ECLIPTA ALBA (BHRINGRAJ): A PROMISING HEPATOPROTECTIVE AND HAIR GROWTH STIMULATING HERB.

Abstract

Plants are the primary source of food, shelter, and various remedial approaches. They are being in use for treating various kinds of human ailments across the world since the ancient times. One of such important plants is Eclipta alba hassk (Asteraceae) which is commonly known as Bhringraj and false daisy. This plant is known for its extra-ordinary therapeutic properties. It is one of most widely used plant in traditional systems of medicines such as Ayurvedic, Unani, Sidha, homeopathy, Chinese, and folk. Each part of this medicinal plant contains many important phytochemical constituents such as coumestans, triterpenes, flavonoids, steroids, polypeptides, and saponins. It is majorly used for enhancing the growth, strength, and blackening of hair. It is used as the main ingredient in many hair oils. It significantly treats problems related to hair such as hair fall, dandruff, premature greying, and baldness. E. alba exhibits many other important biological properties such as anticancer, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-stress, and immunomodulatory. Thus, this medicinal plant is playing a vital role in the medical field and cosmetic industry. The present review is a summary of phytomedicinal importance of E. alba in Ayurveda as well as folk medicine system.

Full text

Vol 14, Issue 7, 2021
Online - 2455-3891
Print - 0974-2441
ECLIPTA ALBA



Received: 23 March 2021, Revised and Accepted: 30 April 2021

Plants are the primary source of food, shelter, and various remedial approaches. They are being in use for treating various kinds of human ailments
across the world since the ancient times. One of such important plants is Eclipta alba hassk (Asteraceae) which is commonly known as Bhringraj
and false daisy. This plant is known for its extra-ordinary therapeutic properties. It is one of most widely used plant in traditional systems of
medicines such as Ayurvedic, Unani, Sidha, homeopathy, Chinese, and folk. Each part of this medicinal plant contains many important phytochemical
constituents such as coumestans, triterpenes, flavonoids, steroids, polypeptides, and saponins. It is majorly used for enhancing the growth, strength,
and blackening of hair. It is used as the main ingredient in many hair oils. It significantly treats problems related to hair such as hair fall, dandruff,
premature greying, and baldness. E. alba exhibits many other important biological properties such as anticancer, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-stress,
and immunomodulatory. Thus, this medicinal plant is playing a vital role in the medical field and cosmetic industry. The present review is a summary
of phytomedicinal importance of E. alba in Ayurveda as well as folk medicine system.
 Bhringraj, Rasapanchak, Coumestans, Saponin, Hepatoprotective.

