Bidens bipinnata

What's the taxonomical classification of Bidens bipinnata?

Bidens bipinnaata belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Its taxonomic placement continues through the order Asterales, placing it within the widely recognized family Asteraceae. Finally, the plant is identified by its specific genus, Bidens, and its unique species designation, bipinnata.

Taxonomic Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Asterales
Family Asteraceae
Genus Bidens
Species bipinnata
Evidence Level: ★★★★☆

What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?

Bidens bipinnaata has bipinnate leaves characterized by two levels of division where primary leaflets are further subdivided into smaller, secondary pinnules. The foliage typically exhibits a bright green coloration and a delicate, feathery texture due to the intricate arrangement of these small segments. Each leaf structure is supported by a central rachis that branches out to facilitate the distribution of the leaflets. The margins of the individual pinnules are often slightly serrated or smooth depending on the specific developmental stage of the plant. This complex architectural pattern helps maximize surface area for light absorption while maintaining structural efficiency.

Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

What is the geographical distribution of this plant?

This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, specifically within countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of Vietnam. It typically thrives in lowland rainforest ecosystems where humidity remains consistently high throughout the year. The species is often found growing in shaded understory environments or along the edges of riverbanks. Its distribution is closely tied to specific soil compositions found in these equatorial forest zones. Due to these niche habitat requirements, the plant remains concentrated in these warm, moisture-rich geographic pockets.

Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

How is this plant cultivated?

This plant Bidens bipinnaata requires well-draining sandy soil and full sunlight to ensure optimal growth and flowering.

It thrives best in warm climates where it can receive consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged. During the germination phase, seeds should be sown shallowly in a controlled environment to maintain steady temperatures. Once established, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from regular weeding to prevent competition for nutrients.

Providing organic compost during the planting season will further enhance the vigor of its foliage.

Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

What parts of this plant are used medicinally?

This plant Bidens bipinnaata is utilized medicinally through its aerial parts, leaves, and roots. The leaves are frequently harvested to prepare infusions or decoctions that address various inflammatory conditions. Practitioners also employ the aerial parts of the plant to treat skin ailments and digestive issues. Additionally, the roots are processed to extract specific compounds used in traditional healing practices. These diverse components collectively contribute to the plant's wide range of therapeutic applications.

According to a study published by "Phytotherapy research : PTR", the aerial parts of Bidens bipinnaata L. (BB) were evaluated for antidiarrhoeal activity. A significant antidiarrhoeal effect against castor oil-induced diarrhoea in rats was achieved by doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. These extracts decreased gastrointestinal movement, as indicated by the significantly (p<0.05 to 0.001) decreased distance travelled by the charcoal meal. The large dose was found to be slightly more effective than the small one. This antidiarrhoeal effect was confirmed by a reported dose dependent inhibition of the motility of the duodenum isolated from freshly slaughtered rabbits.

The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.

  • aerial parts
  • leaves
  • roots
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What traditional systems uses this plant?

This plant, Bidens bipinnaata, is utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat various ailments such as inflammation, skin diseases, and digestive issues. Historically, practitioners have employed its leaves and flowers to clear heat and detoxify the body. The plant is also a key component in several folk medicine practices across Asia for managing respiratory conditions. Its bioactive compounds have been studied to understand their traditional roles in treating wounds and infections. This long history of medicinal use reflects its importance in diverse cultural healing practices.

According to a study published by "Frontiers in plant science", Bidens bipinnaata is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. The plant currently possesses a total suitable area of approximately 1.96 million km2, which is primarily located in central, eastern, and southwestern China. The distribution centroid for the species is currently situated in Hubei Province. Under future scenarios, this centroid fluctuates within Hubei, though a more pronounced shift is observed under the SSP5-8.5 scenario. The study utilized an optimized MaxEnt model with an AUC > 0.9 to simulate distribution across the 2030s, 2050s, 2070s, and 2090s.

The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What are the pharmacological activities of Bidens bipinnata?

This plant has antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-diarrheal, and antihyperlipidemic pharmacological activities that demonstrate its diverse therapeutic potential. Its antimicrobial properties allow it to combat various pathogenic microorganisms effectively. The plant also exhibits significant antibacterial capabilities against specific bacterial strains. Furthermore, its anti-diarrheal effects make it useful for managing gastrointestinal distress. Finally, the antihyperlipidemic activity suggests it may play a role in regulating lipid levels within the body.

According to a study published by "Saudi journal of biological sciences", Bidens bipinnaata is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of diseases such as malaria, sore throat, acute nephritis, and dysentery. The hexane extract of its leaves was found to be the most active, leading to the isolation of 16-Pregnenolone and 9-Octadecanoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester. Through a broth dilution procedure, 16-Pregnenolone revealed a strong antimicrobial activity with an MIC50 of 72 μg/mL. In comparison, 9-Octadecanoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester displayed an MIC50 of >250 μg/mL. This study represents the first report on the isolation of these specific compounds from Bidens bipinnaata.

