A review of biological and pharmacological activities of Crassocephalum crepidioides (Benth.) S. Moore

Abstract

Crassocephalum crepidioides (Benth.) S. Moore is a green leafy vegetable and medicinal plant in West Africa. It belongs to the family Asteraceae and is  known by various names; orphan crop, fireweed, thickhead, red flower, raglea for hawksbeard velvet plant in English; Ebolo, Bologi, Ebire in Yoruba, Obuinenawa in Ibo (Nigeria) and Gbolo in Benin Rep ublic. A review of this underutilized plant species shows it is of culinary, biological and pharmacological importance. Several studies have revealed the traditional uses of this underutilized vegetable. Its rich secondary metabolites are promising in drug  development. Some of the metabolites have the potentials of being toxic to vital organs if consumed in large concentrations, hence there is the need for caution and proper understanding of this important leafy vegetable and its relevance in food security goal and health.