Picao Preto

Botanical Name
Bidens pilosa

Synonyms
Bidens adhaerescens, B. alausensis, B. chilensis, B. hirsuta, B. leucantha, B. montaubani, B. reflexa, B. scandicina, B. sundaica, Coreopsis leucantha, Kerneria pilosa

Common Names
Picão preto, carrapicho, amor seco, pirca, aceitilla, cadillo, chilca, pacunga, cuambu, erva-picão, alfiler, clavelito de monte, romerillo, saltillo, yema de huevo, z’aiguille, jarongan, ketul, pau-pau pasir, Spanish needles, bident herisse, herbe d’aiguille, zweizahn, bidente piloso, mozote, beggar’s tick.

Parts Used
Aerial parts, whole herb.

Introduction
Picão preto is a small, erect annual herb that grows to 1 m high. It has bright green leaves with serrated, prickly edges and produces small, yellow flowers and black fruit. Its root has a distinctive aroma similar to that of a carrot. It is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of South America, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Philippines. It is often considered a weed in many places. It is a southern cousin to Bidens tripartita, the European bur marigold, which has an ancient history in European herbal medicine. In Brazil, the plant is most commonly known as picão preto or carrapicho; in Peru it is known as amor seco or pirca.

Medical History
picão preto is considered anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and hepatoprotective. It is commonly used there for hepatitis, conjunctivitis, abscesses, mycosis, urinary infections, as a weight loss aid, and to stimulate childbirth. In Brazilian herbal medicine it is considered an emollient, astringent, antidiabetic, and diuretic used for fevers, malaria, leucorrhea, jaundice, diabetes, sore throat, tonsillitis, obstructions in the liver and other liver disorders, urinary infections, and vaginal infections. An infusion or decoction of the entire plant is often gargled for tonsilitis and pharyngitis. Externally it is used for wounds, fungal infections, ulcers, diaper rash, insect bites, and hemorrhoids. Brazilian herbalists also report using picão preto to normalize insulin and bilirubin levels in the pancreas, liver, and blood. In Mexico the entire plant or leaf is used to treat diabetes, stomach disorders, hemorrhoids, jaundice, nervous problems, and fever. It is used as a gargle for mouth blisters, and the juice of the plant is used as a poultice for kidney and liver inflammation. In Cameroon the plant is used to lower blood pressure.

Traditional Remedy
One-half to one cup of a standard decoction 1–3 times daily or 1–3 ml of a 4:1 tincture twice daily; 1–3 g of powdered herb in tablets, capsules, or stirred into water (or juice) twice daily can be substituted, if desired.

Drug Interactions:
None clinically documented; however, the use of this plant may potentiate antidiabetic, anticoagulant, and antihypertensive drugs.


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