Little ironweed

botanical

What is it

Little ironweed (Cyanthillium cinereum, formerly Vernonia cinerea) is a small annual herb used in Ayurveda and other traditional systems for skin conditions, fever, and as a smoking cessation aid in Thai traditional medicine.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Smoking reduction (traditional)

Mixed

Small Thai studies have explored its use to reduce craving and cigarette use, but evidence is preliminary.

How it works

The plant contains sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and triterpenes. Preclinical studies suggest anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antinociceptive activity. Some small clinical trials, mostly from Thailand, have explored its use in helping people reduce tobacco use, with mixed results. Most claims rely on traditional use and small or preliminary trials.

Dosage

Traditional preparations use whole herb decoctions of several grams per day. The DSLD does not list a single standardized dose. Commercial extracts vary.

When and how to take it

No specific timing has been established. Most preparations are taken with water.

1 commercial form

Whole herb extract

Standardization is rare

Found in Ayurvedic and Southeast Asian traditional products.

Safety

Short-term use has generally been considered tolerable in traditional contexts. Reliable human safety data on concentrated extracts are limited. Sesquiterpene lactones can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with known Asteraceae allergy (ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemum) should be cautious.

Interactions

No well-documented drug interactions. Theoretical interactions with anti-inflammatory medications.

Frequently asked questions

Does it help quit smoking?⌄

Some small studies suggest it may help reduce cravings, but it is not an established cessation aid. Combining with proven cessation methods is more effective.

Is it safe for daily use?⌄

Short-term traditional use appears acceptable, but long-term safety has not been formally evaluated.

References

  • Little ironweed on Wikidata — Wikidata link
  • Little ironweed on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link
  • Research on Little ironweed (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.