# False Daisy (Eclipta prostrata)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/false-daisy
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-29
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Ayurveda
**Also Known As:** Eclipta prostrata, Bhringaraj, Eclipta alba, Trailing Eclipta, Yerba de Tago, Karisalankanni, Kesuriya, Bhangra, Maka, Han Lian Cao

## Overview

False daisy (Eclipta prostrata) is an Ayurvedic herb whose primary bioactive compound, wedelolactone, inhibits NF-κB signaling to exert [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects. Triterpenoids and ecliptasaponins further contribute to its antitumor and hair-regenerative properties observed in preclinical models.

## Health Benefits

• Liver protection: Preclinical studies indicate antifibrotic effects via wedelolactone's action on NF-κB.[3] • Potential [hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) benefits: Traditional uses suggest efficacy, though lacking clinical validation.[3][4] • Antitumor activity: In vitro studies show triterpenoids reduce tumor growth in liver cells.[3] • Chemotherapy resistance reduction: Eclipta prostrata modulates P-glycoprotein in vitro, potentially aiding chemotherapy.[3] • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Wedelolactone represses liver inflammation in preclinical models.[3]

## Mechanism of Action

Wedelolactone, a coumestan compound in Eclipta prostrata, suppresses NF-κB activation by blocking IκB kinase (IKK), thereby reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) release and hepatic stellate cell activation linked to liver fibrosis. Triterpenoids such as eclalbasaponin inhibit tumor cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis via caspase-3 and caspase-9 pathways in vitro. Phytosterols and polypeptides present in the herb are hypothesized to stimulate dermal papilla cells and upregulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling, potentially supporting hair follicle cycling.

## Clinical Summary

The majority of evidence supporting Eclipta prostrata comes from in vitro cell studies and rodent models, with no large-scale randomized controlled trials in humans published to date. Animal studies using hepatotoxin-induced liver injury models (CCl4 and thioacetamide) demonstrated significant reductions in serum ALT and AST levels, as well as decreased hepatic collagen deposition at doses of 200–400 mg/kg. A small number of pilot human studies on hair oil formulations containing E. prostrata showed modest improvements in hair density, but these lacked placebo controls and standardized dosing. Overall, the evidence base is promising but preliminary, and clinical validation through rigorous human trials remains insufficient.

## Nutritional Profile

Eclipta prostrata (Bhringraj) is utilized primarily as a medicinal herb rather than a food source, so conventional macronutrient profiling is limited. Its therapeutic value derives from its rich bioactive phytochemical composition rather than caloric or macronutrient content. Key compounds include: • **Coumestans:** Wedelolactone (0.4–3.0% of dry weight depending on plant part and extraction method) and demethylwedelolactone — these are the principal [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) constituents, acting as potent NF-κB inhibitors and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors. • **Triterpenoid saponins:** Eclalbasaponins I–VI and ecliptasaponins A–D, contributing to antitumor and anti-inflammatory activity. • **Thiophene derivatives:** Including α-terthienylmethanol and related polyacetylenes with demonstrated [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and photodynamic activity. • **Steroidal alkaloids:** Ecliptine and nicotine (trace amounts). • **Flavonoids:** Luteolin, apigenin, and their glycosides (luteolin-7-O-glucoside), providing [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity. Estimated total flavonoid content ~15–25 mg quercetin equivalents per gram of dry extract. • **Phenolic acids:** Protocatechuic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and caffeic acid derivatives. Total phenolic content approximately 40–80 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of dry extract. • **Vitamins and minerals (whole herb):** Contains ascorbic acid (~30–50 mg/100 g fresh weight), β-carotene (precursor to vitamin A), iron (~15–20 mg/100 g dry weight), calcium (~300–400 mg/100 g dry weight), and magnesium. Also contains small amounts of riboflavin and nicotinic acid. • **Phytosterols:** β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and daucosterol. • **Volatile constituents:** Including heptadecane, 6,9-heptadecadiene, and wedelic acid. • **Fiber:** Crude fiber approximately 10–15% of dry weight in whole herb. • **Protein:** Crude protein approximately 15–20% of dry weight. • **Bioavailability notes:** Wedelolactone has moderate oral bioavailability limited by poor aqueous solubility (~0.2 mg/mL); bioavailability is enhanced by lipid-based formulations or traditional preparations using sesame oil (taila). Coumestans undergo hepatic first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Traditional Ayurvedic processing (e.g., bhringraj taila or swarasa/fresh juice extraction) may improve the bioaccessibility of lipophilic compounds. The thiophene derivatives are photosensitive and may degrade with light exposure, affecting potency in poorly stored preparations.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available due to the absence of human trials. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Eclipta prostrata is generally considered safe at traditional dietary doses, but high-dose supplementation may cause gastrointestinal discomfort including nausea and loose stools. Because wedelolactone inhibits [NF-κB](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), concurrent use with immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids or cyclosporine may produce additive effects warranting medical supervision. The herb has demonstrated uterotonic activity in animal models, making it contraindicated during pregnancy without physician oversight. Individuals taking anticoagulants like warfarin should exercise caution, as coumestan compounds structurally related to coumarin may theoretically potentiate bleeding risk.

