Bidens pilosa (Asteraceae) Beggar ticks

Bidens pilosa (Black-Jack)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Bidens pilosa

Family: Asteraceae

Genus: Bidens

Related Herbs from the same family:

Eclipta alba (Bhringraj/Bhringaraj): A premier Ayurvedic herb for hair health, liver disorders, and as a rejuvenative. It is also used for skin diseases.

Wedelia chinensis (Bhringraj): Often confused with Eclipta alba, it is also used for hair growth and skin conditions.

Artemisia annua (Sweet Wormwood): The source of artemisinin, a powerful antimalarial compound. This highlights the family's potential for producing potent therapeutic molecules.

Matricaria chamomilla (Chamomile): Used for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties.

The Asteraceae family, also known as the daisy or sunflower family, is one of the largest plant families. Many members contain a diverse array of phytochemicals and are used for inflammatory, digestive, and infectious conditions.

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Bidens pilosa | English: Black-Jack, Hairy Beggarticks, Spanish Needle | Sanskrit: (Not commonly referenced in classical texts) | Hindi: Kumber, Phutana | Tamil: Uppu Soppu | Telugu: Gaddi Chamanthi | Kannada: Nayibicchal | Malayalam: Vankuppatti | Marathi: Chhota Gokhru | Bengali: Buke Chara | Afrikaans: Blackjack | Spanish: Mozote |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Anti-inflammatory,Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antimalarial, Immunomodulatory, Hepatoprotective, Antidiabetic, Antihypertensive.

Medicinal Parts:

The whole plant is used,but the leaves and roots are most common.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Polyacetylenes (e.g., Phenylheptatriyne): Unique and potent compounds in Bidens pilosa. Their actions are strong Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Cytotoxic (anti-cancer).

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Luteolin, Cynaroside): Their primary actions are Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and they contribute to Antidiabetic and Antihypertensive effects.

Phenylpropanoids (e.g., Aurantiamide acetate): Their actions include potent Anti-inflammatory and Immunomodulatory effects.

Triterpenes and Sterols: Contribute to the Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant profile.

Essential Oil: Contains various compounds that add to the Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Jwara (Fever) & Vishamajwara (Malaria)

Formulation: Whole plant decoction.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the whole plant is a widely used traditional remedy for fevers, including malaria, across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Reasoning: The polyacetylenes and flavonoids have demonstrated antipyretic and antimalarial activities.

Sopha (Inflammation) & Vrana (Wounds)

Formulation: Leaf poultice or wash.

Preparation & Use: The fresh leaves are crushed and applied as a poultice to wounds, burns, boils, and arthritic joints. A leaf decoction is used as a wash.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help reduce swelling, pain, and prevent infection.

Yakrit Vikara (Liver Disorders)

Formulation: Root or leaf decoction.

Preparation & Use: The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat jaundice and other liver ailments.

Reasoning: Flavonoids like cynaroside have shown hepatoprotective effects, helping to protect liver cells from damage.

Prameha (Diabetes) & Raktachapa (Hypertension)

Formulation: Leaf infusion.

Preparation & Use: An infusion of the leaves is consumed regularly to help manage blood sugar and blood pressure.

Reasoning: The flavonoids contribute to vasodilation and improved insulin sensitivity.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

The young leaves and shoots are sometimes consumed as a potherb or in salads.

Anti-inflammatory Leaf Poultice

Purpose: To treat wounds, boils, and joint inflammation.

Preparation & Use:

· Crush a handful of fresh Bidens pilosa leaves.

· Apply the paste directly to the affected area.

· Secure with a bandage and change twice daily.

Fever and Malaria Decoction

Purpose: To reduce fever.

Preparation & Use:

· Boil a handful of the whole plant (roots, leaves, stems) in 3 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

· Strain and drink 1/4 cup 3-4 times a day.

Liver Tonic Infusion

Purpose: Traditional support for liver health.

Preparation & Use:

· Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Bidens pilosa leaves in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes.

· Strain and drink once daily.

7. Disclaimer:

Bidens pilosa has a long history of traditional use, but its interaction with pharmaceuticals is not fully studied. Due to its effects on blood sugar and blood pressure, individuals on medication for diabetes or hypertension should use it with caution and monitor their levels closely. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to a lack of safety data. This information is for academic and educational purposes only.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

· Medicinal Plants of the World by Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink

· African Traditional Medicine: A Dictionary of Plant Use and Applications by Hans Dieter Neuwinger

· The Useful Plants of India

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Eclipta alba (Bhringraj)

* Species:Eclipta alba | Family: Asteraceae | Genus: Eclipta

* Similarities:Both are members of the Asteraceae family with hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. They are also both used for hair and skin health.

2. Ageratum conyzoides (Goatweed)

* Species:Ageratum conyzoides | Family: Asteraceae | Genus: Ageratum

* Similarities:Both are common weeds with extensive traditional use for wound healing, inflammation, and infections. They share antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and are often found in similar habitats.

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