Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Spanish Needle (Bidens pilosa) has a long history of use in traditional medicine across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, where it is commonly used for its purported antimicrobial properties, particularly in the treatment of infections and wounds. Traditional healers often prepare infusions, decoctions, or poultices from the leaves or aerial parts of the plant to manage bacterial and fungal infections, sometimes as an alternative or adjunct to conventional antibiotics when such medications are unavailable or unaffordable. Ethnobotanical surveys document its use for conditions such as wound healing, sore throats, urinary tract infections, and gastrointestinal disturbances believed to be caused by pathogens. Some laboratory studies have shown that extracts of Bidens pilosa possess antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity in vitro, attributed to phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyacetylenes, and phenolic compounds. However, these findings have not yet translated into robust clinical evidence in humans. Few, if any, well-designed clinical trials have confirmed its efficacy or safety as an antibiotic alternative. Thus, support for its use as an alternative to antibiotics is rooted primarily in traditional knowledge, with only preliminary scientific evidence. It is important to note that while traditional use is widespread, anyone considering Spanish Needle for infection should do so with caution and consult healthcare professionals, as plant-based remedies may not adequately substitute for proven antibiotic therapies in serious infections.

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