Aspilia

Aspilia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Aspilia is native to sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, Yemen, and tropical South America. Some authors have merged this genus with Wedelia, but others maintain that more study is required.

Medicinal uses

Historically, Aspilia africana was used in Mbaise and most Igbo speaking parts of Nigeria to prevent conception, suggesting potential contraceptive and anti-fertility properties. Leaf extract and fractions of A. africana effectively arrested bleeding from fresh wounds, inhibited microbial growth of known wound contaminants and accelerated wound healing process. Aspilia is hypothesized to be used as herbal medicine by some chimpanzees.

Species

63 species are currently accepted.