Bidens pilosa

Bidens pilosa, commonly known as black-jack or Spanish needle, is a versatile medicinal herb widely used in traditional medicine. Renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, this resilient plant is frequently employed to treat wounds, skin infections, and various digestive ailments across diverse global cultures.

  • Scientific name: Bidens pilosa
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Bidens, which includes the species Bidens pilosa.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Bidens WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several European regions. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing within the borders of Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, its presence is noted in Belgium, Germany, and Poland. Furthermore, the species extends into Southwestern Europe, specifically inhabiting the Baleares. This wide range demonstrates the plant's ability to adapt to various European climates.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Poland WCVP
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP

Chemicals

Bidens pilosa has 86 reported phytochemicals identified across 118 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, saponins, flavonoid, phenols, tannins.

Total chemicals
86
Scientific sources
118

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 12 ★★★★★
saponins 4 ★★☆☆☆
flavonoid 3 ★★☆☆☆
phenols 3 ★★☆☆☆
tannins 3 ★★☆☆☆
calcium 2 ★☆☆☆☆
chlorogenic acid 2 ★☆☆☆☆
copper 2 ★☆☆☆☆
fatty acids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
iron 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Bidens pilosa has 17 reported activities identified across 28 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
17
Scientific sources
28

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 7 ★★★★☆
Antidiabetic 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antibacterial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiallergic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antihypertensive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Bidens pilosa has 52 reported medicinal uses identified across 57 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, hypertension, malaria, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans.

Total uses
52
Scientific sources
57

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 3 ★★☆☆☆
hypertension 3 ★★☆☆☆
malaria 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Bacillus subtilis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Candida albicans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Chagas disease 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Enterococcus faecalis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Escherichia coli 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Lactobacillus acidophilus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Leishmaniasis 1 ★☆☆☆☆