Botanical Overview
Vernonia amygdalina is a medicinal plant of the Asteraceae family, commonly known as Bitter leaf or African bitter leaf. Its native range includes West and East Tropical Africa. The primary parts used medicinally are the leaves, stems, and roots. Known for its bitter taste, it plays significant roles in traditional African herbal medicine.
Energetics
This plant exhibits a cooling and drying energetic profile with a distinctly bitter taste. It is generally considered tonifying and is associated chiefly with the regulation and support of qi.
Primary Actions
- Antidiabetic
- Antimalarial
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Bitter
- Hepatoprotective
Indications
Western
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Malaria symptoms
- Hyperglycemia
- Inflammation
- Jaundice
Syndromes
- Diabetes mellitus
- Malaria
- Digestive disorders
- Hepatitis
TCM
No well-documented traditional uses or syndromes are noted in TCM for this species.
Ayurveda
No documented traditional uses or syndromes in Ayurveda were found for this species.
Unani
No documented traditional uses or syndromes in Unani were found for this species.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, sesquiterpene lactones, and phenolic compounds, underlying its antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antimalarial pharmacological effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction of leaves 2-4 g, taken 1-2 times daily
- Leaf infusion
- Powdered leaf, 500 mg to 1 g daily
Safety & Contraindications
Vernonia amygdalina is generally considered safe when used traditionally; however, caution is advised during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data. High doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. No significant drug interactions are well documented.
Astrological Correspondences
None reliably documented.
Selected References
- Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Vernonia amygdalina: a review
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants: Vernonia amygdalina Delile
- Antidiabetic properties of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract in experimental rats
- Vernonia amygdalina – Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects