Bidens pilosa: Nutritional value and benefits for metabolic syndrome

Abstract

The genus Bidens (Asteraceae) encompasses over 240 different species. One of them is Bidens pilosa L. that is an easy-to-grow perennial, and broadly distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This plant has been regarded as an edible plant by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations since 1975, and has been traditionally used as a food and medicine in America, Africa, and Asia. B. pilosa has been claimed to possess active compounds with more than 40 distinct bioactivities. Although considerable progress has been made in studying the phytochemistry and biology of B. pilosa and its compounds over recent years, a critical review of its dietary functions for metabolic syndrome is unavailable. The present review summarizes the nutrition, benefits, phytochemistry, and safety of B. pilosa with respect to metabolic syndrome. As well as highlighting studies of the use of B. pilosa for metabolic syndrome, scientific evidence regarding the antimetabolic action, mechanism, and application of this species and its active phytochemicals are discussed. This review consolidates information for further study into the medicinal benefits of the compounds in this plant.

Nutritional and Functional Properties of Wild Leafy Vegetables for Improving Food Security in Southern Angola

“…Some harmful effects of this species have also been reported, such as phototoxicity and a possible carcinogenic effect of leaf consumption (e.g., Mvere, 2004). However, these effects were not mentioned in more recent studies (e.g., Xuan and Khanh, 2016;Kuo et al, 2020). An interesting finding about the phytochemical properties of the three analyzed species of lombi is that the most abundant species in the mixtures sold (B. pilosa) is the one with the highest contents of protein, P, Cu, B, and total phenolics.…”

Prospective Asian plants with corroborated antiviral potentials: Position standing in recent years

“…In different studies, it has been reported that centaurein (6) , linoleic acid (7) , 3,5-Di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (8) , 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (9) , 3,4-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid (10) , luteolin (11) isolated from plants have significant antiviral activities against numerous viruses like influenza, Sendai virus, Sindbis virus, Herpes Simplex, Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV), flavivirus, and polio viruses [ 47 , 53 , 54 ]. Okanin 4`-glucoside (12) and butein (13) , present in the plant, obstruct the HIV integrase and HIV-1 protease and the entrance of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS virus) into host cells.…”

A review on the potential of underutilized Blackjack (Biden Pilosa) naturally occurring in sub-Saharan Africa

“…The result showed the positive effect of blackjack extract on body weight and body composition. Blackjack dependently decreases the body weight of visceral and subcutaneous fat depending on the dose administered [ 25 , 142 ]. Therefore, the two experiments conducted on blackjack indicate that the plant has an antiobesity function.…”

“…The consumption of blackjack as food in some parts of Africa was suggested in 1975 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [ 142 , 159 ]. In this case, blackjack is recognized as safe for consumption by humans and other animals.…”

“… Study Findings Remarks Reference A 90-day trial, administration B. pilosa-based health food at a daily dose of 400 mg/individual mice, three times a day Results indicated no adverse effects with the increased insulin level and decreased level of total cholesterol (TC). No potential harm; All parameters were in the physiological range, hence [ 160 , 161 ] In mice, administration of B. pilosa whole plant at 1 g/kg bodyweight for 24 weeks, a dosage of close to 10% of food was done. No toxicity was observed, as evidenced by retaining their normal ways of life.…”