# Eclipta (Eclipta prostrata)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/eclipta
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Ayurveda
**Also Known As:** False daisy, Bhringraj, Bhringaraj, Karisalankanni, Trailing eclipta, Yerba de tago, Han lian cao, Kesuriya, Maka, Bhangra, Eclipta alba, Eclipta erecta

## Overview

Eclipta prostrata is an Ayurvedic herb whose primary bioactive compounds — wedelolactone and ecliptasaponins — drive its pharmacological activity. Wedelolactone inhibits NF-κB signaling and activates mTOR pathways, underpinning its [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and hair-growth-promoting properties.

## Health Benefits

• Promotes [hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) by inducing anagen phase and activating mTOR signaling in mice (preclinical study).
• Exhibits antiproliferative effects on cancer cells like AGS, A549, HT-29, without affecting normal cells (in vitro study, PMID: 37959773).
• Demonstrates [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects by regulating cytokine pathways in cell studies.
• Supports liver health with traditional [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) claims (traditional use alignment).
• Acts as an [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), as evidenced by the presence of flavonoids and polyphenols (compound analysis).

## Mechanism of Action

Wedelolactone, a coumestan compound in Eclipta prostrata, inhibits IKK (IκB kinase), thereby suppressing NF-κB nuclear translocation and downstream [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production including TNF-α and IL-6. In hair follicle models, Eclipta extract activates mTOR signaling and promotes transition from the telogen to anagen phase, potentially via Wnt/β-catenin pathway stimulation. Ecliptasaponins and triterpene glycosides contribute to antiproliferative effects by inducing apoptosis in cancer cell lines such as AGS (gastric), A549 (lung), and HT-29 (colon) without measurable cytotoxicity in normal cell controls.

## Clinical Summary

The majority of evidence supporting Eclipta prostrata is preclinical, derived from in vitro cell studies and rodent models rather than robust human clinical trials. Antiproliferative activity against AGS, A549, and HT-29 cancer cell lines was demonstrated in a published in vitro study (PMID: 37959773), though human oncology data are absent. [Hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) promotion has been shown in mouse models via mTOR activation, but no large randomized controlled trials in humans have confirmed equivalent efficacy or established effective dosages. Overall, the evidence base is promising but preliminary, and conclusions about clinical benefit in humans cannot yet be drawn with confidence.

## Nutritional Profile

Eclipta prostrata (Bhringraj) contains a diverse array of bioactive phytochemicals rather than significant macronutrient content, as it is used medicinally in small quantities rather than as a food source. Key bioactive compounds include: Wedelolactone (0.02–0.1% dry weight), a coumestan compound considered the primary active constituent responsible for [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects; Demethylwedelolactone, a structurally related coumestan present in smaller concentrations alongside wedelolactone. Eclipse albas and ecliptine (alkaloids) are present in trace quantities (~0.08% in aerial parts). Triterpene saponins including eclalbasaponins I–VI are identified in leaf and stem extracts. Polyphenols and flavonoids including luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin derivatives contribute to [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity; total phenolic content reported at approximately 18–45 mg GAE/g dry extract depending on solvent and plant part. Phytosterols including beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol are present in the lipid fraction. The plant contains thiophene derivatives (alpha-terthienyl and related compounds) concentrated in roots, with known photosensitizing properties. Coumarin glycosides are present in leaf extracts. Carotenoids including beta-carotene and lutein contribute to the plant's antioxidant profile. Crude protein content of dried aerial parts is approximately 15–18% dry weight; crude fiber approximately 20–25% dry weight; ash content approximately 10–12%. Calcium and iron are the most notable minerals, with iron content reported at approximately 150–200 mg/kg dry weight, relevant to traditional use in anemia. Vitamin C is present in fresh plant material (~30–50 mg/100g fresh weight) but degrades significantly with drying and processing. Bioavailability notes: Wedelolactone has demonstrated moderate oral bioavailability in rodent models; its absorption is enhanced by lipid-based formulations. Traditional oil-based preparations (Bhringraj oil) may improve bioavailability of lipophilic compounds like phytosterols and thiophenes. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts show differing phytochemical profiles, with ethanolic extracts yielding higher wedelolactone concentrations.

