# Bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/bhringraj
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-27
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Ayurveda
**Also Known As:** False daisy, Kehraj, Karisalankanni, Eclipta alba, Trailing eclipta, Yerba de tago, Han lian cao, Bhangra, Maka, Guntagalagara

## Overview

Bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata) is an Ayurvedic herb containing bioactive compounds wedelolactone and ecliptin that promote [hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) through follicle stimulation. The herb demonstrates [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects by suppressing NF-κB [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s in preclinical studies.

## Health Benefits

• [Hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) promotion and prevention of premature graying - supported by traditional use over 2,000 years in Ayurveda, though human clinical trials are absent
• Liver protection and anti-fibrotic effects - preclinical evidence shows wedelolactone represses NF-κB to reduce liver inflammation
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity - in vitro studies demonstrate NF-κB pathway modulation, but human data lacking
• Potential anticancer properties - cell line studies show apoptosis induction in hepatic stellate cells, no clinical validation
• Wound healing support - traditional use documented across multiple medicinal systems, clinical evidence not established

## Mechanism of Action

Wedelolactone, the primary bioactive compound, represses nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling to reduce [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine production and liver fibrosis. Ecliptin and coumestan derivatives stimulate hair follicle cells and melanocyte activity to promote [hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) and pigmentation. The herb's triterpenes modulate [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) enzyme systems including superoxide dismutase and catalase.

## Clinical Summary

Human clinical trials for bhringraj are currently lacking, with evidence primarily based on traditional use spanning over 2,000 years in Ayurveda. Animal studies demonstrate significant [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects, with wedelolactone reducing liver enzyme markers by 40-60% in toxin-induced liver damage models. In vitro studies show hair follicle stimulation and melanogenesis promotion, but controlled human trials are needed to establish clinical efficacy. Most available evidence comes from preclinical research and traditional medicine documentation.

## Nutritional Profile

Bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata) is a medicinal herb rather than a dietary staple, so macronutrient content is not nutritionally significant in typical therapeutic doses. However, phytochemical and proximate analyses reveal the following: Crude protein approximately 18–22% of dry weight in leaf material; crude fiber approximately 15–20% dry weight; crude fat approximately 2–4% dry weight; ash content approximately 8–12% dry weight indicating moderate mineral density. Key bioactive compounds include: Wedelolactone (coumestan) at approximately 0.1–0.5% w/w in dried aerial parts — the primary [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) constituent with documented NF-κB inhibitory activity; Demethylwedelolactone present alongside wedelolactone at lower concentrations (~0.05–0.2% w/w); Ecliptine and other alkaloids at trace levels (<0.1%); Eclalbatin and oleanolic acid (triterpenoid saponins) contributing to membrane-stabilizing effects; Luteolin and apigenin (flavonoids) at approximately 0.2–0.8% dry weight with [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties; β-Sitosterol and stigmasterol (phytosterols) present in lipid fraction; Polyacetylenes including thiophene derivatives identified in root extracts. Mineral content in dried leaf: Iron approximately 150–300 mg/kg dry weight (notably high, supporting traditional use for hair and blood); Calcium approximately 1,200–2,000 mg/kg; Magnesium approximately 300–500 mg/kg; Zinc approximately 20–40 mg/kg. Vitamins: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) approximately 40–90 mg/100g fresh weight; Vitamin E (tocopherols) present in small quantities (~5–15 mg/100g dry weight). Bioavailability notes: Wedelolactone demonstrates moderate oral bioavailability in rodent models with significant first-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); lipid-based formulations or oil infusions (traditional tailam preparations) may enhance absorption of fat-soluble constituents including phytosterols and certain flavonoids; iron bioavailability is likely moderate-to-low due to concurrent presence of tannins and fiber that can chelate non-heme iron; aqueous extracts preferentially extract wedelolactone and flavonoids, while oil-based preparations extract phytosterols and fat-soluble pigments including chlorophyll derivatives responsible for the plant's characteristic dark green color.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges have been established for Eclipta prostrata extracts, powders, or standardized forms as human trials are not reported. Traditional Ayurvedic use involves oral or topical application of powders or oils, but without standardization details or quantified doses from studies. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Bhringraj is generally well-tolerated with mild gastrointestinal upset reported in some users at higher doses. The herb may interact with anticoagulant medications due to coumarin content, requiring monitoring in patients on warfarin. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data is insufficient, warranting avoidance during these periods. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, particularly in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier reveals a notable absence of human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses with PubMed PMIDs for Eclipta prostrata. Current evidence is limited to preclinical, ethnopharmacological, animal, and in vitro studies, with no rigorous clinical data available for outcomes like [hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health), liver protection, or anticancer effects.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Ayurveda, Bhringraj has been used for over 2,000 years to balance doshas, promote [hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) and luster, prevent premature graying and hair loss, and support [liver health](/ingredients/condition/detox). Traditional Chinese medicine and other regional systems (with names like Kehraj in Assamese, Karisalankanni in Tamil) employ it for similar purposes including wound healing and as a general tonic.

## Synergistic Combinations

Amla, Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Neem, Turmeric

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How long does bhringraj take to work for hair growth?

Traditional Ayurvedic texts suggest visible hair growth improvements may occur after 3-6 months of consistent use. However, individual results vary significantly, and no controlled human studies have established specific timelines for hair growth benefits.

### What is the recommended bhringraj dosage for liver health?

Traditional Ayurvedic preparations typically use 500-1000mg of dried bhringraj powder twice daily. However, standardized dosing guidelines are not established due to lack of clinical trials, and consultation with healthcare providers is recommended.

### Can bhringraj reverse gray hair naturally?

Bhringraj contains ecliptin compounds that may stimulate melanocyte activity in hair follicles, potentially supporting natural pigmentation. While traditional use suggests anti-graying benefits, no human clinical studies have scientifically validated these effects.

### Is bhringraj safe to take with blood thinners?

Bhringraj contains natural coumarins that may enhance anticoagulant effects when combined with warfarin or similar medications. Patients on blood thinners should consult healthcare providers before use and may require increased INR monitoring.

### What's the difference between bhringraj oil and powder supplements?

Bhringraj oil is primarily used for topical scalp application and hair treatments, while powder supplements are taken orally for systemic benefits including liver support. The oil form concentrates lipophilic compounds, whereas powders provide broader phytochemical profiles including water-soluble constituents.

### Is bhringraj safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical evidence to establish the safety of bhringraj supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it should be avoided during these periods unless under direct medical supervision. Traditional Ayurvedic use does not constitute modern safety data for vulnerable populations. Pregnant and nursing women should consult their healthcare provider before using any bhringraj product.

### Does bhringraj interact with medications for diabetes or high blood pressure?

Bhringraj may have mild blood pressure-lowering and glucose-modulating properties based on preclinical studies, raising the theoretical risk of additive effects when combined with antidiabetic or antihypertensive medications. There are no human clinical trials confirming these interactions, but individuals taking such medications should inform their doctor before starting bhringraj supplementation. Medical supervision is recommended to monitor for unintended dose-dependent effects.

### What does current clinical research actually show about bhringraj's effectiveness?

Human clinical trials testing bhringraj for hair growth and liver health are essentially absent, leaving claims largely dependent on traditional use and in vitro laboratory studies rather than rigorous evidence. Preclinical research shows that wedelolactone, a key compound in bhringraj, modulates the NF-κB inflammatory pathway in cells, but this does not confirm efficacy in living humans. Anyone considering bhringraj should understand that the evidence strength is significantly lower than for ingredients backed by randomized controlled trials.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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