpene lactones isolated from V. perrottetii can disrupt quorum sensing in bacteria, a mechanism crucial for pathogenicity. This property underscores the plant's potential in mitigating bacterial virulence.

Known Toxicity:

While Vernonia perrottetii is utilized for its medicinal benefits, caution is advised due to the presence of certain compounds that may exhibit toxicity at high concentrations. Proper dosing and preparation are essential to minimize potential adverse effects.

Additional Information: The genus Vernonia comprises numerous species renowned for their medicinal applications across Africa. These plants are rich in bioactive substances, including sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids, which contribute to their therapeutic properties. Ongoing research continues to explore the pharmacological potentials of Vernonia species, aiming to validate traditional uses and discover novel therapeutic agents.

References:

  1. Meseko, E. I., Tawose, F. O., & Jibola-Shittu, M. Y. (2022). In vitro action of Vernonia perrottetii plant extracts on Staphylococcus species associated with vulvovaginitis of selected pregnant women in Lokoja, Nigeria. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 26(4), 639-644.
  2. Meseko, E. I., Tawose, F. O., & Jibola-Shittu, M. Y. (2022). In vitro action of Vernonia perrottetii plant extracts on Staphylococcus species associated with vulvovaginitis of selected pregnant women in Lokoja, Nigeria. ResearchGate.
  3. Phytochemistry and quorum sensing inhibitory studies of four Vernonia species growing in Nigeria. (2021). University of KwaZulu-Natal ResearchSpace.
  4. A review on antimicrobial potential of species of the genus Vernonia. (2013). Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 7(12), 706-713.

External links

  1. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:259051-1
  2. https://plants.jstor.org/stable/10.5555/al.ap.upwta.1_1031
  3. https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/VENPE
  4. https://www.gbif.org/fr/species/5397613
Compounds of Vernonia perrottetii
References

Phytochemistry And Quorum Sensing Inhibitory Studies Of Four Vernonia Species Growing In Nigeria. ABUBAKAR BABANDO ALIYU. OCTOBER 2017. School of Chemistry and Physics College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban South Africa