Botanical, Pharmacological, Phytochemical, and Toxicological Aspects of the Antidiabetic PlantBidens pilosaL.
Bidens pilosaL. is an easy-to-grow, widespread, and palatable perennial on earth. Hence, it has traditionally been used as foods and medicines without noticeable adverse effects. Despite significant advancement in chemical and biological studies ofB. pilosaover the past few years, comprehensive and critical reviews on its anti-diabetic properties are missing. The present review is to summarize up-to-date information on the pharmacology, phytochemistry, and toxicology ofB. pilosa, in regard to type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes from the literature. In addition to botanical studies and records of the traditional use ofB. pilosain diabetes, scientific studies investigating antidiabetic action of this species and its active phytochemicals are presented and discussed. The structure and biosynthesis ofB. pilosaand its polyynes in relation to their anti-diabetic action and mechanism are emphasized. Although some progress has been made, rigorous efforts are further required to unlock the molecular basis and structure-activity relationship of the polyynes isolated fromB. pilosabefore their clinical applications. The present review provides preliminary information and gives guidance for further anti-diabetic research and development of this plant.