## Dosage & Preparation

In preclinical studies, mice were administered 1 mg/day (low dose) and 10 mg/day (high dose) of Eclipta extract, with the low dose proving more effective for [hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health). Topical formulations have been used but not specified in dosage. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Eclipta prostrata is generally considered well-tolerated at traditional Ayurvedic doses, but systematic human safety data are limited. Wedelolactone's [NF-κB](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) inhibition may potentiate the effects of anticoagulant medications such as warfarin or NSAIDs, raising bleeding risk, and caution is advised with concurrent use. Due to insufficient safety data, use during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended. Individuals with liver conditions should exercise caution, as high-dose animal studies have noted hepatotoxic potential at supraphysiological concentrations.

## Scientific Research

Currently, no human clinical trials or meta-analyses have been conducted on Eclipta prostrata. The available evidence is limited to preclinical animal and in vitro studies, such as [hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) promotion in mice and antiproliferative effects on cancer cell lines (PMID: 37959773).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Eclipta prostrata has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh as a tonic for various ailments, including skin diseases, liver disorders, and hair loss. Its ethnomedicinal applications are supported by pharmacological evidence for several health benefits.

## Synergistic Combinations

Ashwagandha, Turmeric, Gotu Kola, Brahmi, Neem

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does Eclipta prostrata actually promote hair growth?

Preclinical mouse studies show that Eclipta prostrata extract promotes the transition of hair follicles from the telogen (resting) phase to the anagen (growth) phase through activation of mTOR signaling and possibly the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. While topical formulations containing Eclipta are commonly used in Ayurvedic practice, no large-scale randomized controlled trials in humans have confirmed these effects or established an optimal dose.

### What is wedelolactone and why does it matter in Eclipta prostrata?

Wedelolactone is a coumestan-class polyphenol and the primary bioactive compound in Eclipta prostrata, responsible for much of its anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity. It exerts its effects mainly by inhibiting IKK (IκB kinase), which prevents NF-κB from translocating to the nucleus and triggering inflammatory gene expression including TNF-α and IL-6. This mechanism makes it a subject of interest for inflammatory and liver-related conditions.

### Can Eclipta prostrata fight cancer?

In vitro research (PMID: 37959773) demonstrates that Eclipta prostrata extracts exhibit antiproliferative effects on AGS (gastric), A549 (lung), and HT-29 (colon) cancer cell lines without cytotoxicity to normal cells, suggesting selective action. These effects are attributed to apoptosis induction by ecliptasaponins and other phytochemicals. However, no human clinical trials have tested Eclipta as a cancer therapy, so it cannot be recommended as a cancer treatment.

### Is Eclipta prostrata safe to take with blood thinners?

Eclipta prostrata should be used cautiously alongside anticoagulants like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs such as aspirin and clopidogrel, because wedelolactone's NF-κB inhibition may interfere with clotting pathways and amplify bleeding risk. No formal pharmacokinetic drug-interaction studies in humans have been published, so this risk is inferred from mechanistic data. Consulting a healthcare provider before combining Eclipta supplements with blood-thinning medications is strongly advised.

### What is the traditional Ayurvedic use of Eclipta prostrata?

In Ayurveda, Eclipta prostrata — called 'Bhringaraj' or 'Kesharaja' — has been used for centuries primarily for liver support, hair rejuvenation, and as a rasayana (rejuvenating tonic). It is traditionally administered as a churna (powder) at doses of 3–6 grams per day or applied topically as a medicated oil for scalp health. Modern research is beginning to validate some of these uses, particularly anti-inflammatory and hair-growth effects, though evidence from rigorous clinical trials remains limited.

### What is the most bioavailable form of Eclipta prostrata supplement?

Eclipta prostrata is available as dried herb powder, standardized extracts, and oil infusions, with standardized extracts typically offering higher concentrations of active compounds like wedelolactone. Traditional preparations as herbal oils or decoctions may enhance bioavailability through natural lipid carriers, though standardized extracts provide more consistent dosing. Research on absorption rates between forms is limited, so clinical efficacy may vary depending on extraction method and individual digestive factors.

### Is Eclipta prostrata safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical evidence regarding the safety of Eclipta prostrata during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it should generally be avoided without professional medical guidance. Traditional Ayurvedic use exists for women's health, but modern safety studies in pregnant or nursing populations have not been conducted. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing with Eclipta prostrata.

### How strong is the current clinical evidence for Eclipta prostrata's health benefits?

Most evidence for Eclipta prostrata comes from in vitro (cell culture) and animal studies, with limited human clinical trials published to date. Preclinical studies show promising effects on hair growth induction and anti-inflammatory pathways, but these results have not yet been conclusively replicated in large-scale human populations. More rigorous randomized controlled trials are needed to establish definitive efficacy and optimal dosing in humans.

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