Pharmaceutical Perspective of Natural Products from Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less.: Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Future Prospects

Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less., belonging to the family Asteraceae, is one of the ten sacred herbs that comprise 'Dasapushpa' according to Hindu mythology and is commonly used in traditional rejuvenating healthcare practices during the monsoon season in Kerala. V. cinerea is reported to contain about 92 bioactive compounds, including sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids, which could target conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and respiratory disorders. Some key compounds identified include vernolepin, vernolide, and other flavonoids, known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Despite numerous studies on the ethnopharmacological and biological properties of V. cinerea, none have provided a comprehensive analysis of all its details and recently discovered aspects, including patents. This review presents a comprehensive and up-to-date cross-sectional analysis of the pharmaceutical potential of V. cinerea, which can inform future research aimed at discovering natural products with therapeutic potential from this medicinal herb. The research gaps identified include a lack of sufficient clinical trials and formulation studies, which are essential for determining optimal delivery methods and dosages for future potential drug formulations. Various scientific databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, were used to collect scientific literature on V. cinerea published since 2010. This review also seeks to promote awareness of the medicinal potential of this underutilised plant species and support its conservation.