Bidens pilosa
What's the taxonomical classification of Bidens pilosa?
Bidens pilosa belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is categorized under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this classification, it is placed in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Following the biological hierarchy further, it is part of the order Asterales and falls within the family Asteraceae. Ultimately, the plant is identified by its specific genus, Bidens, and its species designation, pilosa.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Bidens |
| Species | pilosa |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Bidens pilosa has an erect, herbaceous stem that typically reaches heights of 30 to 100 centimeters and is characterized by a dense covering of spreading, bristly hairs. The leaves are oppositely arranged, trifoliate or pinnately lobed, and possess serrated margins with a rough, pubescent texture. Small, white or yellow flower heads are found in terminal clusters, consisting of ray florets that surround a central disc of yellow tubular florets. The plant is most distinctive for its achene fruits, which are black, elongated, and equipped with two to four barbed awns designed for animal dispersal. These specialized bristles allow the seeds to cling easily to fur or clothing.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through Central America and into much of South America. It is frequently found in disturbed areas, roadsides, and open fields where sunlight is abundant. Its distribution is particularly widespread in countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. Because it thrives in various warm climates, it has become naturalized in several other tropical zones across the globe. The species maintains a presence in both coastal and inland habitats within its primary range.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Bidens pilosa, requires well-draining soil and full sunlight to thrive during its rapid growth cycle.
It is a hardy annual that can be grown from seed by sowing them directly into the ground once the soil has warmed. Because it is highly adaptable, it often flourishes in disturbed areas or garden beds with minimal supplemental watering. You should monitor the soil moisture levels to prevent waterlogging while ensuring the plant receives consistent warmth.
Regular weeding around the base will help minimize competition for essential nutrients.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Bidens pilosa utilizes its aerial parts, including the leaves, flowers, and seeds, as well as its roots for various medicinal applications. The leaves are frequently prepared as decoctions or infusions to treat inflammation and skin wounds. The flowers and seeds contain bioactive compounds that are often used to support digestive health and reduce fever. Additionally, the roots are processed to address respiratory issues and certain types of infections. Together, these diverse components provide a wide range of therapeutic benefits in traditional medicine.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", different polar and non-polar extracts and fractions were prepared from the aerial part of Bidens pilosa L. for medicinal purposes. This plant is traditionally used as an ingredient in teas or herbal medicines for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and immunological disorders due to its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant properties. The petroleum ether extract, ethyl acetate, and hydroalcoholic fractions obtained from the plant showed low cytotoxicity and modulated the PHA-stimulated proliferation of PBMCs. Specifically, the non-polar petroleum ether extract induced M2 polarization or a hybrid M1/M2 phenotype in MØs and a semi-mature status in DCs. These immunoactive effects might be attributed to low-medium polarity components such as phytosterol terpenes and fatty acid esters.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- aerial part
- flower
- leaf
- root
- seeds
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Bidens pilosa, has been utilized across various traditional medical systems for centuries to treat inflammation, digestive issues, and skin ailments. In Colombian folk medicine, practitioners often prepare infusions from the leaves to address gastrointestinal distress and promote healing. Other historical traditions throughout Latin America and Asia have employed the plant as a topical remedy for wounds and infections. Its diverse chemical profile has made it a staple in ethnobotanical practices for managing fevers and respiratory symptoms. These long-standing cultural applications demonstrate the plant's significant role in historical community health management.
