Beggar's Lice
Bidens alba
Bidens alba is a plant traditionally not associated with any specific medicinal uses. Scientific studies have shown that legumes can enhance Bidens alba's invasion by increasing its biomass by 234% on average, likely due to the reduction in resistance from functional group diversity against Bidens alba. The plant has been identified as a producer of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can contaminate honey and potentially cause vascular liver injury through hemolysis; however, the evidence is limited and more research is needed to confirm these findings. Bidens alba also contains flavonoids and terpenoids with tissue-specific biosynthesis, involving 84 BaTPS genes that have expanded through whole-genome duplication and segmental duplication. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Legume presence reduced the resistance effect of functional group diversity against Bidens alba invasion, with legumes enhancing invader biomass by 234% on average.
- The study identifies Bidens alba as a novel pyrrolizidine alkaloid producer that can contaminate honey, leading to vascular liver injury via hemolysis.
- The study identified tissue-specific biosynthesis and accumulation of flavonoids and terpenoids in Bidens alba, with key genes and transcription factors involved.
- A total of 84 BaTPS genes were identified in Bidens alba, showing expansion through whole-genome and segmental duplication.
Frequently asked questions
What is Beggar's Lice?
Beggar's Lice (Bidens alba) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Beggar's Lice?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Beggar's Lice; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Legume presence reduced the resistance effect of functional group diversity against Bidens alba invasion, with legumes enhancing invader biomass by 234% on average.
How strong is the evidence for Beggar's Lice?
The strongest finding for Beggar's Lice carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Beggar's Lice safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Beggar's Lice in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Beggar's Lice interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Beggar's Lice in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Beggar's Lice?
Beggar's Lice is also known as: Череда белая.
Is Beggar's Lice a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Multi-omics integration reveals organ-specific biosynthesis of flavonoids and terpenoids in the medicinal plant Bidens alba. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Deciphering the Distinct Vascular Liver Injury Induced by Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids: From the Invasive Species to Health Hazard. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The presence of legumes (Fabaceae) undermines the resistance effect of functional group diversity against invasion. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Evolutionary and molecular insights into the terpene synthase gene (TPS) family in the medicinal plant Bidens alba. literature abstract metadata