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.

Dr. Yamin Bibi

Dr. Yamin Bibi has made significant contributions in the field of botany, currently serving as a chairperson in the Department of Botany at Rawalpindi Women University. She has completed her PhD from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, with a focus on the evaluation of ethnobotanically important plants for anticancer and antibacterial activities, as well as phytochemical analysis. Her research if focused on plant-based natural products, particularly in the isolation and chemical characterization of active components and the evaluation of their biological activities. Her work aims to reveal novel bioactive compounds from plants, contributing to the understanding of their therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action.

Throughout her career, Dr. Yamin Bibi has supervised numerous PhD and MPhil students, guiding them in their research endeavors. She has also completed several fully funded research projects and published extensively in national and international journals. Her expertise and dedication have earned her recognition and awards, including multiple paper incentive awards and a research award from PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi.

Dr. Yamin Bibi has presented her research at various national and international conferences, sharing her findings with the global scientific community. Her contributions to the field of botany, combined with her commitment to teaching and mentoring, have made a significant impact on the academic and research landscape.

Dr. Kulsoom Zahara

Dr. Kulsoom Zahara is an emerging scholar in the field of Botany. As an early-career researcher, she has already made noteable contributions to the study of phytochemistry, with a particular focus on the genus Bidens. Her extensive work has significantly contributed to the understanding of the pharmacological properties and bioactive compounds of Bidens species, such as Bidens biternata, Bidens pilosa and Bidens bipinnata.

Dr. Kulsoom Zahara completed her academic journey at the Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Her research primarily revolves around the isolation and identification of bioactive compounds from various plant species, utilizing advanced techniques like HPLC-DAD and GC-MS.

One of her notable contributions includes evaluating pharmacological properties of Genus Bidens, highlighting their potential as a nutraceutical. Additionally, her research has explored the anticancer potential of Bidens species, identifying key compounds responsible for their bioactivity.

Beyond her work on Bidens, Dr. Kulsoom Zahara has also investigated other plant species, contributing to the broader field of plant biodiversity and phytochemistry. Her interdisciplinary approach and dedication to scientific excellence have earned her recognition in the academic community, with numerous publications and collaborations with researchers worldwide.

Dr. Kulsoom Zahara's passion for phytochemistry and her commitment to advancing knowledge in this field continue to inspire her peers and students alike. Her work not only enhances our understanding of plant-based compounds but also paves the way for potential therapeutic applications.

Dr. Abdul Qayyum

Dr. Abdul Qayyum currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy at the University of Haripur, Pakistan. Dr. Qayyum’s research interests are centered on crop nutrition management, modern concepts of crop production, integrated agriculture, and stress agronomy. He has made significant contributions to understanding plant drought stress tolerance, particularly in wheat, through in-depth chemical analysis using advanced techniques like Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry.

His academic career includes a stint as a Visiting Scientist at Purdue University, USA, where he explored plant drought stress tolerance responses in diverse wheat genotypes. Dr. Qayyum has supervised numerous MS and PhD students, guiding them in their research projects and helping them develop their scientific careers. Dr. Qayyum has led several research projects funded by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, focusing on the impact of nanoparticles on biochemical and agronomic attributes of maize and wheat, and the evaluation of fermenting microorganisms for oil production from rice bran. His work has been published in various peer-reviewed journals, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of agronomy.

In addition to his research and teaching responsibilities, Dr. Qayyum is actively involved in the academic community, presenting his findings at national and international conferences. His dedication to advancing agronomic science and his commitment to education have earned him recognition and respect among his peers and students alike.

Dr. Matthew A. Jenks

Dr. Matthew A. Jenks is a distinguished professor at the University of Arizona, holding the Bud Antle Endowed Chair for Excellence in the School of Plant Sciences. His research primarily focuses on understanding the cellular mechanisms that enable plants to adapt to both biotic and abiotic environmental stresses, with a particular emphasis on the plant cuticle.

Dr. Jenks earned his Bachelor's degree in Horticultural Science from Michigan State University, followed by a Master's degree from the University of Florida, and a Ph.D. from Purdue University, all in Horticultural Science. His work has significantly contributed to the field of plant industrial products, and he has an extensive publication record, reflecting his active engagement in research.

Throughout his career, Dr. Jenks has been involved in various research projects that explore the adaptability of plants, particularly focusing on the cuticular waxes and their role in protecting plants from environmental stressors. His contributions have been recognized through numerous citations and collaborations with researchers worldwide.