Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba)

What is Bhringaraja?

Rich in wedelolactone and ecliptin, Eclipta alba (Linn.) Hassk — known across Ayurveda as Bhringaraja, the "King of Hair" — is a herb renowned for its dual benefits for liver health and hair regeneration. It supports liver health, a healthy inflammatory response, the skin's natural defenses and hair vitality, making it a versatile active for modern nutraceutical and cosmetic formulations.

Origins & Ethnobotany

Native to India and tropical Asia, Eclipta alba has been a staple of Ayurvedic, Unani and traditional Siddha medicine systems. Used both orally and topically, it supports liver detoxification, helps delay premature graying and restores vitality. Traditionally administered in oils, teas and tonics, it is classified as a Rasayana herb for rejuvenation and longevity.

Key Bioactives

• Wedelolactone, Ecliptin, Luteolin, Apigenin, Demethylwedelolactone — the principal phytoactives driving its functional profile
• Belongs to the coumestan, flavonoid and triterpenoid classes
• Standardized extracts typically contain ≥ 3% wedelolactone

Clinically Studied Benefits

Across published preclinical and clinical work, Eclipta alba demonstrates a consistent, multi-system pharmacological signature:

• Supports liver renewal and helps maintain liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT) already within the normal range
• Promotes hair growth by prolonging the anagen (growth) phase and activating dermal papillae
• Supports a healthy inflammatory response by modulating TNF-α, IL-6 and iNOS pathways
• Shows activity in laboratory assays against common organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans
• Exerts neuroprotective effects through antioxidant activity in neural tissue

Mechanism of Action

• Liver support: scavenges free radicals, restores antioxidant enzymes and modulates liver enzyme expression
• Hair revitalization: activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in hair follicles
• Inflammatory balance: modulates NF-κB and nitric oxide production
• Neuroprotective: counters oxidative damage in neurons by upregulating antioxidant enzymes

Ideal Formats

• Herbal teas, tinctures, capsules and oral tonics
• Topical oils, serums and shampoos (2–10% extract concentration)

Regulatory Status

Eclipta alba is recognized across major regulatory frameworks and is included in WHO monographs on medicinal plants.

• FSSAI (India): permitted in traditional and nutraceutical categories
• US FDA: used within dietary-supplement and topical cosmetic applications
• EFSA (EU): permitted in food supplements; quality control based on phytochemical standardization

Sustainability & Sourcing

Cultivated in organic farms across India and Southeast Asia. A fast-growing herb that can be harvested 3–4 times annually, it ensures regenerative and sustainable supply chains. Ethically wildcrafted varieties are also available through certified partners.

Safety & Compliance

Safe for oral and topical use at recommended dosages, with no known toxicity in traditional doses. Extracts undergo stringent quality control to ensure heavy-metal, pesticide and microbial compliance, and are suitable for long-term use under medical supervision.