Nature is the primary source of numerous medicines for thousands of
years [1,2]. Among plants, medicinal plants are of great significance.
Medicinal plants are those plants whose one or more than one part
possess substances which are medically important and are used for
the synthesis of new drugs [3,4]. Kingdom plantae is considered as
the treasure house of many important drugs. It has been a culture of
using medicinal plants [5]. Initially most of the medicinal preparations
were obtained from the plants only either in the simpler form or
in the complex form [6]. Drugs derived from plants are named as
herbal drugs, botanical drugs, botanicals, phytomedicines, traditional
medicines, herbal medicines, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs),
traditional herbal medicinal products, natural health products, or
plant food supplements. These phytomedicines have advantages over
synthetic drugs such as they are easily available, less expensive, safe,
and efficient and have negligible side effects [7-10]. Even most of the
modern drugs are derived from the natural sources like plants. As per
the data resources, quarter of the medicines used in the present times in
industrialized countries has been derived from tropical plants directly
or indirectly [11-13]. Medicinal plants have a very rich history of their
utilization to treat variety of diseases. The practice of using plants to
treat diseases and get relief from physical sufferings is as old as the
origin of mankind [14,15]. As per the estimated reports of the WHO,
in developed nations around 80% of the total population rely majorly
on the phytomedicines for maintaining their health and fulfilling
basic requirements [16-19]. India comes under the category of world
biodiversity centers which is blessed with the rich medicinal plant
history having more than 45,000 diverse species of plants; therefore,
it is considered as Botanical garden of the world [20,21]. Indian
medicinal plants are used in many traditional systems of medicine such
as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani Folk system, and as well as allopathy [22].
Ayurveda is the most ancient traditional medicine system. There are
almost 600 medicinal plants and their formulations are being in use
in Ayurvedic practices for the treatment of several diseases [23]. In
U.K. around 25% of population use phytomedicines in their day-to-
day routine. Phytomedicines are used in each and every corner of the
world. Medicinal herbs are used for the healing purpose by African
population [24]. In Africa, traditional medicines are being in use since
4000 years. These medicines served as the primary health-care system
in the absence of modern medicines [25,26]. More than 1000 species
of plants are mentioned in the compendium of Materia Medica which
is an ancient encyclopedia of TCM [27]. In China, medicinal plants are
being in therapeutic use in dietary therapy for numerous years and
thus maintaining the health [28,29]. As per the reported data, 60 out
of 104 global drugs that are used for last 37 years have been derived
from the TCM plants [30]. In countries like West Africa modern drugs
are not affordable by many people thus people rely on phytomedicines
for cure and heal purpose [31]. About 85% of Swazis and Nigerians use
traditional medicine as a health-care system [32,33]. Approximately
27% of South African population uses traditional medicines as its
main health care system. Eclipta alba (L.) (Fig. 1) is one of most
well-known and valuable medicinal plants in India. It is commonly
named as false daisy and Bhringaraj and Karisilakanni. Genus Eclipta
originated from the Greek word “Deficient” which means absence of
the bristles and awns on the fruits [34,35]. E. alba (L.) belongs to the
family Asteraceae. This medicinal plant has rich ethnomedicinal history.
E. alba and its therapeutic value has also been mentioned in classical
