Charak Samhita

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'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipta_prostrata Eclipta prostrata Linn.]''' (syn. *Eclipta alba* (Linn.) Hassk.), popularly known as '''Bhrungaraja''' (False Daisy), is a small, branched, annual herb belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is highly revered in [[Ayurveda]] as a primary *Rasayana* (rejuvenative) and *Kesya* (hair-promoting) drug, traditionally utilized for managing liver disorders, hair loss, and respiratory conditions.
'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eclipta_prostrata Eclipta prostrata Linn.]''' (syn. ''Eclipta alba'' (Linn.) Hassk.), popularly known as '''Bhrungaraja''' (False Daisy), is a small, branched, annual herb belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is highly revered in [[Ayurveda]] as a primary ''Rasayana'' (rejuvenative) and ''Kesya'' (hair-promoting) drug, traditionally utilized for managing liver disorders, hair loss, and respiratory conditions.


==English name ==  
==English name ==  
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==Therapeutic uses==
==Therapeutic uses==
Sotha (oedema), Svasa (dyspnea), Kasa (cough), Pandu (anemia), Yakrutaroga (liver disease), Krumiroga (worms), Shirahashoola (headache), Hridroga (heart disease)<ref name="ref1">Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 2: 10.</ref>
Sotha (oedema), Svasa (dyspnea), Kasa (cough), Pandu (anemia), Yakrutaroga (liver disease), Krumiroga (worms), Shirahashoola (headache), Hridroga (heart disease)<ref name="ref1"/>


== Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
== Synonyms in Charak Samhita==
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==Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu==
==Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu==
Bhrungarajo, Markava (prevents premature greying of hair), Bhrunga, Angaraka, Kesharaja (good effect on hair), Kesharanjana, Bhrungara<ref name="ref2">Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga, verse no. 239, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020.</ref>
Bhrungarajo, Markava (prevents premature greying of hair), Bhrunga, Angaraka, Kesharaja (good effect on hair), Kesharanjana, Bhrungara<ref name="ref2"/>


==Varieties==
==Varieties==
===Raja Nighantu===
===Raja Nighantu===
Mentioned 3 types<ref name="ref3">Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raja Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, ed. 2006, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, Shatavhadi Varga.</ref>
Mentioned 3 types<ref name="ref3"/>
# Sweta (White)<ref name="ref3"/>
# Sweta (White)
# Pita (Yellow)<ref name="ref3"/>
# Pita (Yellow)
# Nila (Blue)<ref name="ref3"/>
# Nila (Blue)
 


== Botanical Profile & Traditional Context ==
== Botanical Profile & Traditional Context ==
In traditional Ayurvedic therapeutics, Bhrungaraja is classified as a potent *Rasayana* with pungent (*katu*) and bitter (*tikta*) tastes, hot potency (*ushna veerya*), and dry/sharp qualities (*ruksha, tikshna guna*). It acts effectively as a *kaphahara*, *vatahara*, *amahara*, *kesya*, and *chakshushya* agent, holding a supreme reputation for nourishing hair, supporting liver detoxification, and improving vitality<ref name="ref2"/>.
In traditional Ayurvedic therapeutics, Bhrungaraja is classified as a potent ''Rasayana'' with pungent (''katu'') and bitter (''tikta'') tastes, hot potency (''ushna veerya''), and dry/sharp qualities (''ruksha, tikshna guna''). It acts as a ''kaphahara'', ''vatahara'', ''amahara'', ''kesya'', and ''chakshushya'' agent, holding a supreme reputation for nourishing hair, supporting liver detoxification, and improving vitality.<ref name="ref2"/>


== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==  
== Ayurvedic pharmacological properties ==  
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* '''In India –''' Found throughout India, particularly growing abundantly in damp situations across Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra<ref name="ref1"/>.
* '''In India –''' Found throughout India, particularly growing abundantly in damp situations across Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra<ref name="ref1"/>.


