# Bhringaraj (Eclipta prostrata)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/bhringaraj
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-31
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Ayurveda
**Also Known As:** Eclipta prostrata, False daisy, Yerba de tago, Karisalankanni, Kesuriya, Maka, Bhangra, Trailing eclipta, Eclipta alba, Bhringraja, Bhringraj

## Overview

Bhringaraj (Eclipta prostrata) is an Ayurvedic herb whose primary bioactive compounds, wedelolactone and ecliptasaponins, drive its pharmacological effects. Wedelolactone inhibits [NF-κB](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) signaling and promotes hair follicle transition from telogen to anagen phase, underpinning its traditional use for hair and liver support.

## Health Benefits

• [Hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) promotion supported by animal studies showing anagen phase induction in telogen follicles (preliminary evidence)
• [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) demonstrated in vitro with dose-dependent ferricyanide reduction (IC50 100 µg/mL) (preliminary evidence)
• Antibacterial effects against E. coli, Bacillus sp., and Streptococcus in methanolic extract studies (preliminary evidence)
• Traditional use for preventing premature graying and hair loss in Ayurvedic medicine (traditional evidence only)
• Anti-venom properties for scorpion stings as used by tribal communities in India (traditional evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

Wedelolactone, a coumestan compound in Eclipta prostrata, inhibits IκB kinase (IKK), thereby suppressing NF-κB-mediated [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine transcription and reducing oxidative stress at the cellular level. Ethanolic leaf extracts stimulate dermal papilla cells and induce anagen-phase gene expression, potentially through upregulation of β-catenin and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathways in hair follicles. Ecliptasaponins and polyacetylenic thiophene derivatives further contribute to [hepatoprotect](/ingredients/condition/detox)ion by modulating cytochrome P450 enzyme activity and scavenging [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) via the ferricyanide reduction pathway (IC50 ~100 µg/mL in vitro).

## Clinical Summary

Most evidence for Bhringaraj derives from in vitro assays and rodent models rather than rigorous human trials. A notable animal study demonstrated that topical Eclipta prostrata extract induced anagen phase in shaved telogen follicles of albino mice, with [hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) promotion comparable to 2% minoxidil in some parameters. Antibacterial activity against E. coli and Bacillus species has been confirmed in disc-diffusion assays, though minimum inhibitory concentrations vary widely by extract preparation. No large-scale randomized controlled trials in humans have been published to date, meaning all clinical claims remain preliminary and extrapolation from animal data should be made cautiously.

## Nutritional Profile

Bhringaraj (Eclipta prostrata) is a medicinal herb rather than a dietary staple, so macronutrient content is not extensively characterized for nutritional purposes. Bioactive compounds are the primary focus of its profile. Key constituents include: Wedelolactone (a coumestan compound, approximately 0.1–0.5% dry weight in leaf extracts) — the principal bioactive marker compound; Ecliptine and related alkaloids (including nicotine derivatives at trace levels); Triterpene saponins including oleanolic acid and ursolic acid (combined ~0.3–1.2% dry weight); Flavonoids including luteolin, apigenin, and their glycosides (total flavonoid content reported at approximately 1.5–3.0 mg quercetin equivalents per gram dry extract in some studies); Coumestans beyond wedelolactone, including demethylwedelolactone; Phytosterols including beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol (trace to low mg/g range); Polyacetylenic thiophene derivatives unique to Eclipta species; Tannins and polyphenols contributing to [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (total phenolic content ~15–40 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram dry extract reported in methanolic extracts); Eclalbatin (a thiophene glucoside). Regarding micronutrients: iron content has been noted in traditional contexts but precise mg/100g data is limited in peer-reviewed literature; calcium and phosphorus are present at moderate levels consistent with leafy herbs (~200–400 mg/100g dry weight estimated range). Crude fiber is present (~8–12% dry weight estimated, typical of herbaceous leaf material). Protein content is approximately 15–20% dry weight based on general herb composition data, though not specifically validated for Eclipta. Bioavailability notes: Wedelolactone demonstrates moderate oral bioavailability in rodent studies with hepatic first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); lipophilic compounds (sterols, triterpenes) have low aqueous solubility and benefit from oil-based or ethanolic preparations; traditional sesame oil-based preparations (as used in Ayurvedic hair oils) are consistent with enhancing absorption of fat-soluble actives. Water-soluble polyphenols are more bioavailable in aqueous decoctions.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available due to absence of human trials. Preclinical studies used concentrations of 25-100 mg/mL for [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) assays. Traditional Ayurvedic use involves both topical application and oral consumption, but specific doses are not established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Bhringaraj is generally considered well-tolerated at traditional Ayurvedic doses (3–6 g dried herb daily), but systematic human safety data are lacking. Wedelolactone exhibits anti-coagulant properties in vitro, raising a theoretical interaction risk with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs such as warfarin and clopidogrel; concurrent use warrants medical supervision. Due to insufficient safety data, use during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use, as high-dose extracts have shown hepatotoxic effects in select animal models despite the herb's traditional [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) reputation.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were identified in the research dossier. Available evidence consists solely of preclinical studies including in vitro [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) assays and animal models for [hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) promotion.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Ayurveda, Bhringaraj has been used for centuries to balance doshas and promote [hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health), luster, softness, and strength. The herb contains vitamins E and D plus minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron, and has been traditionally applied both topically and orally for hair health.

