Eclipta prostata (Asteraceae) Bhringaraj

Eclipta prostata- Bhringaraj

Eclipta alba (False Daisy)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Eclipta prostata (Syn. Eclipta alba)

Family: Asteraceae

Genus: Eclipta

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Wedelia chinensis (Bhringaraj/Bhringara): Often used interchangeably or as a substitute in some regions for similar hair and liver benefits.

• Sphaeranthus indicus (Mundi): An important Ayurvedic herb for skin diseases, digestive issues, and as a nervine tonic.

• Echinacea purpurea (Coneflower): A renowned Western herbal immune stimulant, highlighting the family's focus on immune-modulating plants.

The Asteraceae family, one of the largest plant families, is characterized by composite flower heads and includes many herbs with significant detoxifying, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory properties.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Eclipta alba | English: False Daisy, Yerba de Tago, Trailing Eclipta | Sanskrit: Bhringaraj, Kesharaja, Markava | Hindi: Bhangra, Mochkand, Babri | Tamil: Karisalankanni | Telugu: Guntagalagara | Kannada: Garagadasoppu, Bhringaraja | Malayalam: Kannunni, Kayyunni | Marathi: Maka, Bhangra | Bengali: Kesuti, Kesraj | Chinese: Li chang (鱧腸) | Spanish: Yerba de tago |

3. Medicinal Uses:Hepatoprotective (liver protective), Rasayana (rejuvenative), Keshya (hair vitalizer), Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Immunomodulatory, Analgesic, Antipyretic.

Medicinal Parts:The whole plant is used medicinally, with the leaf and root being most prominent.

• Whole Plant: Used for juices, powders, and decoctions.

• Leaf: Considered especially potent for hair and liver.

• Root: Also used in traditional preparations.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Coumarins (Wedelolactone, Demethylwedelolactone): These are the signature compounds. Their action is potently Hepatoprotective and Antidotal (against snake venom), primarily by protecting liver cells from toxins and inhibiting phosphodiesterase.

Thiophene Derivatives: Unique compounds found in Eclipta that contribute to its Antimicrobial and potentially Anticancer properties.

Flavonoids (Apigenin, Luteolin): Provide strong Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory support, protecting cells from damage and reducing inflammation.

Nicotine and Ecliptine: Alkaloids that may contribute to its neuroactive and other physiological effects.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Keshya (Hair Vitalizer) & Palitya (Premature Greying)

Formulation: Bhringaraj Taila (medicated oil) or fresh plant juice.

Preparation & Use: The fresh juice of the plant or an oil infused with it (Bhringaraj Taila) is massaged into the scalp to promote hair growth, prevent hair loss, restore natural color, and strengthen hair follicles.

Reasoning: It is considered a premier Pitta-pacifying herb for the head. Its Rasayana (rejuvenative) property nourishes the scalp tissues, while its antioxidant action may protect hair follicles.

Yakrit Vikara (Liver Disorders) & Kamala (Jaundice)

Formulation: Fresh plant juice (Swarasa) or powder (Churna).

Preparation & Use: 5-10 ml of the fresh juice or 1-3 grams of the powder is taken with honey or water to treat liver enlargement, hepatitis, and obstructive jaundice.

Reasoning: Wedelolactone directly protects hepatocytes from damage caused by toxins (like carbon tetrachloride or alcohol) and stimulates bile flow, aiding detoxification and recovery.

Rasayana (Rejuvenation) & Dhatuvardhaka (Tissue Builder)

Formulation: Bhringaraj Ghrita (medicated ghee) or powder with milk.

Preparation & Use: The herb is processed into ghee or taken with milk as a daily Rasayana to strengthen all bodily tissues, improve complexion, and enhance vitality.

Reasoning: Its nutritive and antioxidant profile supports the health of the Rasa (plasma) and Rakta (blood) dhatus (tissues), which are the foundation for all other tissues.

Vishagna (Antitoxic) & Damsa (Insect Bite)

Formulation: Topical paste of the fresh plant.

Preparation & Use: A paste made from the fresh herb is applied to scorpion stings, snake bites (as first-aid only), and other poisonous insect bites to reduce pain and swelling.

Reasoning: The anti-inflammatory and enzyme-inhibiting (phosphodiesterase) action of wedelolactone helps neutralize certain venoms and reduce local tissue damage.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

It is not a culinary herb but is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic home remedies.

Bhringaraj Hair Oil (Simplified Version)

Purpose: To nourish the scalp, prevent hair fall, and support dark hair.

Preparation & Use:

• Crush a handful of fresh Eclipta alba leaves to a paste.

• Mix with 100ml of warm coconut or sesame oil.

• Let it sit for 2 hours, then warm the mixture on a very low heat for 5 minutes. Cool, strain, and store.

• Massage into the scalp 2-3 times a week, leaving on for at least 30 minutes before washing.

Liver Tonic Juice

Purpose: As a supportive therapy for liver health or recovery from jaundice.

Preparation & Use:

• Extract 1-2 teaspoons of fresh juice from the cleaned plant.

• Mix with an equal amount of water or 1 teaspoon of honey.

• Take once daily on an empty stomach for a limited period (e.g., 2-3 weeks) under guidance.

7. Disclaimer:

Eclipta alba is generally safe when used in recommended dietary supplement amounts. However, due to its strong effect on the liver, individuals with pre-existing liver conditions should use it only under medical supervision. It may cause drowsiness in some people. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid its therapeutic use due to insufficient safety data. The fresh plant juice can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider before starting any new herbal regimen. This information is for educational purposes only.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu (Classical Ayurvedic Text)

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• Dravyaguna Vijnana by Dr. P.V. Sharma

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Phyllanthus amarus/niruri (Bhumyamalaki)

• Species: Phyllanthus amarus | Family: Phyllanthaceae | Genus: Phyllanthus

• Similarities: This is the primary rival to Bhringaraj for hepatoprotection in Ayurveda. Both are first-line herbs for treating viral hepatitis and jaundice, with strong scientific backing for their liver-protective effects, though through different phytochemical pathways.

2. Centella asiatica (Mandukaparni)

• Species: Centella asiatica | Family: Apiaceae | Genus: Centella

• Similarities: Both are foremost Medhya Rasayana (brain tonics) and rejuvenatives. While Bhringaraj targets hair and liver, Mandukaparni focuses on skin, nerves, and cognition. They are often combined in Rasayana formulations for holistic rejuvenation.

3. Wedelia chinensis (False Bhringaraj)

• Species: Wedelia chinensis | Family: Asteraceae | Genus: Wedelia

• Similarities: Belonging to the same family and often confused/used as a substitute, it shares similar traditional uses for hair growth and liver disorders. Comparing them highlights the importance of correct botanical identification in herbal medicine.

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