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Bidens pilosa

Bidens pilosa

Bidens pilosa is a plant species utilized within various traditional healing systems, including those in Tanzania. It is traditionally employed to address a wide range of conditions such as cough, diabetes, dysentery, rheumatism, and various eye complaints. Scientific evidence regarding its human applications is limited, though studies have noted its potential for pathogen clearance and growth recovery in certain animal models. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data. This information is for educational purposes only.

At a glance
Traditionally for
cough · diuretic
Traditions
traditional
Best evidence
A
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • cough traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diuretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bleeding traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • boils traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • conjunctivitis traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diabetes traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • dysentery traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • eye complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • pectoral traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • rheumatism traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • toothache traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • allergy traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • amygdalitis traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • angina traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • antidote traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • Bidens pilosa showed a marked bioactive profile among studied indigenous leafy vegetables from the Congo Basin. A PMID
  • The ethanol extract from Artemisia frigida, particularly 4-ethyloctanoic acid, showed significant inhibitory effects on the seed germination and growth of several invasive plant species. D PMID
  • The review found that 73 Asteraceae species, including Bidens pilosa, are used in traditional healing in Tanzania for various conditions. A PMID
  • Bidens pilosa showed moderate pathogen clearance and promoted growth recovery in chickens infected with Mycoplasma gallisepticum. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Bidens pilosa?

Bidens pilosa (Bidens pilosa) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Bidens pilosa traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Bidens pilosa for: cough, diuretic, bleeding, boils, conjunctivitis, diabetes. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Bidens pilosa?

Bidens pilosa appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Bidens pilosa?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Bidens pilosa; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: Bidens pilosa showed a marked bioactive profile among studied indigenous leafy vegetables from the Congo Basin.

How strong is the evidence for Bidens pilosa?

The strongest finding for Bidens pilosa carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Bidens pilosa safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Bidens pilosa in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Bidens pilosa interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Bidens pilosa in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

Is Bidens pilosa a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Ethnomedicinal Evidence for Medicinal Plants of the Asteraceae Family Used by Tanzanians to Treat Various Ailments: A Review. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Evaluation and Analysis of the Efficacy of Four Chinese Herbal Medicines and Formulations in Preventing and Treating Mycoplasma gallisepticum Infection in Chickens. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Allelopathic Effects of Compounds from the Ethanol Extract of Artemisia frigida on Five Invasive Alien Plants. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Nutritional, mineral, and bioactive composition of indigenous leafy vegetables from the Congo Basin: A systematic review and meta-analysis. literature abstract metadata

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