Bidens pilosa, commonly called Black Jack, is an erect annual herb with oppositely arranged green leaves and small yellow or white flowers that form clusters. It grows widely in disturbed soils in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant contains bioactive compounds including polyacetylenes, flavonoids and phenolic acids associated with antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In many parts of Africa traditional practitioners apply leaf preparations topically for wound care and use the plant to support relief of fever, inflammation and malaria-related symptoms. Scientific studies have identified a wide spectrum of secondary metabolites that are consistent with these traditional uses.