text “Bhavaprakash” [36]. In Ayurveda, it is named as “bhringoraaja”, in
Unani system; it is named as “bhangra” whereas in Siddha it is named as
“karissalaankanni” [37]. E. alba is categorized into three categories on
the basis of the color of the flowers/fruits which are white-flowering, the
yellow-flowering, and the black-fruiting. Each type is found in marshes,
rivers, and lakes or on the foothills of the Himalayas in India [33]. This
medicinal plant is mostly used in tropical and sub-tropical regions as
a traditional medicine. It is also utilized as a functional food [38]. It is
a very famous hepatoprotective drug and popularly called as “King of
hair” [39]. The extracts of this medicinal herb are used as preventive
measure or as an anti-venom against snakebite. It is used to treat issues
related to gastro-intestinal tract, respiratory issues, to heal cut and
wounds, inflammation, and many more diseases [40-44]. Wedelolactone,
demethylwedelolactone, desmethyl-Wedelolactone, furanocoumarins,
oleanane and taraxastane glycosides, and 7glucoside are the primary
coumestan derivatives present in E. alba [45,46]. Ecliptal, ß-amyrin,
luteolin-7-O-glucoside, hentriacontanol, heptacosanol, stigmasterol are
other principle phytochemical constituents of E. alba. Each part of this
© 2021 The Authors. Published by Innovare Academic Sciences Pvt Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by/4.0/) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2021v14i7.41569. Journal homepage: https://innovareacademics.in/journals/index.php/ajpcr
Review Article

Eclipta alba
17
Asian J Pharm Clin Res, Vol 14, Issue 7, 2021, 16-23
Kumari et al.
medicinal plant is important from medicinal point of view. E. alba is
associated with therapeutic properties such as anticancer, antileprotic,
analgesic, antioxidant, antimyotoxic, anti-hemorrhagic, antihepatotoxic,
antiviral, antibacterial, spasmogenic, hypotensive, and ovicidal. E. alba
is known as “King of hair” because it exhibits properties which enhance
the growth and blackening of hair [47,48]. It is used externally to treat
eczema and in athlete foot [49]. It is also used as a treatment of epilepsy
[50]. Vernacular names and Taxonomy of E. alba are shown in Tables 1
and 2.
E. ALBA 
E. alba (L.) is an annual multibranched herbaceous plant that reaches
up to the height of 30–50cm. The form of this plant may be erect or
prostrate. The plant is covered with hair of white color. The hair is
present on both the surfaces of leaves. The stem is of red color. There
is presence of simple, sessile, and lanceolate leaves which are of length
4–10 cm, breadth 0.8–2 cm, and tallness 90 cm with slender. The leaves
are present in opposite manner which are attached to the stem without
the presence of petiole. At the lower nodes rooting is present. The
floral heads are solitary and white whose diameter is 6–8 mm. Flowers
are narrowly winged. The plant has well developed root system. Grey
cylindrical roots are present there. The plant is covered with flowers
throughout the year. The fruiting period of E. alba is from September
to October [53-55].
E. ALBA
It is found as a weed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world
such as South America, Asia, and Africa at an altitude of up to 2000 m.
It is found throughout India, China, Thailand, and Brazil, Taiwan,
Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and United States. In
India, it is mainly found in states Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and
Manipur [56-60].
E. ALBA
E. alba (Bhringraj) contains wide range of diverse phytochemical
constituents which include coumestans, alkaloids, flavonoids,
glycosides, polyacetylenes, and triterpenoids, phenolic acids, saponins,
sterol, sesquiterpene lactones, proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates,
and many more [61-65].

