Ethnomedicinal and Phytopharmacological Aspects of Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter Leaf) Utilized as a Traditional Medicinal Herb
Ikalo David Oseghale *
University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
Olabisi Promise Lawal
University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
Daniel Osezuwa Ubebe
University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
Vivian Chidera Orjiewulu
Madonna University, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Aimuanmwosa Andrew Igunma
University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
Omali Patricia Odey
University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria.
Dorcas Temitope Ajibola
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Divine Ibecheozor Chima
University of Lagos, Lagos state, Nigeria.
Nwigbo Kiakpugi Tuador
Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, Nigeria.
Chinaemerem Precious Ani
University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Vernonia amygdalina Delile, commonly known as “bitter leaf,” is a shrub in the Asteraceae family, widely seen in tropical regions of Africa. Vernonia amygdalina is found to be traditionally used in African medicine. Various parts of this plant, especially the leaves, are utilized to treat ailments such as fever, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues. Research from multiple researchers has shown a wide range of phytochemical and bioactive compounds present in Vernonia amygdalina; examples are terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, etc., which have contributed to the medicinal properties of Vernonia amygdalina.
Vernonia amygdalina has shown its therapeutic and remedial potentials due to the presence of phytochemicals which exhibit effects such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-diarrheal, anti-helminthic, anti-pyretic, and anti-nociceptive effects. In this article, the authors highlight recent progress in using Vernonia amygdalina and its therapeutic effects.
Research, review, and case study articles were used to write this review. The articles were obtained from academic websites such as Research Gate, Google Scholar, the National Library of Medicine, African journals online, and Semantic journals, and some articles were obtained through a simple Google search. Articles that discussed the medicinal, ethanopharmacological, and therapeutic properties of Vernonia amygdalina were selected for the review. Search terms such as “Vernonia amygdalina,” “bitter leaf,” “phytochemical properties,” and “therapeutic effects” were used to search for relevant articles on the academic databases. Boolean operators such as “AND” and “OR” were used to refine the search further and ensure a comprehensive selection of articles.
Keywords: Vernonia amygdalina, phytochemicals, extracts, effects, bitter leaf