Abstract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF VERNONIA AMYGDALINA PLANT-A REVIEW

Obarisiagbon* Aiwaguore Johnbull, ONAGA Ignatius Chuwuemeka,IGBE Ighodaro and  AIREMWEN Collins Ovenseri

ABSTRACT

Ethnopharmacology, studies natural medicines derived from plants and other substances that have been traditionally used by diverse ethnic groups to treat various types of human diseases. Generally, the term can be used to refer to the studies correlating ethnic groups, their health, and how it relates to their physical habits and methodology in the preparation and use of medicines. This review aims to collate and emphasize various attempts by different groups of researchers to investigate Vernonia amygdalina, commonly known as bitter leaf, with respect to the method of collection, extraction, preparation and its ethnopharmacologic properties that are widely exploited as nutritional green vegetable or herb, to treat malaria and diabetes in some diverse cultures, including, Nigeria. These properties of V.amygdalina were originally observed by Scientists studying chimpanzees‟ feeding on this shrub that resulted in self-parasitization. Since that discovery, subsequent studies had revealed more bioactives present in extracts of this medicinal plant such as antidiabetic, antibacterial,antifungal, antioxidant, antimalarial, etc which are beneficial to human health. Toxicological studies on this plant also show that V. amygdalina (bitter leaf) has no significant toxicity, thereby supporting its safe use for the benefits of human health and consequently, requiring or recommending further investigations.

Keywords: Ethnopharmacology, V. amygdalina, Phytomedicine, Diabetes, Culture.