Coumestans are the main active phytochemical constituents of E. alba which
are the derivatives of coumarin. Wedelolactone, demethylwedelolactone,
demethylwedelolactone-7-glucoside, isodemethylewedelol actone, and
strychnolactone are the main coumestans present in the whole plant
especially in the leaves. These are believed to be associated with anti-
cancer properties [66-70].

The major alkaloids present in E. alba leaves are (20S)
(25S)- 22,26-imino-cholesta-5,22(N)-dien-3β-ol (verazine, 3).
Other novel alkaloids reported are 20-epi-3- dehydroxy-3-oxo-
5,6-dihydro- 4,5 dehydroverazine (1), ecliptalbine [(20R)-20-
pyridyl-cholesta-5-ene-3β,23-diol] (4), (20R)-4β-hydroxyverazine
(5), 4β-hydroxyverazine (6), (20R)-25β-hydroxyverazine (7),
25βhydroxyverazine and (8), Ecliptalbine (4). While methanolic extract
of the plant contains alkaoilds such as verazine, 20-epi3-dehydroxy-
3-oxo-5, 6-dihydro-4, 5- dehydroverazine ecliptalbine, (20R)-4s-
hydroxyverazine, 4shydroxyverazine, (20R) 25s-hydroxyverazine,
and 25shydroxyverazine. Some other reported alkaloids are ecliptine,
nicotine, verazine, and dehydroverazine ecliptalbine [71].

Saponins are mainly associated with the cytotoxic activity. Eclalbatin,
alpha-amyrin, ursolic acid, and oleanolic are novel triterpene saponin
which has been isolated from the whole plant of E. alba [72-74].
Eclalbatin, dasyscyphin C is present in the roots which are associated
with the properties such as anticancer, antiviral, and antioxidant
activity [75].

Stigmasterol, daucosterol, stigmasterol-3-O-glucoside, phytosterol, and
β-glucoside of phytosterol are the major sterols present in E. alba seed
[76,77]. Stigmasterol is an important sterol which is involved in the
process of synthesis of major reproductive hormones like progesterone,
androgens, estrogens, and corticoids [78].

Apigenin, luteolin and luteolin-7-glucoside, and orobol are the main
flavonoids present in E. alba. Apigenin and luteolin are associated with
the anti-cancer properties [64].

Eclalbasaponins VII–X (taraxastane triterpene glycosides),
eclalbasaponins I–VI (oleanane triterpene glycosides), eclalbasaponins
Eclipta alba
 
Subkingdom Viridaeplantae
Infrakingdom Streptophyta
Division Tracheophyta
Subdivision Spermatophytina
Infradivision Angiospermae
Class Magnoliopsida
Superorder Asteranae
Order Asterales
Family Asteraceae
Genus Eclipta
Species alba
Common name False Lily, Bhringraj
Eclipta alba
 
Sanskrit Bhrungaraj, Kesharaj, Markava, Kesharanjana, Kesharaj
Hindi Bhangara, Bhangarayya
Punjabi Bhangara, dodhak, Babri
Marathi Maka
Gujarat Bhangaro
Bengali Kesuriya, Kesuti
Tamil Kaikeshi
Telugu Galagara, Gunta, Galijaeru
Malyalam Cajenneam,Kanni
Konkani Mako, Kajalamavu
Asamese Kehraj
Arabic Kadim-ul-bint, Radim-el-bint

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Kumari et al.
I–VI (triterpene glycosides), ecliptasaponins C and D (triterpenoid
glucosides), eclalbatin, 𝛼-amyrin, β-amyrin, oleanolic acid, ursolic
acid (triterpenoids), wedelic acid are the main terpenoids, and their
glycosides present in E. alba. Oleanolic acid, eclalbatin, and 𝛼-amyrin,
are present in the whole plant [79-82].

