Eclipta Prostrata (L.) L. (Asteraceae): Ethnomedicinal Uses, Chemical Constituents, and Biological Activities

Eclipta prostrata, a medicinal plant, is traditionally used to treat various diseases and promote hair growth. The plant contains active phytochemicals like coumestan derivatives, phenolic acid derivatives, flavonoids, triterpenoid and steroid saponins, and substituted thiophenes. These compounds have shown antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and hair growth promoting activities. The plant extract demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in rats, antimicrobial activity, hepatoprotective activity, and promoted hair growth. A study found that petroleum ether extract of Eclipta prostrata promoted hair growth in mice from day 8, covering the maximum body area by day 16. The hair growth cycle was significantly affected by the extract, with most hair follicles in the anagenic phase. The major contributors to hair growth promotion were wedelolactone and β- sitosterol in the extract. However, the role of Eclipta prostrata in treating hair fall caused by diseases, aging, and genetics is not clear. Further studies on human and animal models are needed.