Gynura procumbens is an African plant that belongs to the genus Gynura which have been used for a wide variety of ailments in the continent including diabetes, cancer, inflammation, constipation, fevers, rashes and hypertension. It is commonly referred to as African mistletoe and is found in several parts of Tropical Africa. The leaves of the plant are edible which means they are nontoxic.
Bioactivity
Methanolic and water extracts of the leaves of Gynura procumbens have been demonstrated to contain an abundance of beneficial phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, sterol glycosides, kaempferol , kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, rutin and astragalin.
Pharmacology
According to studies conducted by Freiburg University (Germany) and Monash University (Australia), methanolic and water extracts of Gynura procumbens have virucidal activity against both Herpes simplex virus type 1 and Herpes simplex virus type 2. Researchers confirm that Gynura procumbens can clear the herpes infection in 7 days as confirmed by clinical trials conducted on humans by the said universities.
Effectiveness/Advantages
Very low levels of cytotoxicity was observed with the Gynura procumbens extracts in humans as opposed to conventional herpes drugs.
The leaves of the plant are edible, nontoxic and palatable.