== Phytochemical Composition ==
== Phytoconstituents ==
The therapeutic versatility of ''Eclipta prostrata'' is attributed to an active profile of secondary metabolites:
The coumestans wedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone are regarded as the main active principles behind the liver-protective action of ''Eclipta prostrata''.<ref name="wagner1986"/> The plant also contains flavonoids (such as luteolin, luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside and apigenin), phenolic acids (such as protocatechuic acid and caffeic acid), triterpenoid saponins and triterpenes (such as eclalbasaponins, echinocystic acid and oleanolic acid), sterols (β-sitosterol and stigmasterol), steroidal alkaloids of the verazine type, and thiophene derivatives (such as α-terthienylmethanol).<ref name="timalsina2021"/>
* '''Coumestans:''' Wedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone, recognized for their strong hepatoprotective properties<ref name="ref4">{{cite journal |last1=Wagner |first1=H. |last2=Geyer |last2=B. |last3=Kiso |last3=Y. |last4=Hikino |last4=H. |year=1986 |title=Coumestans as the main active principles of the liver-drugging drugs Eclipta alba and Wedelia calendulacea |journal=Planta Medica |volume=52 |issue=5 |pages=370–374}}</ref>.
* '''Flavonoids & Phenolics:''' Apigenin, luteolin, apiin, and luteolin-7-glucoside<ref name="ref4"/>.
* '''Terpenoids & Alkaloids:''' Ecliptine and various thiophene derivatives<ref name="ref4"/>.


== Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy ==
== Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy ==
=== Hepatoprotective and Anti-Hepatotoxic Actions ===
Bhrungaraja is widely celebrated in traditional and modern medicine for its profound restorative impact on hepatic function (*yakrutaroga*).
* '''Mechanism:''' Wedelolactone and active coumestans inhibit oxidative stress cascades, preserve cellular integrity, and regulate hepatic microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes<ref name="ref4"/>.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Experimental studies demonstrate that administration of plant extracts significantly normalizes elevated liver marker enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and restores total protein and bilirubin levels following chemical-induced hepatic injury<ref name="ref4"/>.


=== Hair Growth Promotion and Follicular Activation ===
=== Hepatoprotective Action (''Yakrutaroga'') ===
Its classical title *Kesya* matches modern validations confirming its efficacy against alopecia and hair thinning.
Bhrungaraja is the best-known drug in Ayurveda for liver disorders, and its hepatoprotective action has been tested in experimental liver injury models.
* '''Mechanism:''' Stimulates the transition of hair follicles from the resting phase (telogen) to the growth phase (anagen) by upregulating key signaling proteins like fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF-7) and downregulating catagen-inducing proteins (FGF-5)
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' An alcoholic extract of freshly collected ''Eclipta alba'' showed dose-dependent, significant protection against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats and mice. The protection was assessed through hexobarbitone-induced sleep time, zoxazolamine-induced paralysis time, bromosulphalein clearance, and serum levels of transaminases, bilirubin and protein.<ref name="singh1993"/>
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Animal studies show that topical and systemic application accelerates hair shaft regeneration, deepens hair follicles into the subcutaneous layer, and darkens dorsal skin tone more rapidly than standard controls<ref name="ref5"/>.
 
=== Hair Growth Promotion (''Kesya'') ===
The classical description of Bhrungaraja as ''Kesya'' is supported by animal studies on hair growth.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Petroleum ether and ethanol extracts, applied topically as a cream on shaved skin of albino rats, halved the time for hair growth to start and shortened the time for complete hair growth. The 5% petroleum ether extract gave more follicles in the anagen phase (69 ± 4) than the control (47 ± 13), and the 2% and 5% petroleum ether extracts performed better than 2% minoxidil.<ref name="roy2008"/>
* '''Mechanism:''' In C57BL/6N mice, an oral methanol extract of ''Eclipta prostrata'' enhanced the induction of anagen, increased FGF-7 expression and decreased FGF-5 expression. In human dermal papilla cells the extract also increased FGF-7 and activated mTOR signalling.<ref name="lee2019"/>
 
=== Wound Healing ===
Traditional local use of the leaves on wounds has been examined in rats.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' An ethanolic leaf extract at two dose levels (150 and 300 mg/kg) was tested in incision, excision and dead-space wound models. Treated rats showed higher skin breaking strength, granuloma breaking strength, wound contraction, hydroxyproline content and dry granuloma weight, together with a shorter epithelialisation period.<ref name="sharma2008"/>
* '''Mechanism:''' Granuloma tissue from treated rats had higher levels of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase, and histology showed more collagen deposition. The authors attributed the effect to free radical scavenging and improved collagen formation.<ref name="sharma2008"/>


=== Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Properties ===
== Safety and Toxicity ==
Traditional local applications for wounds and skin problems are verified through pharmacological evaluations.
* '''Oral toxicity (animal study):''' An alcoholic extract of ''Eclipta alba'' given by gavage to rats at 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg for 15 days produced no signs of toxicity, no significant change in body weight, and no significant change in liver (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin) or kidney (creatinine, BUN) markers.<ref name="yadav2017"/>
* '''Mechanism:''' Scavenges free radicals, increases antioxidant enzymes in granulation tissue, and enhances collagen cross-linking and wound tensile strength<ref name="ref6">{{cite journal |last1=Taranalli |first1=A. D. |last2=Koppad |first2=A. S. |last3=Bharath |first3=S. |year=2004 |title=Wound healing activity of Eclipta prostrata leaves extract in rats |journal=Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences |volume=66 |issue=5 |pages=618–622}}</ref>.
* '''Standard therapeutic dose:''' Fresh leaf juice (swarasa) 3–6 ml.<ref name="ref1"/>
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Research indicates that topical ointments formulated with leaf extracts significantly shorten the epithelialization period and accelerate wound contraction and closure<ref name="ref6"/>.
* '''Precautions:''' Use under the guidance of a qualified Ayurveda physician, particularly in chronic conditions or when taking conventional medicines. Medicated oils and decoctions are to be used as directed by the physician.


== Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage ==
== Research Gaps ==
* '''Acute Toxicity:''' Eclipta prostrata displays a high safety margin, with extracts found safe up to maximum tested thresholds without adverse mortality<ref name="ref1"/>.
Most of the pharmacological evidence for Bhrungaraja comes from in vitro and animal studies. Detailed mechanism studies and properly designed clinical studies are still needed to establish its safety and efficacy in humans.<ref name="timalsina2021"/>
* '''Precautions:''' Use under appropriate guidance if managing chronic conditions or concurrent conventional treatments.
* '''Standard Therapeutic Dosage:'''
** ''Fresh Leaf Juice (Swarasa):'' 3–6 ml daily<ref name="ref1"/>.
** ''Medicated Oils / Decoctions:'' As directed by an Ayurveda physician<ref name="ref1"/>.


== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;"
|+ Therapeutic Applications of ''Eclipta prostrata''
|+ Experimental evidence for ''Eclipta prostrata''
! Indication
! Indication !! Preparation studied !! Model !! Principal finding !! Reference
! Active Biomolecules
! Primary Pharmacological Action
|-
|-
| '''Liver Disorders / Yakrutaroga'''
| '''Liver disorders / Yakrutaroga''' || Alcoholic extract || CCl<sub>4</sub>-induced liver injury, rats and mice || Dose-dependent hepatoprotection; improved serum transaminases, bilirubin and protein || <ref name="singh1993"/>
| Wedelolactone, Demethylwedelolactone
| Hepatoprotective, Antioxidant
|-
|-
| '''Hair Loss / Alopecia'''
| '''Hair loss / Alopecia''' || Petroleum ether and ethanol extracts (topical cream) || Albino rats || Earlier onset and completion of hair growth; more anagen follicles || <ref name="roy2008"/>
| Apigenin, Luteolin, Flavonoids
| Anagen induction, Follicular stimulation
|-
|-
| '''Wounds & Skin Ailments / Vrana'''
| '''Wounds / Vrana''' || Ethanolic leaf extract || Incision, excision and dead-space wounds in rats || Faster contraction and epithelialisation; higher collagen content || <ref name="sharma2008"/>
| Tannins, Ascorbic acid, Phenolics
| Pro-healing, Free radical scavenger
|}
|}


