Evidence supporting the use of: Spanish Needle
For the body system: Gums

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Synopsis

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

Spanish Needle (Bidens pilosa) has a history of traditional use in various cultures, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, for oral health and gum care. Ethnobotanical records indicate that indigenous groups in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean have used preparations of Spanish Needle—such as decoctions, poultices, or chewing fresh leaves—to help manage gum inflammation, bleeding gums, and mouth ulcers. The plant is noted in traditional medicine texts as being antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, which may explain its use for maintaining healthy gums and oral tissues.

While there are some laboratory studies suggesting that Bidens pilosa has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, including activity against certain oral pathogens, clinical evidence in humans for gum health is sparse. Most of the support remains anecdotal or rooted in traditional herbal practice rather than validated by large-scale, high-quality clinical trials. Some preliminary research, such as in vitro studies, supports the plausibility of its traditional use, but direct evidence for its efficacy in supporting the gums is limited. Thus, its use for this purpose is considered primarily traditional, with a modest evidence rating.

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