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Evaluation of the effectiveness of Vernonia cinerea for the treatment of smoking cessation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

  • 2025-10-10
  • Journal of ethnopharmacology 355(Pt B)
    • Omar De Santi
    • Cecilia Andrea Di Niro
    • Suthat Rungruanghiranya
    • Vanina Greco

Study Design

Type
Meta-Analysis
Sample size
n = 1,878
Population
smokers of any age or gender
Methods
systematic review following PRISMA guidelines to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VC for smoking cessation; identified randomized controlled trials that compared VC with placebo, alongside behavioral therapy and approved pharmacotherapy

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Vernonia cinerea (VC) has been traditionally used in various cultures for its medicinal properties, including its potential role in smoking cessation. Understanding its efficacy and safety can provide valuable insights for public health strategies in tobacco control.

Materials and methods

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VC for smoking cessation. We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared VC with placebo, alongside behavioral therapy and approved pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation, across health centers. Participants included smokers of any age or gender.

Results

Thirteen RCTs from Thailand were included in the review. Ten trials compared VC to placebo, involving 1878 patients (943 receiving VC), with a risk ratio (RR) of 1.51 (95 % CI 1.16 to 1.97; low-quality evidence). However, longer follow-up studies (≥24 weeks) indicated no significant association (RR 0.98, 95 % CI = 0.68 to 1.41; low-quality evidence). There was no clear benefit of VC compared to nicotine replacement therapy or nortriptyline. Non-serious adverse effects included mild and transient symptoms such as tongue numbness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and dizziness.

Conclusion

VC appears to be a promising aid for smoking cessation particularly effective in trials with follow-ups under 12 weeks. VC demonstrated a benign safety profile, with no serious safety concerns reported. Further research outside Thailand is essential to fully assess its efficacy and applicability.

Research Insights

Adverse Events Reported

  • ironweed→Overall tolerability

    VC demonstrated a benign safety profile, with no serious safety concerns reported.

    Finding
    Reported
  • ironweed→dizziness

    Non-serious adverse effects included mild and transient symptoms such as tongue numbness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and dizziness.

    Finding
    Reported
    Grade
    mild
  • ironweed→drowsiness

    Non-serious adverse effects included mild and transient symptoms such as tongue numbness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and dizziness.

    Finding
    Reported
    Grade
    mild
  • ironweed→nausea

    Non-serious adverse effects included mild and transient symptoms such as tongue numbness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and dizziness.

    Finding
    Reported
    Grade
    mild
  • ironweed→tongue numbness

    Non-serious adverse effects included mild and transient symptoms such as tongue numbness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and dizziness.

    Finding
    Reported
    Grade
    mild
  • ironweed→vomiting

    Non-serious adverse effects included mild and transient symptoms such as tongue numbness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and dizziness.

    Finding
    Reported
    Grade
    mild
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