Verbesina encelioides (Cav.) Benth. & Hook. f. ex. A. Gray

Verbesina encelioides is a flowering plant of the Asteraceae family, also known as “golden crownbeard”, “goldweed”, or “wild sunflower”. It is an herbaceous, annual, tall plant bearing yellow flowers. Major chemical constituents isolated from this species are flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenolics, saponin compounds, sterols. In traditional medicine, it is mainly used to treat cancer, warts, itch, spider bites, digestive disorders, cramps, rheumatism, sore gums, and fever. Pharmacological investigations revealed properties to combat bacteria, tumors, fungi, oxidative stress, protozoa, and lower blood sugar levels. The present chapter summarizes information on the phytochemistry and pharmacological uses, as well as weed management of cultivated Verbesina encelioides.