Picão-preto is a medicinal plant widely used to treat urinary tract infections, rheumatism, diabetes, hypertension, malaria, stomach pain and herpes.
Despite the variety of indications, it is important that its use is recommended by a doctor, as there are few studies that indicate the short and long-term effects of this plant on people.
The scientific name of the black walleye is Bidens pilosa, and can be found in health food stores, open-air markets and some supermarkets. This plant grows in the hot regions of South America and is therefore very common in Brazil, especially in clean gardens, without toxic products and away from the streets.
What is it for
Picão-preto is recommended for:
- Assist in the treatment of malariaas it is capable of inhibiting the development and spread in the blood of the Plasmodium sp., which is the parasite responsible for malaria;
- Help in the treatment of herpessince it has been demonstrated that this plant has antimicrobial activity, mainly against herpes simplex viruses types 1 and 2;
- Fight urinary infectionas it has antimicrobial activity against the bacteria responsible for this type of infection;
- Help prevent cancersince it has antioxidant properties and is capable of inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells, however more studies are needed to prove this effect;
- Prevent diabetesas it is capable of regulating insulin levels in the blood;
- Prevent hypertensionas it is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, promoting blood pressure regulation and muscle relaxation;
- Alleviate allergy symptomsas it is capable of inhibiting the release of histamine, which is released in allergic attacks and is related to symptoms;
- Fight inflammationbeing useful to help treat rheumatism and sore throat, as black pepper is capable of regulating the inflammatory cytokines released, helping to alleviate symptoms;
- Assist in the treatment of gastrointestinal disordersas black picão extract is capable of reducing the volume of gastric juice and the secretion of acid and pepsin, in addition to having anti-ulcerative action.
Despite its properties and indications, more studies are still needed to prove the effects of picão-preto, because most of the results obtained are due to experiments carried out on rats. Furthermore, it is important that picão-preto is done under medical supervision and should not replace the recommended treatment.
Properties of the black walleye
Black picão has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-allergic, antihypertensive and muscle relaxing properties, as it is rich in flavonoids, phenolic compounds, phytosterols and glycosides.
Despite its properties, the consumption of picão-preto should not replace treatment recommended by a doctor, and should be used with the guidance of a doctor or herbalist.
How to use
To obtain the benefits of picão-preto, it is possible to use the extract of this medicinal plant or use the plant to make teas, infusions or compresses, according to the doctor’s recommendation and the purpose of using the plant. All aerial parts of the plant, that is, the parts that remain outside the ground, can be used, with the leaves and branches of the black pickerel being most frequently used.
1. Black pepper tea
Picão-preto tea is the most popular way to use this plant, being mainly used to help treat stomach problems, hepatitis, diabetes or hypertension, for example. To prepare tea, you will need:
Ingredients
- Half a cup of dried black pepper parts;
- Half a liter of water.
Preparation mode
Place ½ cup of dried plant parts in a pan with ½ liter of water and let it boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Filter the mixture and drink 1 cup 4 to 6 times a day.
2. Warm black pepper compresses
Warm compresses can help soothe rheumatism and muscle pain. To prepare these compresses, simply prepare the black pepper infusion, let it cool until it is lukewarm, dip compresses or clean gauze into the mixture and then apply it to painful joints or muscles.
Possible side effects
Since there are few studies on people related to the use of picão-preto and its short and long-term effects, no side effects have yet been described.
Therefore, the use of picão-preto should only be done under the guidance of a doctor or a professional with experience in medicinal plants.
When it is not indicated
The consumption of picão-preto is not recommended for people who have been diagnosed with cardiac changes or hypoglycemia, and is also not recommended for people who are allergic or highly sensitive to caffeine or pregnant or breastfeeding women.
In the case of people with diabetes who are undergoing treatment, the plant should only be used under the guidance of a doctor, as it can enhance or alter the effect of medications.
Furthermore, the use of this plant is not recommended for pregnant women and children.
Bibliography
- YAN, Z.; et al. Bioactive polyacetylenes from Bidens pilosa L and their anti-inflammatory activity. Nat Prod Res. 36. 24; 6353-6358, 2022
- HONG, M.; et al. Total Flavonoids of Bidens pilosa Ameliorates Bone Destruction in Collagen-Induced Arthritis. Plant Med. 87. 7; 550-559, 2021
- YANG, WC Botanical, Pharmacological, Phytochemical, and Toxicological Aspects of the Antidiabetic Plant Bidens pilosa L. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014. 698617, 2014
- RODRÍGUEZ-MESA, XM; et al. Immunomodulatory Properties of Natural Extracts and Compounds Derived from Bidens pilosa L.: Literature Review. Pharmaceutics. 15. 5; 1491, 2023
- XUANG, Tran D.; KHANH, Tran D. Chemistry and pharmacology of Bidens pilosa: an overview. Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation. Vol 46. 91-132, 2016
