Pharmacological potential of Cyanthillium cinereum (L.) H.Rob (Vernonia Cinerea): Ethnomedicinal and experimental evidence: A review

Abstract

Cyanthillium cinereum (L.) H.Rob. (syn. Vernonia cinerea Less.) is a terrestrial annual herb widely used in traditional medicine for managing conditions such as helminthic infections, pain, fever, bleeding disorders, and digestive ailments. This review evaluates the available literature retrieved from databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar, focusing on the phytochemistry, pharmacognostic characteristics, and pharmacological activities of this species. Available evidence indicates that C. cinereum exhibits diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, nephroprotective, antitumour, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and smoking cessation effects. These pharmacological properties are primarily attributed to its diverse array of secondary metabolites, particularly phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Pharmacognostic studies further support the accurate identification and quality assessment of this medicinal plant. Overall, the findings highlight the association between traditional uses of C. cinereum and its experimentally reported pharmacological activities. However, despite promising preclinical evidence, further well-designed in vivo studies and clinical trials are required to establish its safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential for various disease conditions.