Ji Xue Cao (Bidens bipinnata): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Ji Xue Cao work to treat inflammation and blood stasis?

Ji Xue Cao (Bidens bipinnata) exerts its medicinal effects primarily through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways. Its active compounds, specifically flavonoids like quercetin and luteolin, help inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and scavenge free radicals. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this mechanism supports its classification as a herb that invigorates blood circulation and clears heat, making it effective for conditions associated with blood stasis and swelling (Evidence Level: C/Traditional).

Can I take Ji Xue Cao if I am on blood thinners or anticoagulants?

Caution is advised when taking Ji Xue Cao alongside anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. While specific human interaction studies are limited, the herb contains flavonoids like quercetin that may possess mild anti-platelet properties. Because Ji Xue Cao is traditionally used to invigorate blood and resolve stasis, combining it with pharmaceutical blood thinners could theoretically increase the risk of bleeding. Consult a healthcare provider before use (Evidence Level: C/Theoretical).

Is Ji Xue Cao safe to use during pregnancy?

No, Ji Xue Cao is considered unsafe during pregnancy and is strictly contraindicated. Traditional Chinese Medicine principles suggest that its strong ability to invigorate blood circulation and resolve stasis may stimulate uterine contractions, potentially leading to miscarriage. Pregnant women should avoid this herb entirely. Additionally, individuals with known allergies to the Asteraceae (daisy) family should avoid internal or topical use due to potential allergic reactions (Evidence Level: Traditional).

What is the standard dosage for Ji Xue Cao?

For adults, the standard dosage varies by preparation method. As a dried herb tea, 2 to 3 cups daily is the traditional recommendation. For liquid tinctures, a standard dose is 1 to 2 ml taken up to three times daily. For external applications, a poultice can be made from the fresh or dried herb and applied directly to wounds or inflamed areas. Always adhere to specific product labeling or professional guidance (Evidence Level: Traditional).

What are the common side effects of Ji Xue Cao?

Ji Xue Cao is generally well-tolerated when used appropriately, but mild side effects may occur. The most common complaints are mild gastrointestinal disturbances, such as stomach upset or nausea. Allergic reactions are possible, particularly in individuals sensitive to the Asteraceae family, manifesting as skin rashes or itching. Discontinue use immediately if any adverse reactions develop (Evidence Level: C/Traditional).

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Ji Xue Cao (Bidens bipinnata L.) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant used for treating conditions such as hyperlipidemia and hepatitis [PMID:18812033, PMID:32730873].

Background

Bidens bipinnata L., also known as Spanish needles, is an annual herb in the Asteraceae family native to the United States and tropical regions worldwide [PMID:30722155]. It is utilized as a folk medicine in contemporary China [PMID:36097410].

Traditional uses

It is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria, sore throat, acute nephritis, dysentery [PMID:35002443], hepatitis [PMID:18812033], and hyperlipidemia [PMID:32730873].

Active compounds

The plant contains flavonoids (including quercetin, hyperoside, rutin, and luteolin), acetylenic glucosides (bidenoside C and D), and phenolics [PMID:15056959, PMID:30722155, PMID:33169423]. Specific isolated compounds include 16-Pregnenolone and 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester [PMID:35002443].

Mechanism of action

Flavonoid-rich extracts may protect pancreatic β-cells by regulating Bax and Bcl-2 proteins to inhibit oxidative stress-induced apoptosis [PMID:33823164]. In hyperlipidemia, markers such as gallic acid and rutin show high distribution in the liver and may interact with proteins including HMGCR, NR3C1, and CYP1A2 [PMID:33169423].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DHyperlipidemia

Demonstrated efficacy in treating hyperlipidemia in rat models, influencing metabolic networks and serum biomarkers [PMID:36097410, PMID:32730873]

Evidence DLiver Fibrosis

Total flavonoids significantly reduced liver index, spleen index, and serum transaminases (ALT, AST) in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis rat models [PMID:18812033]

Evidence DCervical Carcinoma (U14 cells)

Extract showed in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effects on U14 tumor growth, with a 70.44% inhibition rate at 80µg/L in vitro [PMID:24146503]

Evidence DHepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) and Cervical Carcinoma (Hela)

In vitro inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 14.80 µg/mL (HepG2) and 13.50 µg/mL (Hela) [PMID:24146487]

Safety & adverse effects

Ji Xue Cao has been identified in literature reviews as a herbal Traditional Chinese Medicine product with potential hepatotoxicity [PMID:26357619, PMID:25536637].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro assays and animal models (Level D), demonstrating potential anti-tumor, anti-hyperlipidemic, and hepatoprotective activities, though some reports link the herb to rare hepatotoxicity.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 26357619 (2014) — Traditional Chinese Medicine Induced Liver Injury. · Journal of clinical and translational hepatology
2.PMID: 36097410 (2023) — Overall metabolic network analysis of urine in hyperlipidemic rats treated with Bidens bipinnata L. · Biomedical chromatography : BMC
3.PMID: 32730873 (2020) — Serum metabonomics coupled with HPLC-LTQ/orbitrap MS and multivariate data analysis on the ameliorative effects of Bidens bipinnata L. in hyperlipidemic rats. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
4.PMID: 25536637 (2015) — Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal hepatotoxicity: a tabular compilation of reported cases. · Annals of hepatology
5.PMID: 24146503 (2013) — The inhibitory effect of Binens bipinnata L. extract on U14 tumour in mice. · African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines : AJTCAM

Ji Xue Cao

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Ji Xue Cao