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<ref name="ref2">Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga, verse no. 239, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020.</ref>
<ref name="ref2">Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga, verse no. 239, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020.</ref>
<ref name="ref3">Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raja Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, ed. 2006, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, Shatavhadi Varga.</ref>
<ref name="ref3">Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raja Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, ed. 2006, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, Shatavhadi Varga.</ref>
<ref name="ref4">{{cite journal |last1=Wagner |first1=H. |last2=Geyer |last2=B. |last3=Kiso |last3=Y. |last4=Hikino |last4=H. |year=1986 |title=Coumestans as the main active principles of the liver-drugging drugs Eclipta alba and Wedelia calendulacea |journal=Planta Medica |volume=52 |issue=5 |pages=370–374}}</ref>
<ref name="timalsina2021">{{cite journal |last1=Timalsina |first1=D. |last2=Devkota |first2=H. P. |year=2021 |title=''Eclipta prostrata'' (L.) L. (Asteraceae): Ethnomedicinal uses, chemical constituents, and biological activities |journal=Biomolecules |volume=11 |issue=11 |pages=1738 |doi=10.3390/biom11111738 |pmid=34827736}}</ref>
<ref name="ref5">{{cite journal |last1=Roy |last1=R. K. |last2=Thakur |first2=M. |last3=Dixit |first3=V. K. |year=2008 |title=Hair growth promoting activity of Eclipta alba in male albino rats |journal=Archives of Dermatological Research |volume=300 |issue=7 |pages=357–364}}</ref>
<ref name="wagner1986">{{cite journal |last1=Wagner |first1=H. |last2=Geyer |first2=B. |last3=Kiso |first3=Y. |last4=Hikino |first4=H. |last5=Rao |first5=G. S. |year=1986 |title=Coumestans as the main active principles of the liver drugs ''Eclipta alba'' and ''Wedelia calendulacea'' |journal=Planta Medica |volume=52 |issue=5 |pages=370–374 |doi=10.1055/s-2007-969188 |pmid=3797500}}</ref>
<ref name="ref6">{{cite journal |last1=Taranalli |first1=A. D. |last2=Koppad |first2=A. S. |last3=Bharath |first3=S. |year=2004 |title=Wound healing activity of Eclipta prostrata leaves extract in rats |journal=Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences |volume=66 |issue=5 |pages=618–622}}</ref>
<ref name="singh1993">{{cite journal |last1=Singh |first1=B. |last2=Saxena |first2=A. K. |last3=Chandan |first3=B. K. |last4=Agarwal |first4=S. G. |last5=Bhatia |first5=M. S. |last6=Anand |first6=K. K. |year=1993 |title=Hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract of ''Eclipta alba'' on experimental liver damage in rats and mice |journal=Phytotherapy Research |volume=7 |issue=2 |pages=154–158 |doi=10.1002/ptr.2650070212}}</ref>
<ref name="roy2008">{{cite journal |last1=Roy |first1=R. K. |last2=Thakur |first2=M. |last3=Dixit |first3=V. K. |year=2008 |title=Hair growth promoting activity of ''Eclipta alba'' in male albino rats |journal=Archives of Dermatological Research |volume=300 |issue=7 |pages=357–364 |doi=10.1007/s00403-008-0860-3 |pmid=18478241}}</ref>
<ref name="lee2019">{{cite journal |last1=Lee |first1=K. H. |last2=Choi |first2=D. |last3=Jeong |first3=S. I. |last4=Kim |first4=S. J. |last5=Lee |first5=C. H. |last6=Seo |first6=H. S. |last7=Jeong |first7=H. S. |year=2019 |title=''Eclipta prostrata'' promotes the induction of anagen, sustains the anagen phase through regulation of FGF-7 and FGF-5 |journal=Pharmaceutical Biology |volume=57 |issue=1 |pages=105–111 |doi=10.1080/13880209.2018.1561729 |pmid=30757935}}</ref>
<ref name="sharma2008">{{cite journal |last1=Sharma |first1=S. |last2=Sikarwar |first2=M. S. |year=2008 |title=Wound healing activity of ethanolic extract of leaves of ''Eclipta alba'' |journal=Pharmacognosy Magazine |volume=4 |issue=13 (Suppl) |pages=108–111}}</ref>
<ref name="yadav2017">{{cite journal |last1=Yadav |first1=N. K. |last2=Arya |first2=R. K. |last3=Dev |first3=K. |last4=Sharma |first4=C. |last5=Hossain |first5=Z. |last6=Meena |first6=S. |last7=Arya |first7=K. R. |last8=Gayen |first8=J. R. |last9=Datta |first9=D. |last10=Singh |first10=R. K. |year=2017 |title=Alcoholic extract of ''Eclipta alba'' shows in vitro antioxidant and anticancer activity without exhibiting toxicological effects |journal=Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity |volume=2017 |pages=9094641 |doi=10.1155/2017/9094641 |pmid=28250894}}</ref>
}}
}}


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