## Scientific Research

There are no specific human clinical trials or meta-analyses available for False Daisy. Current evidence is primarily from preclinical and in vitro/in vivo studies.[1][2][3]

## Historical & Cultural Context

False Daisy, known as Bhringaraj in Ayurveda, has been historically used in Indian traditional medicine for liver protection and [hair growth](/ingredients/condition/skin-health). It is also utilized in traditional Chinese medicine and by tribal communities in India for various health applications.[3][4][6]

## Synergistic Combinations

Ashwagandha, Turmeric, Triphala, Aloe Vera, Licorice Root

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is wedelolactone and why does it matter in false daisy?

Wedelolactone is a coumestan-class polyphenol considered the primary active compound in Eclipta prostrata. It inhibits IκB kinase (IKK), blocking NF-κB transcription factor activation and thereby reducing expression of inflammatory mediators like TNF-α and IL-6, which underpins the herb's liver-protective and anti-inflammatory effects.

### Can false daisy actually regrow hair?

Preclinical data, including rodent studies applying E. prostrata oil formulations, show increased anagen-phase hair follicle density compared to controls, potentially via Wnt/β-catenin signaling stimulation in dermal papilla cells. However, no peer-reviewed, placebo-controlled human clinical trials have confirmed these effects, so evidence remains traditional and animal-based at this time.

### Is false daisy safe for daily use as a liver supplement?

Animal hepatoprotection studies suggest safety at doses equivalent to 200–400 mg/kg, but no established human dosing guidelines or long-term safety data exist. Daily supplementation beyond traditionally consumed amounts should be approached cautiously, and individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or those on hepatically metabolized medications should consult a healthcare provider before use.

### Does false daisy interact with any medications?

The coumestan compound wedelolactone shares structural similarity with coumarin derivatives and may theoretically enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin or other blood thinners, increasing bleeding risk. Its immunomodulatory NF-κB inhibition may also interact additively with immunosuppressive drugs like corticosteroids or cyclosporine, and this combination should only be used under medical supervision.

### What form of false daisy supplement is most commonly used?

Eclipta prostrata is most commonly available as a standardized dry herb extract in capsule form (typically 250–500 mg per serving), as a traditional churna (Ayurvedic powder) mixed with water or ghee, and as an oil infusion applied topically for hair care. Standardization to wedelolactone content is preferred for liver-focused applications, though consistent standardization across commercial products is not yet universal.

### What does clinical research show about false daisy for liver health?

Most evidence for false daisy's liver benefits comes from preclinical and in vitro studies, which demonstrate that wedelolactone may reduce liver fibrosis through NF-κB inhibition and that triterpenoids show antitumor activity in liver cells. However, human clinical trials are limited, and results from animal models do not always translate directly to human efficacy. Current research suggests promise, but more robust clinical studies are needed to establish safety and effectiveness in liver disease management.

### Who should avoid false daisy, or who should not take it?

Pregnant and nursing women should avoid false daisy due to insufficient safety data during these critical periods. Individuals with severe liver disease, kidney impairment, or those scheduled for surgery should consult a healthcare provider before use, as the herb's liver-modulating effects may interfere with certain conditions or medications. People with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (ragweed, chrysanthemum, chamomile) may experience cross-reactivity.

### How does false daisy potentially help with chemotherapy side effects or drug resistance?

Preclinical research suggests that eclipta prostrata may modulate P-glycoprotein, a transporter protein that pumps drugs out of cancer cells and contributes to chemotherapy resistance. By inhibiting P-glycoprotein activity, false daisy theoretically could improve drug retention in tumor cells and reduce resistance development. However, this effect has not been validated in human clinical trials, and combining false daisy with active chemotherapy requires medical supervision due to potential interactions.

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