Protocatechuic acid and 4-hydroxy benzoic acid are the phenolic acid
extracted from the E. alba.Sesquiterpene lactones E. alba consists
of 5-hydroxymethyl-(2,2’:5’,2”)-terthienyl tiglate, 5-hydroxymethyl-
(2,2’:5’,2”)-terthienyl agelate, 5-hydroxymethyl-(2,2’:5’,2”)-terthienyl
acetate as its main Sesquiterpene lactone content.

The main polypeptides present in E. alba are cystine, glutamic acid,
phenyl alanine, tyrosine and methionine.

Heptadecane, 6,10,14-trimethyl-2-pentadecanone, n-hexadecanoic
acid, pentadecane, eudesma-4(14),11-diene, phytol, octadec-9-enoic
ecid, 1,2-benzenediacarboxylic acid diisooctyl ester, (Z,Z)-9,12-
octadecadienoic acid, (Z)-7,11-dimethyl-3-methylene-1,6,10-
dodecatriene, (Z,Z,Z)-nt [83].
E. ALBA 

E. alba is called as Bhringaraja in Ayurveda. It is one of the most
valuable plants in Ayurveda. This magical herb is associated with
many biological properties which are being used in many Ayurvedic
practices for the treatment of various human ailments. It significantly
works on Pitta dosha (Fire and water component of the body) and Vatta
dosha (air and space components of the body). It acts aa a rasayana.
The extract obtained from the leaves is used as liver tonic, rejuvenative
and beneficial for hair, eyes, edema, and phlegm [84]. It is mentioned in
Dhanvantari Nighantu, Raj Nighantu, Kaiyyadev Nighantu for its use in
pandu, shotha and kamala [85-87]. Rasapanchak of E. alba (Bhringraja)
as per Ayurveda is shown in Table 3.
 E. alba 
Sansthanic Karm-wahaya
It is topically used in cuts, wounds, and inflammation/swelling. It
reduces headache when its oil is applied on head. It is used as eye/ear
drop to reduce pain. It is also used in elephantiasis. It is very good for
hair as it helps in growth, strengthening and blackening of hair. It is
used in hair disorders such as premature greying, dandruff, hair fall,
and baldness.
Abhyantar-nadi sansthan
It is used as pain killer.
Netra
It is beneficial for eyes.
Pachansansthan
It improves digestion and enhances appetite. It is good for liver. It helps
in digestion of “ama” which means toxins and undigested food. It also
acts as an anthelminthic. It is used in conditions such as anorexia,
hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, jaundice, piles, and abdominal pain.
Rakatwahsansthan/Twacha
It helps in blood augmentation. It used in treating anemia. It induces
sweating and helps to fight against skin disorders. It used in treatment
of leprosy, psoriasis, eczema, and utricaria.
Swasansansthan
It has mucolytic property. It is used in cough and cold conditions.
Mootrawahsansthan
It has diuretic properties. It is used as a cure in burning micturition.
Prajnansansthan
It has aphrodisiac property.
Satmikaran
It enhances body strength.
Tapkram
Due to its sweat inducing and ama pachna property it acts as an anti-
pyretic agent.
 E. alba 
Bhringraja is used in many Ayurvedic formulations. For example,
Bhringraja taila is used for Khalitya (Hair fall or loss of hair). Another
formulation of yakrit plihantak churna is used as an hepatoprotective.
An important Ayurvedic cosmetological formulation of E. alba along
with Vitex negundo, Sphaeranthus indicus and Carum copticum is used
as a rejuvenator in the treatment of Kayakalpa.
Folk view
E. alba (Bhringraja) is an important medicinal herb with rich history
of its utilization in various folk systems around the world. It is used to
treat numerous diseases. For instance, in Thailand, people use E. alba
leaves against skin related problems and hair fall. They use stem to treat
tuberculosis, asthma and as a blood tonic while E. alba roots exhibit
antibacterial properties [95]. In Egypt, people administer plant juice to
blacken the hair and beard [96]. In Philippines, people use this plant
for hemoptysis and hematemesis. It is used in tea for treating sprains,
furuncle and dermatitis. Dried for the herb is also use against dysentery
and heamturia urine [97]. It is used as an emetic and purgative agent and
in the treatment of cuts and wounds. People also use it in the treatment
of jaundice in Eastern Nepal [98,99]. In many areas of India, leaf extract
along with cow milk is used against the weakness of vision whereas
leaves are also used to reduce wrinkles and heal wounds, palpitation,
pimples, premature greying of hair, gingivitis, and alopecia. Whole plant
is consumed in treating diarrhea and dysentery, fever, general weakness,
jaundice, liver related problems, loss of appetite, and edema, whereas
root extract is used against hemorrhoids [100]. In Himachal Pradesh
India, people use leaf decoction of E. alba against headache. The extract
obtained from the leaves is used against head lice, cold, and asthma
[101]. E. alba is a common remedy for the upper respiratory infections
and eye/ear infections in children. Bhringraj oil is used all over the
India for good hair [102]. In Punjab, Pakistan leaves, roots, and flowers
of E. alba are prescribed by herbal healers as a cure for liver disorders,
hepatic, and spleen ailments. Leaves are used to enhance the digestion
and appetite. The whole plant is used as hair tonic, whereas leaves are
used to treat athlete’s foot disease [103,104]. In Bahawalnagar District,
Punjab, Pakistan, people use to chew E. alba leaves to improve their
eye health and they treat hypertension using the extract of this plant
[105]. In Bahawalpur, Pakistan, this plant is used as a blood purifier
and hair tonic. It is also used against leprosy, itching, earache, jaundice,
fevers and bleeding disorder, toothache and gum complaints, nausea,
and vomiting [106]. In Odisha, India, leaves are used as an antibacterial
agent [107]. The juice of E. alba is useful for the expulsion of worms in
infants. Manipuri tribes use stem decoction of this plant against liver
enlargement while use extracts of leaves in cough and fever. Toto tribe
of India uses it as an antidote against scorpion sting. Some communities
Eclipta alba

