Vernonia amygdalina : A folkloric herb with anthelminthic properties

Abstract

Vernonia amygdalina, a widely grown shrub plant in Africa is consumed as vegetable and has high medicinal value. It has gained wide application in the treatment and management of various diseases. The leaves are useful components for herbal medicine constitution. The plant’s activities is a result of diverse bioactive compounds isolated from the different parts of the plant. These metabolites have specifically been efficacious against parasites especially worms. The mechanisms of activities include paralysis of worm, interference with energy generation and impairment with nutrient absorption, motility, and reproduction. The lack of considerable toxicity associated with the plant makes it a choice for further drug discovery. Effort should be made towards standardizing the extract(s) of V. amygdalina for use in alternative medicine for treatment of helminth-related diseases.