ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to examine, for the first time, a possible relationship between the biological activity and the nutrient content in different parts of Vernonia scorpioides. Nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous concentrations were measured in extracts from roots, stalks and leafs. Although, extracts from roots, produced the highest amount of compounds with biological activity, they presented small quantities of micro-nutrients. It was concluded that there is a direct relationship between nutrition and secondary metabolites, which are stimulated at any rate when a nutritional deficit takes place.
Key words:
Vernonia scorpoides; plant nutrition; biological activity