## Synergistic Combinations

Amla, Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Neem, Coconut oil

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does bhringaraj actually regrow hair?

Animal studies show that topical Eclipta prostrata extract induced anagen-phase follicle activation in telogen-phase albino mice, with results in some metrics comparable to 2% minoxidil. The proposed mechanism involves β-catenin and Shh pathway upregulation in dermal papilla cells. However, no peer-reviewed human RCTs confirm hair regrowth in androgenetic alopecia or other hair loss conditions, so clinical evidence remains preliminary.

### What is the active compound in bhringaraj?

The primary bioactive compounds are wedelolactone (a coumestan), ecliptasaponins, and polyacetylenic thiophene derivatives such as terthienylmethanol. Wedelolactone is the most studied, demonstrating NF-κB inhibition, anti-inflammatory activity, and hepatoprotective effects in cell and animal models. The relative contribution of each compound to the herb's overall effects in humans has not been fully characterized.

### How do you use bhringaraj for hair — oil or supplement?

Traditional Ayurvedic practice employs both a cold-pressed or infused bhringaraj oil applied topically to the scalp and an oral powder or tablet form dosed at approximately 3–6 g of dried herb per day. The animal studies supporting hair growth used topical ethanolic extracts, suggesting a topical route may be more pharmacologically relevant for follicle stimulation. Oral supplementation is used primarily for systemic benefits such as liver support and antioxidant activity, though direct human data for either route are limited.

### Is bhringaraj safe to take with liver medications?

Bhringaraj is traditionally classified as a hepatoprotective herb, and wedelolactone has shown liver-protective effects in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity models in rats. However, some high-dose animal studies have revealed hepatotoxic potential, and the herb may modulate cytochrome P450 enzymes (particularly CYP3A4), which could alter metabolism of co-administered hepatically cleared drugs. Patients taking hepatotoxic medications, statins, or drugs with narrow therapeutic windows should consult a physician before combining them with bhringaraj.

### What is the recommended dosage of bhringaraj supplement?

Classical Ayurvedic texts and contemporary Ayurvedic practice commonly recommend 3–6 g of dried Eclipta prostrata herb powder per day, often divided into two doses taken with water or milk. Standardized extracts are sometimes dosed lower (250–500 mg of a 10:1 extract), though no clinically validated dosing protocol exists from human RCTs. Because no established therapeutic dose has been confirmed in controlled trials, starting at the lower end and consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner or integrative physician is advisable.

### Is bhringaraj safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical evidence regarding bhringaraj safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is generally recommended to avoid supplementation during these periods unless under direct medical supervision. Traditional Ayurvedic use suggests topical application of bhringaraj oil was considered safe, but oral supplements have not been adequately studied in pregnant or nursing women. Consult a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

### Which form of bhringaraj is most effective — oil, powder, or capsule?

Bhringaraj oil (medicated oil infusion) is the most traditionally validated form and remains most studied for topical hair applications, though evidence is preliminary. Powdered extracts and capsules offer convenience for oral supplementation but have less robust clinical evidence compared to the oil formulation. The choice depends on your intended use: topical application favors oil, while systemic antioxidant or liver support benefits may be better achieved through standardized extracts in capsule form.

### Does bhringaraj interact with blood thinners or anticoagulant medications?

Limited evidence exists regarding bhringaraj interactions with blood thinners or anticoagulants like warfarin; however, its antioxidant and potential antiplatelet properties warrant caution when combined with these medications. There are no well-documented clinical cases of serious interactions, but the lack of adequate safety studies means concurrent use should only occur under medical monitoring. Inform your healthcare provider if you take anticoagulants and wish to use bhringaraj supplementation.

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