 
Virya/Potency Ushna/Hot
Vipak/Metabolic property Kattu/Pungent
Guna/Physical property Laghu/Light, Ruksha/Rough
Guna/Taste Kattu/Pungent, Tikat/Bitter

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Kumari et al.
of Odisha use it as remedy for itching, conjunctivitis and other eye
problems. Tribal Societies of Anaikatty Hills, Tamil Nadu, consumes this
plant against antifertility, antidote to snake bite, fever, and headache. It
is used against toothache, headache, gland swelling, and elephantiasis
by people of Sagar tribes, Madhya Pradesh. Asthma, bronchitis, and
leukoderma are treated by consumption this plant by tribal Societies
of Saurashtra, Gujarat [108]. In Chandauli District of Uttar Pradesh,
people use leaves of E. alba against dandruff along with seeds of
Foeniculum vulgare [109]. In Javadhu Hills Tamil Nadu, E. alba leaves
are used for treating diabetes [110]. Gujjars of Rajaji Tiger Reserve,
Uttarakhand, treat liver problems with the leaves of this plant [111].
In some areas of Tamil Nadu, people use the paste made up of leaves
of E. alba to prevent dandruff and to enhance the hair growth [112]. In
some villages of Dakshin Dinajpur District, West Bengal, people use leaf
and seed of this plant to treat problems related to stomach and liver,
inflammation, digestion, and use it as a hair tonic [113]. In West Nimar
district, Madhya Pradesh, people use oil extracted from the seeds of
E. alba to enhance the hair growth [114]. In areas around the Dandeli
Wild Life Sanctuary, people treat warts and leprosy by applying the E.
alba leaf juice [115]. People of Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh, use
this plant to avoid hair fall and provide strength to hair and to increase
the appetite [116]. The people of Nandurbar tribe of Maharashtra use
this plant as a remedy for menorrhagia [117]. The tribal people of Peth
and Trimbakeshwar of Nashik District, Maharashtra, the leaves of E.
alba are used for treating the injuries caused by mud [118]. In Chennai,
people use whole plant as a liver tonic. Leaf juice along with honey
is used to treat cough and watery nose in children. Furthermore, the
leaves juice is used for hair growth [119]. In Karnataka, this plant is
used as an antidote for scorpion bite while the paste made up of this
plant is used to blacken and strengthen the hair [120]. In Chittagong
Hill Tracts, Bangladesh, people use paste made up of stem, and leaves
of E. alba against skin problems [121]. In Koikuri, Dinajpur, this plant is
used to heal wounds and as a remedy for skin diseases [122]. In West
Singhbhum districts of Jharkhand, people eat E. alba leaves used as a
leafy vegetable as a cure to anemia [123]. The plant is administered
as nasal or eye drop to get relief from pain and chronic headache in
Bayelsa state of Nigeria [124].
Modern view
In the modern era people are showing great interest in herbal medicines
because these have several advantages over the modern synthetic
drugs. The demand of herbal drugs in the market is increasing rapidly
due to which the chances of their adulteration/contamination have
also increased [125,126]. There are several factors which promote the
degradation of the herbal products such as misidentification of species
or plant parts, intentional adulteration, and contamination. Due to all
these factors the quality and safety of herbal drugs is in question [127].
There are reported cases of misidentification of herbal plants that might
happen due to similarities of morphology of the plants and sometimes
due to conflict in the common as well scientific names of the plants. This
is one of the primary reasons that lead to the degrading of the herbal
products [128]. Another major factor of degradation of herbal products is
intentional adulteration which is done in many ways such as by inducing
either orthodox drugs or by substituting products of inferior quality
or by introducing foreign particles or contaminants like sand, metals,
soil etc. The main purpose behind intentional adulteration is to derive
maximum profit [129-131]. Most commonly used contaminants in herbal
products are heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, and lead, cadmium,
copper and thallium. Other contaminants used are pesticides, microbes,
and mycotoxins [132-138]. The most common forms of herbal drugs
available in the market are powders, capsules, and extracts. Adulterants
are often induced before processing stage or during the processing of
herbal drugs. Proper quality analysis and standardization at these stages
are required to avoid health risks [139-141]. Standardization of herbal
drugs confirms the accurate quantity, quality and associated therapeutic
properties with dosage [142]. Techniques like standard DNA barcode
have proved to be important in detecting species misidentification [143].
E. ALBA

E. alba (Bhringraja) has variety of phytochemical constituents present
in it which exhibit various therapeutic properties. Some of its reported
therapeutic uses are summarized below.

Singh et al. conducted a study on rats and mice models in which lung
injury was induced artificially by carbon tetrachloride. It was found
that alcoholic extract of E. alba (Bhringraja) exhibit hepatoprotective
activity at a dosage of 62.5–500.0 mg/kg p.o. Extract restored all the
changes induced by carbon tetrachloride [144]. The experimental study
conducted by Naik et al., on albino rat models treated with high fatty
diet to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of E. alba (Bhringraja)
demonstrated that phytochemical constituents such as Wedelolactone,
demethylwedelolactone, and saponins are associated with
hepatoprotectivity. It was found that these phytochemicals significantly
reduced the fat deposition, mononuclear infiltration, and necrotic foci.
Regeneration of hepatocytes in the liver was also stimulated by these
phytochemical constituents [145]. This activity was also investigated
by Ahirwar and Saxena, on albino rat models. Models were artificially
induced with hepatotoxicity by carbon tetrachloride. It was found
that isolated fraction of E. alba had significant hepatoprotective
potential at dosage of 200 mg/kg body weight. The protein levels were
restored after the treatment with E. alba extract. [146]. This activity
was also supported by a comparative study conducted by Kumar
et al., on albino rat models. In this study paracetamol was used to
induce hepatotoxicity in the models. Alcoholic and aqueous extracts
d
c
b
f
a
e
 Eclipta alba

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Kumari et al.
were comparatively investigated. It was found that alcoholic extract
of E. alba has more potent hepatoprotective activity [147]. Indhuleka
and Jeyaraj performed an investigative study on animal models to find
out the hepatoprotective nature of E. alba. Models were induced with
hepatotoxicity by paracetamol. Study revealed that E. alba has potent
hepatoprotective activity [148].

