Vernonia perrottetii
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Vernonia perrottetii Common Names: Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Asterids Order: Asterales Family: Asteraceae Genus: Vernonia Species: V. perrottetii Synonyms: Morphological Description Vernonia perrottetii is
a perennial herb or subshrub, typically 0.5–2 m tall, with erect, branched
stems. · Stems: Cylindrical, pubescent to glabrescent, often reddish at the
base, with longitudinal ridges. (Isawumi, 1995) · Leaves: Alternate; blade lanceolate to narrowly ovate (5–15 cm × 1–4
cm), with serrate to crenate margins, acute apex, cuneate base; surface
sparsely hairy and gland-dotted, dark green. (Flora descriptions) · Inflorescences: Terminal corymbs or panicles composed of
numerous capitula (5–10 mm diameter); florets tubular, purple to violet, with
five-lobed corollas and exserted anthers. Flowering often occurs during the
rainy season. (Kew Science, database) · Fruit: Cylindrical ribbed achenes (2–3 mm) with a pappus of white
to brownish bristles that facilitate wind dispersal. (General Vernonia fruit
morphology, consistent across the genus) Distribution and Habitat Vernonia perrottetii is
native to West Africa. (Kew Science, n.d.) · Geographic Range: Recorded in Nigeria, Senegal, Gambia,
Ghana, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast; within Nigeria, it appears in both northern
savanna and southern forest-savanna transition zones. (Burkill, 1985) · Habitat: Grows in open fields, forest edges, savanna woodlands, disturbed
areas including roadsides and farmlands; prefers well-drained, loamy or sandy
soils. (Flora and ecological sources) · Ecological Role: Acts as a pioneer or colonizing species in
disturbed habitats; likely contributes to soil stabilization, offers nectar to
pollinators, and seeds may feed granivorous birds. (General ecology of
herbaceous Asteraceae in West Africa) Ethnopharmacology Vernonia perrottetii is
used in various West African traditional medicine systems among Hausa, Gwari, Mandinka,
and other communities for a range of ailments including infections, fevers,
gastrointestinal and skin disorders. (Traditional medicine compendia; local
ethnobotanical reports) Traditional Uses · Bacterial Infections: Leaf decoctions or extracts are used to
treat skin infections, wounds, and vaginal infections. (Meseko et al., 2022) · Malaria and Fever: Whole plant infusions or decoctions are
used as remedies for malaria, fever and related febrile illnesses. (Traditional
medicine sources; compendia) · Pain, Fever, and Inflamatory Conditions: Leaf extracts are used to relieve joint
pain, fever, and general inflammatory conditions. (Burkill, 1985; traditional
uses) · Gastrointestinal Disorders: Leaf infusions to treat diarrhea,
dyspepsia, and other GI discomforts. (Traditional medicine sources) · Parasitic Diseases (Filarial and Helminthic): In parts of Cameroon, the plant is
employed in traditional treatment of river-blindness (onchocerciasis) and
related helminthic problems. (Megnigueu et al., 2020) Phytochemical Composition The therapeutic
potential of Vernonia perrottetii is supported by a rich assembly of bioactive
phytochemicals commonly found in the genus. · Sesquiterpene lactones: Including vernolide and related lactones —
compounds widely reported in Vernonia species and associated with
antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory activities. (Toyang &
Verpoorte, 2013) · Flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, tannins: Secondary metabolite screening and
phytochemical assays in extracts from V. perrottetii have demonstrated presence
of these classes — which likely underlie the observed antimicrobial,
antioxidant, and anthelmintic effects. (Megnigueu et al., 2020; Meseko et al.,
2022) Pharmacological Studies Antibacterial Activity · A 2022 study
tested methanolic and aqueous extracts of V. perrottetii against Staphylococcus
species isolated from pregnant women with vulvovaginitis in Nigeria. The
aqueous extract produced inhibition zones up to 26.7 mm at 1000 mg/mL; extracts
inhibited isolates that were resistant to amoxicillin, suggesting potential as
a biocontrol agent for resistant bacteria. (Meseko, Tawose & Jibola-Shittu,
2022) Anthelmintic / Antifilarial Activity · Anti-Onchocerca activity in vitro: A study evaluating crude extracts
(ethanolic, methanol, aqueous) of leaves and roots of V. perrottetii showed
potent activity against adult male and female worms of Onchocerca ochengi (a close relative of the human
parasite O. volvulus).
The LC₅₀ values for ethanolic leaf extract were 29.80 μg/mL for male worms and
40.78 μg/mL for female worms; root extract also active (LC₅₀ ~ 39–52 μg/mL). (Megnigueu
et al., 2020) · Safety in acute use: In the same study, a single oral dose of
2000 mg/kg of ethanolic extract did not produce mortality in mice; although
sub-acute daily dosing over several weeks caused signs of renal and hepatic
stress at higher doses (250–750 mg/kg). (Megnigueu et al., 2020) Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Potential While specific in vivo
antioxidant studies on V. perrottetii remain scarce, reviews of the genus Vernonia
show that many species via their high flavonoid
and phenolic content exhibit
radical-scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties. This
suggests that V. perrottetii may share such properties, consistent with its
traditional use for fever, pain, and inflammation. (Toyang & Verpoorte,
2013) ⚠ Toxicity Profile: Available studies on Vernonia perrottetii provide some initial
safety data, but also indicate caution is warranted especially for prolonged
or high-dose use. Acute toxicity: Ethanolic extract
at single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg did not cause mortality in mice. (Megnigueu
et al., 2020). Sub-acute toxicity: Daily dosing
(250–750 mg/kg) over weeks caused disturbances in growth and signs of liver and
kidney stress in treated animals. (Megnigueu et al., 2020). Allergenic / Irritant
risk: As with many Asteraceae
containing sesquiterpene lactones, there may be potential for skin
sensitization or allergic reactions especially with repeated topical/oral
use. No systematic human toxicity study has been published for V. perrottetii
to date. (General phytochemical/ethnopharmacology caution). Given the limited
toxicological data, use in sensitive groups (pregnant women, children,
individuals with liver/kidney disorders) should be avoided or done under expert
supervision. Therapeutic use should favour low dose, short-term use unless
safety validated by further studies. Additional Information · Genus significance: Vernonia is a large genus (≈1000 species)
widely used across Africa and beyond in traditional medicine. Sesquiterpene
lactones (vernolides) are the most studied bioactive compounds in the genus.
(Toyang & Verpoorte, 2013) · Ecological Role: As a herb/subshrub adapted to open and
disturbed habitats, V. perrottetii likely contributes to ecological succession,
soil stabilization, and serves as nectar source for pollinators. (General
ecology of Asteraceae savanna species) References
External Links More Pictures |
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| 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 |