Bidens pilosaL. (Asteraceae): Botanical Properties, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology

Abstract

There are 230 to 240 knownBidensspecies. Among them,Bidens pilosais a representative perennial herb, globally distributed across temperate and tropical regions.B. pilosahas been traditionally used in foods and medicines without obvious adverse effects. Despite significant progress in phytochemical and biological analyses ofB. pilosaover the past few years, comprehensive and critical reviews of this plant are anachronistic or relatively limited in scope. The present review aims to summarize up-to-date information on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology ofB. pilosafrom the literature. In addition to botanical studies and records of the traditional use ofB. pilosain over 40 diseases, scientific studies investigating the potential medicinal uses of this species and its constituent phytochemicals for a variety of disorders are presented and discussed. The structure, bioactivity, and likely mechanisms of action ofB. pilosaand its phytochemicals are emphasized. Although some progress has been made, further rigorous efforts are required to investigate the individual compounds isolated fromB. pilosato understand and validate its traditional uses and develop clinical applications. The present review provides preliminary information and gives guidance for further basic and clinical research into this plant.