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Plant Science Today (PST)

Review Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

A comprehensive review on therapeutic potential and pharmacological significance of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. (bhringraj)

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.15899
Submitted
6 June 2026
Published
01-08-2026 — Updated on 10-08-2026
Versions

Abstract

Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. (bhringraj), a medicinal herb of the family Asteraceae widely used in Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani and Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been employed for centuries in the management of liver disorders, skin diseases, bleeding conditions and general health promotion. The current review aims to synthesise data regarding the botanical characteristics, ethnopharmacological documentation, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activity, toxicological profile and translational perspectives of E. alba. The consistent use of E. alba across diverse traditional medical systems for hepatoprotective, haemostatic, hair-growth-promoting and rejuvenative purposes provides a strong ethnopharmacological foundation for modern scientific investigation. The plant contains secondary metabolites, including coumestans (wedelolactone, desmethylwedelolactone), flavonoids, triterpenoids, phytosterols, steroidal alkaloids and phenolic acids, which collectively contribute to its multi-target pharmacological effects. The strongest preclinical evidence supports hepatoprotective (200–400 mg/kg extract dose), antioxidant, antimicrobial (24–32 mm zone of inhibition), trichogenic, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities, mediated in part through the nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathways. Antidiabetic, neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects are yet to be explored properly and must be substantiated in a systematic and independent manner. Available toxicological data indicate a moderate oral acute safety margin but are limited by the absence of formal reproductive, genotoxicity and clinical safety studies, representing a major regulatory gap. Future development should focus on International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH)-compliant toxicological assessment, multi-marker phytochemical standardisation and adequately powered randomised clinical trials to support the transition of E. alba from traditional use to evidence-based phytopharmaceutical development.

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