Begum et al. conducted a study on nude mice to evaluate the hair
growth promoting activity of E. alba. Petroleum ether extract (PEE)
along with other solvent fractions of E. alba was topically applied on
the backs of nude mice. Prominent follicular hypertrophy was observed
after the treatment with PEE. In the basal epidermal and matrix cells,
follicular keratinocytes number was increased. These changes support
E. alba use in the growth of hair [42]. Another study conducted by
Begum et al., supported the use of E. alba for hair growth. The study was
conducted on nude mice models which were genetically suffering from
hair loss due to abnormal keratinization. It was revealed from the study
that topical application of methanolic extract of E. alba had significant
impact on the hair growth of mice models. It was observed that hair
follicle number had increased after the treatment which shows that E.
alba is a brilliant hair growth promoter [149].

An in vitro study was conducted by Chaudhary et al., to evaluate the
anti-cancer potential of E. alba. The model systems used for the study
were Human liver cancer cell line (HepG2), C6 glioma and A498 cell
lines. It was found that hydroalcoholic extract of this plant caused
inhibition of cell proliferation [150].

An in vitro study conducted by Gurrapu and Mamidala, on Escherichia
coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella boydii, Staphylococcus aureus,
and Streptococcus faecalis demonstrated that E. alba can be used as a
good antimicrobial agent. It was found that alkaloids extracted from
E. alba has inhibitory against these bacterial strains [151]. Karthikumar
et al. evaluated the anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant potential of E. alba
on bacterail species E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella dysenteriae,
Salmonella typhi, P. aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and S. aureus. Ethanol
and ethyl acetate extracts were found to be significant antibacterial
agents. Ferric thiocynate method was employed for the evaluation of
anti-oxidant potential. Hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water extract
showed anti-oxidant activity at various concentrations (50, 100, 250,
and 500 in µg/mL) while aqueous extract showed significantly less
activity than the other extracts [152].

A study conducted by Manvar et al., against Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
showed that E. alba extract had significant inhibitory actions against
RNA dependent RNA polymerase activity of HCV replicas in vitro
whereas it caused inhibition of HCV replication in cell-culture system
which showed its anti-viral potential [153].

Banji et al. examined the memory enhancing activity of E. alba. The
suspension of E. alba extract in distilled water was administered to rat
models. They evaluated the transfer latency of models on an elevated
plus maze. The study revealed that E. alba is associated with memory
enhancing activities [154].

Syed et al. evaluated the immunomodulatory behavior of E. alba in an
in-vitro study. It was found that coumestans such as Wedelolactone and
demethylwedelolactone had inhibitory actions against trypsin which
supports its use as an immunomodulatory agent [155].

Chanu et al. studied anti-stress property of E. alba in Labeo calbasu
fingerlings in stress was induced by acid. It was observed that ethanolic
extract of the plant exhibited anti-stress activity by restoring the levels
of stress hormones – serum cortisol, glucose, alanine amino transferase,
aspartate amino transferase – and enzymes – lactate dehydrogenase,
malate dehydrogenase, ATPase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase
which showed its anti-stress activity [156].

E. alba (Bhringraj) is a wonder herb which is most commonly used
in traditional systems of medicine for treating numerous human
ailments. It is widely used for its extra-ordinary property of enhancing
the hair growth and provides strength to hair. It possesses wide
range of phytochemical constituents such as coumestans, saponins,
and alkaloids which exhibit significant biological properties such
as hepatoprotectivity, antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-stress, and
immunomodulatory. It is used in almost each culture and tribe of the
world. It is also used as leafy vegetable in some cultures. In Ayurveda,
it is used against diseases such as elephantiasis, anorexia, leprosy,
eczema, psoriasis, jaundice, piles, cough, col, and splenomegaly. This
small medicinal herb with multiple therapeutic applications can be a
promising and reliable source of new drugs in future.

We declare that this work was done by the authors named in this article
and all liabilities pertaining to claims relating to the content of this
article will be borne by the authors.
Dr. Gitika Chaudhary drafted the article and contributed in writing
Ayurvedic view of the article. Dr. Hemlata Kaurav contributed in
drafting and writing pharmacological portion of plant.
Isha Kumari contributed in data collection and writing the paper.

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

No any funding for this article writing.

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