Eclipta Alba Linn.: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology
January 2014
Studysummary This overview discusses the medicinal uses and pharmacological activities of Eclipta alba, yet reports no new experimental findings; it emphasizes the plant's significant role in traditional medicine. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
Eclipta alba Linn., also known as Bhringaraja, was widely used in traditional medicine for treating conditions such as jaundice, grey hair, cough, bronchitis, and skin diseases, and was also considered a rejuvenative. The plant contained significant phytochemicals including coumestans, wedelolactone, ecliptine, apigenine, verazine, and phytosterols. Pharmacological studies demonstrated its anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antihypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and hair growth-promoting activities, validating its traditional uses. This review aimed to provide an overview of the plant's importance.