Vernonia amygdalina Del.
Aliases：Bian Tao Ban Jiu Ju、Jiang Jun Ye、Jian Wei Feng、Ku Cha Ye
South African leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), a Chinese medicinal, is a folk herb originating from Africa. Due to its significant heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, it is widely used in tropical regions. In recent years, it has gradually been recognized and applied as an adjuvant therapy in Southeast Asia and in China's Taiwan region, among other areas.
Efficacy & Actions
Clear heat and resolve toxin, exert antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and assist in lowering blood pressure.
Indications
Wind‑heat common cold, fever, sore throat Malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis, scabies Hypertension, hyperlipidemia Blood‑heat skin disorders (e.g., pruritus) Traumatic infection, wound disinfection (for external use)
Modern Pharmacology
Antitumor: Active components such as vernodalin, vernolepin, and vernonioside significantly inhibit various cancer cells (e.g., breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer). Antimalarial: Traditionally used for malaria; its extracts exhibit antimalarial activity. Antibacterial and anti‑inflammatory: Inhibits various bacteria and may be used as an adjunct for infections such as diarrhea and dysentery. Adjuvant hypoglycemic: Animal studies have shown that South African leaf can help lower blood glucose. Adjuvant antihypertensive and lipid‑lowering: Helps regulate blood pressure and blood lipids, benefiting cardiovascular health. Hepatoprotective and renoprotective: Studies indicate that South African leaf may reduce liver and kidney damage. Antioxidant: Rich in polyphenols, which scavenge free radicals and delay aging.
Ingredients
Sesquiterpene lactones: Vernodalin, vernolepin, etc. (6 compounds) Steroidal saponins: Vernonioside, etc. (10 compounds) Flavonoids: Various flavonoid compounds (3 compounds) Others: Sterols, fatty acids, phenolics, alkaloids, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: Chewing fresh leaves: Wash fresh leaves and chew directly, or blend with apple to make juice to reduce bitterness. Tea: Steep 1–2 fresh leaves or 3–5 g of dried leaves in boiling water for 10 minutes, then drink. Recommended dosage: 1–2 fresh leaves per day is appropriate. Do not exceed. External use: Crush fresh leaves and apply directly to the affected area. May be used as an adjunct for wounds, insect bites, etc.
Contraindications
Contraindicated for pregnant women and women during menstruation. Use with caution in cases of Spleen‑Stomach deficiency cold (prone to diarrhea, stomach pain), as it may cause nausea and diarrhea. Use with caution in patients with hypotension. Use with caution in those who are extremely debilitated or anemic.
Selected Formulas
For hypertension due to Liver fire flaring upward, with headache and red eyes: 30 g of fresh South African leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), steeped in water and taken orally; or crushed to extract juice, mixed with honey, and taken once daily. For diabetes mellitus due to damp‑heat obstruction: 15 g of South African leaf, decocted in water and taken orally.
Daily Consumption
Chew fresh leaves: Wash 1-2 fresh leaves, chew and swallow the juice, discard the residue. Relieves sore throat. Tea: Steep 1-2 fresh leaves (or 3-5g dried) in boiling water for 10 minutes. Add honey if needed. Juice: Blend 2-3 fresh leaves with apple or pineapple to reduce bitterness. 1 cup daily. External use: Crush fresh leaves and apply to sores or insect bites. Dosage: 1-3 fresh leaves per day. Do not exceed. Contraindications: Pregnancy, menstruation, spleen-stomach deficiency cold (diarrhea, cold stomach pain). Use with caution in hypotension. Avoid long-term continuous use.
Medicinal Parts
leaf
Selection & Storage
Fresh leaves: Wash and drain, place in a fresh-keeping bag or airtight container, and refrigerate (0–4°C). Can be kept for 3–5 days. Use as soon as possible. Dried leaves: Store in a well-ventilated, dry place in an airtight container, protected from moisture, mold, and insects. Can be stored for 6–12 months.