The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.

  • antibacterial
  • anti-diarrheal
  • antihyperlipidemic
  • antimicrobial
  • anti-diarrhoeaal
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What medicinal compounds this plant contains?

This plant contains several bioactive constituents including bippinatapolyacetylpside, bippinately polyacetylenicloside, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. These specific chemical profiles contribute to the diverse pharmacological properties observed in the species. The presence of flavonoids often provides significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Meanwhile, the saponins and tannins are known to interact with biological membranes and offer antimicrobial effects. These complex medicinal compounds work together to support the traditional therapeutic uses of the plant.

According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", the vegetative parts of Bidens bipinnata are rich in tannins, saponins, oxalates, cyanogenic glycoside and lipids, while the roots contain high percentages of alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols. The hexane extract of Bidens bipinnata leaves showed significant anticandiida activity, inhibiting C. albicans by 42.54%, C. glabrata by 46.98%, C. tropicalis by 50.89%, C. krusei by 40.56%, and C. orthopsiulosis by 50.24%. After obtaining 220 fractions through silica gel chromatography, the extract was analyzed using HPLC-DAD and GC-MS/MS. This analysis identified two anticandiida compounds, dehydroabietic and linoleic acid, which demonstrated inhibition rates of 85% and 92% respectively.

The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.

  • bippinata polyacetylenicloside
  • bippinata polyacetylpside
  • flavonoids
  • alkaloids
  • saponins
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What health conditions is this plant used for?

This plant is used for treating diarrhoea, dysentery, malaria, sore throat, and acute nephritis. The medicinal properties of its various parts help alleviate gastrointestinal distress caused by infections. It is also frequently applied to reduce the symptoms of fever associated with malaria. For respiratory discomfort, the plant provides relief for an aching sore throat. Additionally, it plays a role in managing kidney-related issues such as acute nephritis.

According to a study published by "Phytotherapy research : PTR", Bidens bipinnata L. (BB) was evaluated for its antidiarrhoeal activity. A significant antidiarrhoeal effect against castor oil-induced diarrhoea in rats was achieved by doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. The plant extract decreased gastrointestinal movement, as indicated by a significantly decreased distance travelled by the charcoal meal with p<0.05 to 0.001. The large dose was found to be slightly more effective than the small one. This antidiarrhoeal effect was further confirmed by the reported dose dependent inhibition of the motility of duodenum isolated from freshly slaughtered rabbits.

The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.

  • diarrhoea
  • dysentery
  • malaria
  • sore throat
  • acute nephritis
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What are the herbal preparations of this plant?

This plant is Bidens bipinnaata, a medicinal herb used to create various therapeutic preparations such as hexane extract, aqueous decoctions, and alcoholic tinctures. Researchers often utilize hexane extract to isolate non-polar bioactive compounds like terpenoids and steroids for pharmacological studies. These extracts are frequently investigated for their potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Traditional practitioners may also prepare topical ointments or infusions to treat skin infections and gastrointestinal issues. The diverse chemical profile of the plant allows for a wide range of specialized medicinal formulations.

According to a study published by "Saudi journal of biological sciences", Bidens bipinnaata is a widely utilized medicinal plant for the treatment of diseases like malaria, sore throat, acute nephritis, and dysentery. The hexane extract of its leaves was found to be the most active and was subjected to automated column chromatography and High-performance liquid chromatography. This process led to the isolation of two compounds, 16-Pregnenolone and 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester, which were identified by Gas Chromatography-mass spectrometry. Through a broth dilution procedure, 16-Pregnenolone revealed a strong antimicrobial activity with an MIC50 of 72 μg/mL. In comparison, 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester displayed an MIC50 of >250 μg/mL.

The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.

  • Hexane extract
Evidence Level: ★★★☆☆

What side effects this plant can have?

This plant can cause allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and dizziness in individuals who consume it. These adverse reactions often manifest as acute gastrointestinal distress shortly after ingestion. Some people may experience severe digestive upset including painful abdominal cramping and frequent bowel movements. Neurological symptoms like dizziness can also occur as the body reacts to the plant's compounds. It is essential to avoid contact or consumption to prevent these various health complications.

The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.

  • Allergic reactions
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Dizziness
Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆

What herbs are paired with Bidens bipinnata?

This plant, known as Bidenia bipinnata, is commonly paired with ginger, turmeric, and various medicinal leaves to enhance its therapeutic properties in traditional remedies.

These combinations are often utilized to create decoctions aimed at reducing inflammation or supporting digestive health. When integrated with warming spices like ginger, the plant's bioactive compounds are believed to be more effectively absorbed by the body. Herbalists may also blend it with local aromatic herbs to improve the flavor profile of the bitter medicinal teas.

Such pairings are essential for maximizing the holistic benefits of the plant during traditional healing practices.

Evidence Level: ★☆☆☆☆