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Bidens Pilosa Aerial Parts Extract

Also known as: Bidens pilosa, Spanish needle, black-jack, beggar's tick, Bidens pilosa aerial parts extract, Bidens pilosa L.

Overview

Bidens pilosa L. aerial parts extract is derived from the above-ground portions of the plant, widely utilized in traditional medicine across tropical regions. It is a rich source of diverse phytochemicals, including polyacetylenes (such as cytopiloyne), phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, and terpenoids. Research indicates its potential for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antitumor, and antidiabetic effects. While preclinical studies are numerous and promising, human clinical data, particularly large-scale randomized controlled trials, are limited. The extract is primarily studied for its ability to modulate glucose metabolism, reduce inflammation, and exhibit cytotoxic effects against certain cancer cell lines, with a generally favorable safety profile observed in animal models.

Benefits

Bidens pilosa L. extract offers several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research. Its antidiabetic effects are notable, with polyacetylenic compounds like cytopiloyne demonstrating hypoglycemic and insulin secretagogue activities in animal models, leading to improved glycemic control and modulation of obesity-related pathways. A small clinical pilot study also suggested improved glycemic control in diabetic patients, though larger trials are needed to confirm these findings. The extract also exhibits significant immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in models of intestinal and autoimmune diseases and showing selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells while sparing immune cells. Furthermore, rich in phenolics and flavonoids, it acts as a potent antioxidant, contributing to its overall therapeutic potential. Hydroethanolic and supercritical fluid extracts have also shown antitumor activity, reducing tumor growth in mouse models of breast carcinoma, with effects comparable to some chemotherapeutics.

How it works

The therapeutic actions of Bidens pilosa L. extract are attributed to its diverse phytochemical composition. Its antidiabetic effects are thought to involve polyacetylenes, particularly cytopiloyne, which modulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and influence glucose metabolism pathways in adipose tissue. The potent antioxidant activity stems from its high content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which effectively scavenge free radicals and mitigate oxidative stress. Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects are likely mediated by the modulation of inflammatory cytokines and immune cell activity, although the precise molecular targets are still under investigation. The various bioactive compounds, including polyacetylenes and flavonoids, are key to these mechanisms, with their variable polarity influencing absorption and systemic distribution.

Side effects

Overall, Bidens pilosa L. extracts have demonstrated low toxicity in immune cells and animal models at the doses studied. No significant adverse effects have been reported in animal studies or the limited human pilot trials conducted to date. However, comprehensive safety data in humans, especially regarding long-term use, specific populations, and potential drug interactions, are currently lacking. Due to its immunomodulatory effects, caution is advised for individuals with autoimmune conditions until more definitive data are available. Potential interactions with conventional medications, particularly those affecting glucose metabolism or immune function, have not been well characterized. Therefore, individuals considering its use should consult with a healthcare professional, especially if they have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.

Dosage

Optimal human dosing for Bidens pilosa L. extract is not yet standardized due to the limited number of rigorous clinical trials. Animal studies have utilized a wide range of doses, such as 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally for antitumor effects and various oral doses for antidiabetic activity. While some clinical pilot studies have incorporated formulations containing B. pilosa, precise dosing details for the extract itself are often not explicitly defined or universally applicable. Therefore, there are no established upper limits or safety thresholds for human consumption. Further well-designed clinical trials are essential to determine appropriate dosage ranges, timing considerations, and optimal formulations for specific therapeutic purposes and to ensure both efficacy and safety in human populations.

FAQs

Is Bidens pilosa extract safe for human consumption?

Preliminary data suggest low toxicity in animal models and small human pilot studies. However, comprehensive human safety data, especially for long-term use, are still limited and more research is needed.

Can Bidens pilosa extract treat diabetes?

Animal and pilot human data show promising antidiabetic effects, but the evidence is insufficient to recommend it as a treatment. It should not replace conventional diabetes therapy.

How quickly can one expect to see effects from Bidens pilosa extract?

Animal studies indicate effects over days to weeks, depending on the condition. Human data on the onset of action are currently sparse and not well-defined.

Can Bidens pilosa extract be used as a standalone treatment for any condition?

No. Current research suggests it may have potential as a complementary agent, but it is not a substitute for conventional medical treatments. Always consult a healthcare professional.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10220976/ – This review summarizes the immunomodulatory and antitumor properties of Bidens pilosa, highlighting its selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells while sparing immune cells. It discusses the role of various phytochemicals in these effects and notes the low toxicity observed in preclinical models, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent.
https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=131114 – This source discusses the antidiabetic potential of Bidens pilosa, particularly focusing on the polyacetylenic compounds like cytopiloyne. It highlights their ability to improve glycemic control and modulate obesity-related pathways in animal models, with a mention of a small clinical pilot study showing positive results in diabetic patients.
https://pure-oai.bham.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/231734342/jbm_2024020713593580.pdf – This systematic review synthesizes the antidiabetic effects of Bidens pilosa polyacetylenes, emphasizing cytopiloyne's hypoglycemic activity. It provides a comprehensive overview of preclinical findings, suggesting the plant's potential for diabetes management, while acknowledging the limited human clinical data.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12355053/ – This review identifies key antioxidant compounds in Bidens pilosa and quantifies its phenolic and flavonoid content. It confirms the plant's significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential through various in vitro and in vivo studies, contributing to the understanding of its broad therapeutic effects.