Vernonia ou ” Amanvivè “: A multi-use plant

Native to tropical Africa, can Vernonia amygdalina, commonly called bitter leaf due to its bitter taste, “aloma” or “amanvivè” en fon is a plant of the Asteraceae family. This green leaf has enough beneficial virtues for well-being.

Aloma, is a traditional medicinal plant useful in the diet to promote a healthy lifestyle. The Africa Pharmacopoeia website, recommends including this healing plant in your diet due to the numerous health benefits it provides. According to, biological and pharmacological activities, extracts of the leaves and root barks are revealed to contain enormous therapeutic properties such as analgesic, antibacterial, anticancer, antidiabetic, antifungal, antihelminthique, anti-inflammatory, anti-malaria, antioxidant, antipyretic, anti-tumor and diuretic. So, experts qualify vernonia as a healing plant that has both nutritional and medicinal functions. According to the same source, this plant contains bioactive phyto-chemical compounds which can be used for therapeutic purposes and, as such, can be used as an alternative treatment option for infectious diseases to complement conventional antibiotic medications.

Indeed, the consumption of this green leaf is beneficial for human beings. Because it is rich in antioxidants, it would help reduce the growth of precancerous cells that can be detected due to oxidation. Moreover, the presence of fiber in vernonia aids digestion and could also be used as a purgative for stomach problems such as constipation. It helps the body get rid of worms. Likewise, for diabetics, it is recommended to consume this bitter leaf regularly. Because it participates in the regulation of blood sugar levels but also in repairing the weakened pancreas, while helping the pancreas release the right amount of insulin needed to maintain the correct blood sugar level. It should also be added that to tone the vital organs, especially people with liver problems, It is urgent to drink herbal teas made from vernonia because it helps maintain the liver and makes it function properly.

Moreover, vernonia can be useful for fighting fever, cough and can also cure skin diseases. Skin reactions such as ringworm, and eczema.

One of the most popular African plants

The bitter leaf is one of the African plants most appreciated by various countries such as Cameroon., The Benin, Gabon and Nigeria.

In Cameroon for example, these chopped and blanched leaves are prepared for a local specialty, the bitter leaf (N’dole) with meat peanuts or shrimp. Bitter plant, it is also used instead of hops for a local beer. In Nigeria, we use the leaves to make gbôta soup,  and root extracts are used against malaria and gastrointestinal diseases. In Benin, this leaf is used as a vegetable and eaten as food, accompanied by the dough and akassa.

Adverse effects

According to the African Pharmacopoeia, although this leaf is quite full of virtues, it is not without side effects. This plant has cardiac and toxic activity, that it is advisable to consume in moderation.

Veronique GBEWOLO (Stag)