Mechanistic insight into pharmacological effects of secondary metabolites from Bidens pilosa

Bidens pilosa also known as blackjack, Spanish needles, or beggar’s ticks, is native to central and southern America but has drastically spread to other parts of the world including Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its folklore use as a traditional herb and food supplement has been noted for many years, which triggered research interest in its phytochemistry and possible pharmacological actions. Phytochemical screening of different solvent extracts of B. pilosa has revealed the presence of many phytocompounds of pharmacological importance. In the present review paper, some of the phytochemicals belonging to polyacetylenes, flavonoids, terpenes, steroids, alkaloids, phenolics, and coumarins present in the different solvent extracts of the plant parts or whole plant have been considered to exert a range of therapeutic actions such as analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hemorrhoid, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-ulcer, anti-malarial, hepatoprotective, diuretic, anti-allergy, anti-angiogenic and anti-fungal effects. This review discusses the pharmacological actions of active secondary metabolites in B. pilosa and their potential mechanisms contributing to specific pharmacological actions.

Graphical Abstract