Eclipta alba (Linn.)

Family: Asteraceae

Eclipta alba (Linn.) Bhringaraja: The Herbal Ally for Hair, Liver, and Longevity

Eclipta alba, commonly known as Bhringaraja, holds a distinguished place in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. Often called the “King of Hair,” Bhringaraja is more than a natural remedy for scalp and hair, it is a multipurpose rejuvenator for the liver, skin, and overall health.

What is Bhringaraja?

Bhringaraja is a fast-growing, creeping herbaceous plant recognized for its small, daisy-like white flowers. Botanically named Eclipta alba (Linn.) Hassk., it belongs to the Asteraceae family. The name "Bhringaraja" in Sanskrit literally means "King of Hair," highlighting its most famous traditional use in promoting hair growth and reversing premature graying.

In Ayurveda, Bhringaraja is categorized as a Rasayana (rejuvenative herb) and is known for its affinity toward Pitta and Kapha doshas. It is considered cooling, bitter, and slightly pungent in taste, and it works on the liver, skin, and scalp with notable detoxifying and revitalizing effects.

Where Does It Grow?

Geographical Distribution

Eclipta alba is a cosmopolitan herb found in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. It is commonly found in:

India

Nepal

Sri Lanka

Thailand

China

Brazil

Parts of Africa and the Caribbean

Tropical and subtropical climates

Warm temperatures (20–35°C)

Humid environments with adequate rainfall

Ideal Growing Conditions

This plant prefers moist soil and grows abundantly in marshy areas, riverbanks, paddy fields, and forest clearings. It flourishes in:

Due to its resilience and adaptability, Bhringaraja is also cultivated as a medicinal herb in home gardens and herbal farms.

Parts Used and Phytochemical Composition

The whole plant is medicinal: roots, stems, leaves, and flowers are all used for therapeutic purposes. Among these, the leaves are the most potent and commonly harvested part.

Key Phytochemicals Found in Eclipta alba:

Wedelolactone

Ecliptine

Luteolin

β-amyrin

Flavonoids

Coumestans

Alkaloids and triterpenes

Used widely in:

Bhringaraja is a classic liver detox herb in Ayurveda. It:

Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action helps:

Traditionally, Bhringaraja is believed to:

Its bitter principles stimulate digestive enzymes and may help with:

Traditional and Therapeutic Uses

Bhringaraja is used both internally and externally across a variety of traditional medicine systems. Its diverse applications range from liver disorders to cosmetic hair treatments.

How to Use Bhringaraja?

Bhringaraja is generally considered safe for most adults when used appropriately. However, proper preparation, dosage, and guidance are important.

Forms Available

Fresh Juice (Swarasa): Extracted from leaves; potent and fast-acting
Powder (Churna): Dried and ground form of the whole plant
Oil (Taila): Infused in coconut or sesame oil, primarily for hair and skin
Capsules/Tablets: Standardized extracts for internal use
Tea/Infusion: Leaves boiled in water and consumed

Always consult a qualified herbalist for personalized dosage and use.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Limited safety data; avoid unless prescribed
People with low blood pressure: Due to its hypotensive effect
Patients on liver medications: May interact with hepatoprotective or hepatotoxic drugs
Allergic individuals: Always do a patch test before using topically

Storage Tips:

Store powder and oil in cool, dry places away from sunlight
Use within expiry or recommended period for best efficacy

Modern research supports many of Bhringaraja’s traditional uses. For example:

Liver Health: Wedelolactone, a key compound in Bhringaraja, has shown hepatoprotective effects in animal studies.
Hair Growth: Studies demonstrate enhanced hair follicle activity and reduced hair loss with topical application of Bhringaraja extract.
Anti-inflammatory: Flavonoids and coumestans exhibit strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Eclipta alba, or Bhringaraja, is a time-tested herbal ally known for its benefits in hair rejuvenation, liver detox, skin health, and overall vitality. Thanks to its holistic actions, it remains a cornerstone herb in traditional wellness systems. While generally safe, responsible usage with proper guidance ensures its maximum benefit without risk.

Incorporate Bhringaraja into your wellness routine thoughtfully, whether as a nourishing hair oil, a liver tonic, or an herbal supplement, and experience the enduring wisdom of nature in modern self-care.

Precautions and Contraindications

While Bhringaraja is widely regarded as safe, some important safety considerations include:

References

1. Roy, R. K., Thakur, M., Dixit, V. K. (2008). Hair growth promoting activity of Eclipta alba in male albino rats. Archives of Dermatological Research, 300(7), 357–364. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-008-0888-4

2. Singh, B., Saxena, A. K., Chandan, B. K., Agarwal, S. G., Anand, K. K. (2001). Hepatoprotective effect of Eclipta alba on subcellular levels in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 76(2), 131–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-8741(01)00234-2

3. Saxena, A. K., Singh, B., Anand, K. K. (1993). Modulation of P450 dependent monooxygenases in rat liver by Eclipta alba. Phytotherapy Research, 7(3), 254–256. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2650070317

4. Kumar, V. S., Sharma, A., Tiwari, R. K., Bhatia, D. (2011). Pharmacological studies and therapeutic potential of Eclipta alba (Bhringaraj): A review. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 1(7), 153–157.

5. Matsuda, H., Wang, T., Managi, H., Yoshikawa, M. (2001). Structural requirements of coumestan for inhibition of nitric oxide production in activated macrophages and radical scavenging activity. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 9(2), 337–341. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0968-0896(00)00264-5