The Genus Bidens

This contributed volume on phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Bidens covers the chemical constituents and biological activities of this plant group in detail. Bidens is an important genus of the Asteraceae family, which is one of the dominant plant families globally, contributing medicinal species. It is a diverse genus of weedy herbs with roughly 230 species. Members of this genus have been listed in Oriental Materia Medica as remedies for rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, insect and scorpion stings, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis, acute nephritis, stomachaches, and sore throats. Despite its medicinal properties, the chemistry and pharmacology of this genus are disorganized. The aim of this book is to present comprehensive information on the chemical constituents, nutraceutical and ethnomedical uses, as well as the biological and pharmacological effects and toxicity of this plant, based on 218 literary sources reported over 40 years. Major chemical constituents (including 301 compounds) belonging to polyacetylenes, polyacetylene glycosides, flavonoids, flavone glycosides, aurones, chalcones, okanin glycosides, phenolic acids, terpenes, pheophytins, fatty acids, and phytosterols have been identified or isolated from different parts of this plant. Many of them are considered bioactive compounds potentially responsible for pharmacological actions. The book will appeal to a wide range of readers, including researchers, botanists, and students studying the phytochemistry and pharmacology of medicinal plants. It may also interest pharmaceutical companies seeking to develop new drugs based on the chemical constituents of Bidens.