YaBiNaPA’s contribution to the sustainably management of Vernonia senso lato species in Cameroon

In Cameroon, Vernonia senso lato species is a national treasure. The popularity of the genus comes from “Ndole”, a succulent dish made from the leaves of V. amygdalina and V. calvoana . The leaves also constitute the first kit the population used against malaria. Other Vernonia species are also used traditionally across the country like the roots of V. kotshyana , used to relieve gastric pain, or the rhizomes of V. guineensis , used to cure prostate cancer. Besides, many Cameroonian species remain unknown, despite extensive reports and recent reclassification within Vernonia s.l. The present study overlooked the chemistry and biology of Cameroonian Vernonia s.l . species for a better management of their traditional uses. Results gathered to date support the proposal of a Vernonia s.l. species cluster into three main groups depending on their chemistry. They are either sesquiterpene lactone, sitostane-type steroids and aliphatic acetylene producers. Moreover, isolated compounds shown significant potency against microbial strains and cancer cell lines. Also, preliminary results of in silico studies suggest promising binding mode in the allosteric pocket of the human 5-LOX enzyme, one of the three therapeutic targets for the anti-inflammatory activity docked, of some of the steroid derivatives isolated from V. kotschyana , partly due to both OH and C=O in the kotschyanosides. These results are still to be confirmed with in vitro studies. Outcomes from this study will provide solid ground to inform the population on possible benefits of more Vernonia s.l. species as well as scientific background of the species currently in use traditionally. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany