Bitter Leaf
Vernonia amygdalina
A West African vegetable/medicine used for blood sugar, digestion, and traditionally for fevers.
Traditional use (african-diaspora): A West African vegetable/medicine used for blood sugar, digestion, and traditionally for fevers.
A West African vegetable/medicine used for blood sugar, digestion, and traditionally for fevers.
Active constituents are under study; evidence ranges from traditional use to preliminary human trials.
- A West African vegetable/medicine used for blood sugar, digestion, and traditionally for fevers.
Evidence strength: preclinical.
- See the evidence level above
- Can lower blood sugar (additive with diabetes meds); avoid medicinal doses in pregnancy.
- Pregnant/breastfeeding people without medical advice
Can lower blood sugar (additive with diabetes meds); avoid medicinal doses in pregnancy.
May interact with prescription medications — review with a clinician if you take any.
Use caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, and with chronic disease unless cleared by a clinician.
Choose reputable, tested suppliers; correct identification is essential for wild-harvested plants.