According to a study published by "BMC complementary and alternative medicine", Bidens pilosa L. is one of the medicinal plants used in Colombian folk medicine to treat infections of microbial origin. These plants were collected by farmers and traditional healers for their medicinal applications. The study evaluated the antimicrobial activity and Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the ethanol, hexane and water extracts of Bidens pilosa L. against five bacteria and one yeast. The water extracts of Bidens pilosa L. showed a higher activity against Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli than gentamycin sulfate (1.0 microg/ml). This in vitro study corroborated the antimicrobial activity of the selected plants used in folkloric medicine.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Colombian folk medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Bidens pilosa?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and antiprototozoal properties. Its antioxidant capacity helps neutralize harmful free radicals within biological systems to prevent cellular damage. The plant also demonstrates significant antimicrobial and antiprototozoal actions by inhibiting the growth of various bacteria and parasites. Furthermore, its antidiabetic effects suggest a potential role in managing blood glucose levels through specific metabolic pathways. These multifaceted therapeutic actions make Bidens pilosa a significant subject for pharmaceutical research.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", Bidens pilosa is a source of the Gui Zhen Cao herbal formulation used as a remedy for diarrhea, dysentery, inflammation, and toxicity. The vegetative parts of this plant are rich in tannins, saponins, oxalates, cyanogenic glycoside and lipids, while the roots contain high percentages of alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols. The study involved testing the plants for in vitro anticandiida activity. While specific inhibition percentages for B. bipinnata were detailed, the research focused on identifying anticandiida compounds through the analysis of 220 fractions obtained via silica gel chromatography. These identified compounds include dehydroabietic and linoleic acid, which demonstrated an inhibition of 85% and 92% respectively.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant
- antimicrobial
- antidiabetic
- antiparasitic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse array of bioactive secondary metabolites including flavonoids, polyacetylenes, and phenolic acids. Among its specific chemical constituents, the flavonoid kaempferol plays a significant role in its biological activities. The plant also features chlorogenic acid, which contributes to its antioxidant properties. These various medicinal compounds work together to provide the plant with its therapeutic potential. Such chemical complexity allows Bidens pilosa to interact with multiple biological pathways.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", the optimization process of microwave-assisted extraction for Flavonoids in Bidens was investigated. The extraction of Flavonoids in Bidens can be described using a microwave power of 850 W and a radiation time of 30 min. This process also utilized a solvent concentration of 40% and a solvent volume that was 13 times as the proportion of raw material. Additionally, a dipping time of 60 min was used during the extraction of these active ingredients in Bidens.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- flavonoids
- polyacetylenes
- phenolic acids
- kaempferol
- chlorogenic acid
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating inflammation, cancer, anti-tumor activity, and various types of allergy or allergies. Its bioactive compounds are studied for their potential to reduce swelling and soothe irritated tissues within the body. Research into its anti-tumor properties suggests it may help inhibit the growth of certain malignant cells. Additionally, practitioners sometimes utilize its extracts to manage symptoms associated with a persistent allergy. These diverse medicinal applications highlight the plant's complex chemical profile.
According to a study published by "Pharmaceuotics", Bidens pilosa L. is used mainly to treat diseases associated with immune response disorders, such as autoimmunity, cancer, allergies, and infectious diseases. A systematic search of the PubMed-NLM, EBSCO Host and BVS databases identified 314 articles, though only 23 were selected for the review. The analyzed information supports the potential use of the plant as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumoral, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial immune response modulator. This plant shows potential for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, and infectious diseases. Currently, there has only been 1 clinical trial in phase I and II associated with the anti-inflammatory activity of Bidens in mucositis.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- allergies
- allergy
- anti-tumor
- autoimmunity
- inflammation
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Bidens pilosa, a medicinal herb commonly prepared as a decoction by boiling the tough stems and roots to extract concentrated compounds. Practitioners also utilize an infusion or a standard herbal tea made by steeping the delicate leaves in hot water for a milder effect. For topical applications or dietary supplementation, the dried plant material is processed into fine leaf powders or a more comprehensive whole-plant powder. These various preparations allow for the targeted delivery of the plant's bioactive properties in different therapeutic contexts.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", medicinal herbal preparations of Bidens pilosa include an infusion (IB) and a decoction (DB). The comet assay demonstrated genotoxic effects for the plant, with the genotoxic potential of IB being higher than DB and showing a dose-response. DNA damages were specifically demonstrated at the highest concentration of the Bidens pilosa infusion at 40 microL/mL. The results regarding these preparations suggest caution in phytotherapeutic use due to the observed effects of dose and preparation-form.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- decoction
- herbal tea
- infusion
- leaf powders
- powder
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause severe health complications including DNA damage, cytotoxicity, diarrhea, dysentery, and uterine contractions. The presence of certain bioactive compounds may lead to cellular toxicity and permanent genetic alterations within the body. Ingestion can also trigger significant gastrointestinal distress, manifesting as intense diarrhea or even dysentery. Furthermore, the plant possesses properties that stimulate uterine contractions, posing a serious risk during pregnancy. These diverse toxic effects necessitate extreme caution when handling or consuming any part of the species.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the comet assay demonstrated genotoxic effects for Bidens pilosa. The genotoxic potential of the infusion of Bidens pilosa (IB) was higher than the decoction of Bidens pilosa (DB), showing a dose-response. In the micronucleus test, all Bidens pilosa treatments were not mutagenic. However, DNA damages were demonstrated at the highest concentration of the Bidens pilosa infusion at 40 microL/mL. Both the dose and preparation-form suggest caution in the phytotherapeutic use of this plant.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- DNA damage
- Cytotoxicity
- Diarrhea
- Dysentery
- Uterine contraction
What herbs are paired with Bidens pilosa?
This plant Bidens pilosa pairs most effectively with peppermint, ginger, and lemon balm to enhance its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.
Incorporating peppermint can help soothe the gastrointestinal tract while masking the slightly bitter notes of the plant. Adding ginger provides a warming sensation that complements the herbal profile and boosts circulation. Lemon balm adds a subtle citrus aroma that balances the earthy undertones often found in this species.
These combinations are frequently used in traditional herbal teas to create a more palatable and therapeutic tonic.