Phytochemical-Based Evidence of the Health Benefits of Bidens Pilosa Extracts and Cytotoxicity

Abstract

Purpose Bidens pilosa L. is traditionally used as a flavouring agent in foods, in the treatment of diseases, in agriculture as a biopesticide and herbicide, and in the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals. The vast range of uses of B. pilosa for a variety of purposes is questionable, hence motivating the objectives of this study, which are to assess the cytotoxicity, health benefits, and/or risks of B. pilosa using chemical-based evidence. Methods A real-time cell analysis (xCELLigence system), ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometer, high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector, and chemical-based spectrophotometric methods were adopted in the study. Results High concentrations of the ethanol extracts exhibited cytotoxic activity on HepG2 (cancerous), and Vero (non-cancerous) cell lines, whereas the water extracts promoted cell proliferation at selected concentrations. The chemical profiling enabled the separation as well as characterisation of 137 phytochemicals. These were mainly phenolic acids, flavonoids, fatty acids, coumarins, and furanocoumarins. There was no toxic compound identified. Conclusion The ethanol extracts are generally more potent and exhibit stronger antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity, probably due to the presence of more flavonoids and phenolic acids, validating the uses of B. pilosa and its relevance as a source of functional phytochemicals.

In vitro anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity of methanolic extract of Bidens pilosa and identification of active compounds by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis

“…Various studies have reported these concentration ranges, often falling between 500 µg/ml and over 1,000 µg/ml against various microorganisms. The present results do not categorize these compounds as definitively "good" or "not good, " but they do confirm the low or absent cytotoxic effects compared to other plant extracts [29].…”

“…Regarding the toxicity assessments using Artemia salina and the Vero cell line, the CC 50 results exceeded 1,000 μg/ml for both the Bp-mOH extract and the 3 evaluated fractions (BPFC1CL1, BPFC2AE1, and BPFC3MOH1). These results indicated that the extract and fractions were non-toxic [ 29 ]. Such toxicity studies are paramount, providing comprehensive insights into potential non-harmful effects on different organisms and cells.…”

Chitosan-Bidens pilosa Extract-Based Coating with Enhanced Free Radical Scavenging, Antifungal, and Water Barrier Properties: Metabolite Profiling, Film Characterization, and Raspberry Preservation

“…Among the identifed polyphenols, phenolic acids were notably abundant in the B. pilosa extract. Tese observations are similar to fndings by Idris et al [47], who reported a high prevalence of phenolic acids and their derivatives in B. pilosa extracts obtained through water and 70% ethanolic extraction methods. Te medicinal uses of B. pilosa in traditional medicine and food preservation could be attributed to this high phenolic acid content [21].…”

Gastroprotective Effect of Bidens pilosa L. Leaves against Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulceration in Rats

“…A double layer of gauze was used to filter the infusion. A rotary evaporator was used to evaporate the filtrates at 40 degrees Celsius in a vacuum (12,13) . The chemical analysis of dried powdered B. pilosa leaves included the determination of moisture content, total protein, fat, fiber, and ash using the procedures specified in A.O.A.C, (14) , and the determination of carbohydrates content using the method of difference.…”