Eclipta Prostrata
Also known as: False daisy, bhringraj, yerba de tago, Eclipta prostrata
Overview
Eclipta prostrata, also known as False Daisy or Bhringraj in Ayurvedic medicine, is a herbaceous plant widely utilized in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is recognized for its potential hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. The plant contains various bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoids (such as luteolin), coumestans, and alkaloids, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. Research on Eclipta prostrata primarily consists of in vitro and animal studies, with limited human clinical evidence. While systematic reviews exist, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans are scarce, indicating a need for further clinical validation despite promising preclinical findings.
Benefits
Eclipta prostrata has demonstrated several potential benefits in preclinical studies. It shows significant nephroprotective effects, as evidenced by a controlled rat study where an extract at 600 mg/kg protected against cisplatin-induced kidney damage, improving kidney function markers and reducing histopathological damage (p < 0.005). This suggests potential for mitigating drug-induced kidney injury. The plant also exhibits anticancer properties; methanol extracts have increased lifespan and reduced tumor volume in mice with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, while a chloroform fraction induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells by disrupting mitochondrial membranes and regulating Hsp60 and XIAP proteins. Furthermore, extracts have shown antimetastatic activity by inhibiting migration and invasion of human oral cancer cells through modulation of MAPK and matrix metalloproteinase pathways, suggesting a role in preventing cancer spread. Traditional uses also include hepatoprotection, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing effects, though these require more rigorous scientific validation.
How it works
Eclipta prostrata exerts its therapeutic effects through a multifaceted mechanism of action. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties involve scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress, particularly in renal and hepatic tissues. In the context of cancer, it induces apoptosis by activating intrinsic apoptotic pathways in cancer cells, primarily through the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and the regulation of key proteins like Hsp60 and XIAP. Additionally, the plant's extracts modulate signaling pathways, such as inhibiting MAPK pathways and matrix metalloproteinases, which are crucial in cancer metastasis, thereby potentially reducing cancer cell migration and invasion. Bioactive compounds like luteolin are believed to be significant contributors to these observed effects. While the exact absorption and bioavailability in humans are not fully understood, they are likely influenced by the specific extract preparation and the overall phytochemical composition.
Side effects
Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive human safety data and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for Eclipta prostrata. Animal studies have reported no significant toxicity at doses demonstrating nephroprotective effects (e.g., 600 mg/kg in rats), suggesting a favorable safety profile in preclinical settings. However, these findings cannot be directly extrapolated to humans without clinical validation. There are no documented common or rare side effects in controlled studies. Due to the absence of human data, potential interactions with conventional medications, especially chemotherapeutic agents like cisplatin, warrant caution and require further investigation. While traditional use suggests low toxicity, clinical confirmation is essential. Specific contraindications for human use and data regarding its safety in special populations (e.g., pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, children, or those with pre-existing medical conditions) are currently unavailable.
Dosage
Due to the limited number of human clinical trials, there are no established human dosing guidelines for Eclipta prostrata. Effective doses observed in animal models range from approximately 250–600 mg/kg orally. It is important to note that the type of extract (e.g., methanol, chloroform) significantly influences its bioactivity, and future research should focus on standardizing active constituents like luteolin for consistent efficacy. In animal studies, the timing and duration of administration varied, typically ranging from 7 to 21 days. Without human clinical data, any self-administration should be approached with caution, and consultation with a healthcare professional is strongly recommended. Upper limits and safety thresholds for human consumption have not been determined.
FAQs
Is Eclipta prostrata safe for human use?
Traditional use suggests safety, but rigorous clinical safety data from human trials are currently lacking. Preclinical animal studies have not shown significant toxicity at effective doses.
Can it be used alongside chemotherapy?
Animal data indicate nephroprotective effects when used with cisplatin, but human studies are needed to confirm safety, efficacy, and potential interactions in a clinical setting.
How soon do benefits appear?
In animal models, beneficial effects were observed within 1 to 3 weeks of consistent administration, depending on the specific outcome being measured.
Does it cure cancer?
No clinical evidence supports Eclipta prostrata as a cure for cancer. Preclinical studies show promising anticancer potential, but these findings require extensive validation through human clinical trials.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8810007/ – This high-quality preclinical study in rats demonstrated that 600 mg/kg of Eclipta prostrata extract significantly reduced cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, improving kidney function and histology. The findings suggest a protective role against drug-induced kidney damage, though human data are needed.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8615741/ – This moderate-quality systematic review of ethnomedicinal uses and preclinical studies highlighted that methanol extracts of Eclipta prostrata increased lifespan and reduced tumor volume in mice, and induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells. It also identified luteolin as a key active compound, summarizing various in vitro and in vivo findings.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/tox.22577 – This moderate-quality in vitro study on human oral cancer cell lines showed that Eclipta prostrata extract inhibited metastasis-related pathways and cell migration. The research provides mechanistic insights into its potential antimetastatic activity, though further in vivo and clinical data are required.
