Latin Name : Eclipta prostrata (Linn.) Linn./ Eclipta alba (Linn.) Hassk. (Asteraceae)
Sanskrit/Indian name : Bhringaraja, Kesharaja, Kesharanjana
Hindi Names : Bhangra, Mochkand, Babri
English Name : Thistles
Urdu name : bhangra, babri, bhangra, bhangra
General information :
The genus name comes from the Greek word meaning “deficient,” referencing the absence of bristles and awns on the fruit. The term Eclipta alba means “white” which refers to the color of the flowers. The herb has been traditionally used in Ayurveda mainly for the treatment of liver cirrhosis. It is bitter, hot, sharp and dry in taste.
Therapeutic constituents :
This herb contains wedelolactone and demethylwedololactone, which possess hepatoprotective properties. It shows a positive effect on liver cell regeneration and is reported to be effective in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The herb is believed to prevent aging, and maintain and rejuvenate hair, teeth and bones along with improving memory, sight and hearing. When used in hair oil, it makes hair darker and promotes hair growth. Eclipta alba is a plant used in folk and traditional medicine for treating cirrhosis and infectious diseases.
Key therapeutic benefits :
- The herb is used as a tonic and deobstruent in hepatic, splenic enlargements and skin diseases.
- The plant juice is administered in combination with aromatics for catarrhal jaundice.
- Eclipta alba possesses anti-hepatotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities. The fresh plant is considered anodyne and absorbent.
