Beggar's ticks (Bidens pilosa) is an erect, perennial herb widely distributed across temperate and tropical regions worldwide. There has been an increasing global interest in the use of B. pilosa, with a large number of studies conducted on the plant in recent years. Different parts of B. pilosa have been reported to be useful in the treatment of over 40 disorders including digestive-related, wounds, immunological-related, inflammation, protozoan infections, bacterial infections, cancers, metabolic syndrome, and many more. B. pilosa is usually ingested, however it is used externally for the treatment of snake bites and wounds. Specific applications studied in poultry include:
Anticoccidial: Studies have shown that 0.5% B. pilosa may be effective against coccidiosis in chickens. Findings showed supplemental begger ticks helped to consistently reduce fecal oocyst excretion and degree of intestine destruction. It was also proven to improve reduced weight gain.
A Bartolome, I Villasenor, W Yang.. "Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae): Botanical Properties, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology" Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2013)
