Eclipta Herb Extract
Also known as: Eclipta prostrata, False daisy, Bhringraj, Eclipta alba
Overview
Eclipta alba, also known as False Daisy or Bhringraj, is a herbaceous plant widely utilized in traditional medicine systems, particularly in the Indian subcontinent and other Asian countries. It is commonly employed for its purported benefits in liver disorders, skin conditions, hair growth, and as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. The extract is typically derived from the plant's leaves and whole plant material, often prepared as alcoholic or hydroalcoholic extracts. While there is a substantial body of in vivo animal studies and ethnopharmacological reports supporting its traditional uses, high-quality human clinical trials are limited. Systematic reviews have begun to consolidate the preclinical evidence, particularly concerning its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits
Eclipta alba exhibits several evidence-based benefits, primarily from preclinical studies. It demonstrates significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in rodent models, with studies showing activity in various pain and inflammation tests at doses around 200 mg/kg. This suggests its potential for pain relief and reducing inflammation. Traditionally used for liver ailments, preclinical studies support its hepatoprotective properties, indicating its ability to protect the liver from damage. Furthermore, systematic reviews of in vivo studies suggest potential anti-aging effects, including improvements in skin hydration, collagen synthesis, and reduction of oxidative stress markers in animal models. Other reported benefits, such as antidiabetic effects and hair growth promotion, have been noted but require further clinical validation in humans. The strength of evidence for most benefits is currently moderate, based on comprehensive preclinical data, but lacks robust human clinical trial support.
How it works
The pharmacological effects of Eclipta alba are attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and coumestans. Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions are believed to be mediated through the inhibition of inflammatory mediators like histamine and serotonin, alongside modulation of central and peripheral pain pathways. The hepatoprotective effects likely involve its antioxidant activity, which helps protect liver cells from toxin-induced damage. The anti-aging properties are associated with its ability to increase collagen production, enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby combating cellular damage and promoting skin health.
Side effects
Based on animal studies, Eclipta alba has shown no significant toxicity at doses effective for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, comprehensive human safety data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are currently unavailable. While its long history of traditional use suggests a generally favorable safety profile, caution is advised due to the limited clinical evidence. Specific drug interactions or contraindications have not been well documented in the reviewed literature. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before using Eclipta alba, as potential interactions cannot be ruled out without further research. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also exercise caution due to the lack of specific safety data in these populations.
Dosage
Effective doses of Eclipta alba in animal models are typically around 200 mg/kg when administered orally. However, human equivalent doses have not been firmly established due to the absence of clinical trials in humans. There are no standardized dosing guidelines for human use. The form of the extract (e.g., ethanolic or hydroalcoholic) and the standardization of its active constituents are crucial for ensuring reproducibility and efficacy, but these aspects are not yet standardized across products. Without robust human clinical data, it is challenging to recommend specific dosages, timing considerations, or upper safety limits. Any use should be approached with caution and preferably under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially given the lack of established safety thresholds and absorption factors in humans.
FAQs
Is Eclipta alba safe for human use?
Traditional use suggests a degree of safety, but rigorous clinical trials in humans are lacking. Therefore, comprehensive safety data for modern clinical application are not yet available.
What conditions can Eclipta alba help with?
Based on preclinical evidence and traditional use, it is primarily used for liver health, inflammation, pain relief, and skin/hair conditions. Human clinical validation is still needed.
How soon do effects of Eclipta alba appear?
Animal studies indicate effects can appear within days to weeks. However, due to the lack of human data, it is not possible to definitively state how quickly effects would manifest in people.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4897414/ – This ethnopharmacological review synthesizes preclinical data, primarily from rodent studies, demonstrating the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Eclipta alba at doses around 200 mg/kg. It also highlights its hepatoprotective activity and identifies key bioactive alkaloids responsible for these effects. The review provides comprehensive preclinical evidence but notes the absence of human clinical trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10054545/ – This systematic review of in vivo herbal anti-aging studies includes Eclipta alba, showing its potential to improve skin hydration, collagen levels, and reduce oxidative stress markers in animal models. While providing high-quality evidence for preclinical anti-aging effects, it emphasizes the limitation of being restricted to animal models with no human RCTs.
- https://www.scielo.br/j/bjb/a/ts7dJqxcGWgjhkH5bKFhwNx/ – This descriptive study focuses on the morphological and ethnobotanical aspects of Eclipta alba, confirming its traditional uses, including antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects. It underscores the importance of molecular authentication for the plant but does not provide clinical efficacy data, thus offering low evidence for clinical claims but high for botanical authentication.