Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Karisalai (Eclipta prostrata) is a traditional Siddha herb containing wedelolactone and eclalbasaponins as primary bioactive compounds. It demonstrates hepatoprotective effects through antioxidant mechanisms that reduce liver damage and oxidative stress.
Origin & History
Karisalai (Eclipta prostrata) is a prostrate annual herb from the Asteraceae family native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, particularly India where it grows as a common weed in moist areas. The whole plant (leaves, stem, flower, root, fruits) is harvested and processed through solvent extraction using ethyl acetate or ethanol to isolate bioactive compounds including coumestans, flavonoids, and triterpenes.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Human clinical trials for Eclipta prostrata are notably absent in the available research, with no PubMed PMIDs for large-scale RCTs identified. The strongest evidence comes from preclinical studies including controlled animal trials showing hepatoprotective effects of Karisalai Karpam formulation and in vitro studies demonstrating antioxidant activity of ethyl acetate extracts against oxidative stress models.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
{"macronutrients": {"protein": "Approximately 5.4 g per 100 g of dried leaves", "fiber": "Approximately 11.2 g per 100 g of dried leaves"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamins": {"vitamin_C": "Approximately 3.5 mg per 100 g of dried leaves", "vitamin_A": "Present in trace amounts, primarily as beta-carotene"}, "minerals": {"iron": "Approximately 1.8 mg per 100 g of dried leaves", "calcium": "Approximately 320 mg per 100 g of dried leaves", "phosphorus": "Approximately 110 mg per 100 g of dried leaves"}}, "bioactive_compounds": {"wedelolactone": "Approximately 0.5 mg per 100 g of dried leaves", "eclalbasaponin": "Present in trace amounts"}, "bioavailability_notes": "The bioavailability of minerals such as iron and calcium may be affected by the presence of oxalates and phytates in the plant, which can inhibit absorption. Cooking or processing methods may enhance the bioavailability of certain nutrients."}
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Karisalai's hepatoprotective effects operate through wedelolactone and eclalbasaponin compounds that enhance antioxidant enzyme activity including superoxide dismutase and catalase. These compounds reduce reactive oxygen species formation and protect cellular membranes from lipid peroxidation. The herb also modulates cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in liver detoxification pathways.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Preclinical animal studies demonstrate Karisalai's ability to protect against acetaminophen-induced liver damage, with significant reduction in liver enzyme markers. Cell culture studies show concentration-dependent antioxidant activity and reduced reactive oxygen species formation. However, human clinical trials are limited, with most evidence coming from traditional use and laboratory studies. Current research focuses primarily on hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties rather than other traditional claims.
Also Known As
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