Herbs (Global Traditional) · Ayurveda
Eclipta prostrata
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Eclipta prostrata is an Ayurvedic herb containing wedelolactone and eclalbasaponins that modulates hair follicle growth factors and inflammatory pathways. Research demonstrates significant hair growth promotion and anti-inflammatory activity through TNF-α and IL-6 pathway inhibition.
Eclipta prostrata (also known as Eclipta alba) is a creeping annual herb from the Asteraceae family, native to tropical and subtropical regions including India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The plant's aerial parts (leaves and stems) are harvested and processed using extraction methods like ethanol or methanol to isolate bioactive compounds including flavonoids, saponins, and triterpenoids.
No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on Eclipta prostrata. Current evidence is limited to preclinical animal studies in mice (n=4 per group) and in vitro cell culture experiments examining hair growth, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects.
No clinically studied human dosages exist. Animal studies used 1-10 mg/day orally in mice for hair growth effects over 14 days, with lower doses showing better results. In vitro studies used 30% ethanol extracts at concentrations up to 74.24 μg/mL. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Eclipta prostrata is a medicinal herb rather than a dietary staple, so nutritional characterization focuses primarily on bioactive phytochemicals rather than macronutrient density. Crude protein content reported at approximately 15-18% dry weight; crude fiber approximately 20-25% dry weight; ash content approximately 10-12% dry weight indicating moderate mineral load. Key bioactive compounds include: Wedelolactone (primary coumestan compound, 0.01-0.5% dry weight depending on plant part and extraction method) — the principal hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory constituent; Demethylwedelolactone, a closely related coumestan present at lower concentrations (~0.05-0.1% dry weight); Ecliptine and other alkaloids including nicotine derivatives at trace levels (<0.01% dry weight); Thiophene derivatives (α-terthienyl and related polyacetylenes) concentrated in roots and aerial parts, contributing to antimicrobial and phototoxic activity; Triterpene saponins including eclalbatin and oleanolic acid derivatives (~0.5-1% dry weight); Flavonoids including luteolin, apigenin, and their glycosides (~0.3-0.8% dry weight total); Polyphenolic tannins (~3-5% dry weight); Phytosterols including β-sitosterol and stigmasterol (~0.1-0.3% dry weight); Carotenoids including β-carotene contributing to traditional use as a coloring agent; Coumarin compounds beyond wedelolactone including desmethylwedelolactone-glucoside. Mineral content includes reported iron (~180-220 mg/kg dry weight), calcium (~8-12 g/kg dry weight), and magnesium (~2-4 g/kg dry weight), though values vary significantly by growing conditions and geography. Bioavailability notes: Wedelolactone bioavailability is enhanced by lipid co-administration due to its hydrophobic character; aqueous extracts yield primarily polar flavonoid glycosides while ethanolic/methanolic extracts preferentially extract wedelolactone and triterpenes; first-pass metabolism significantly reduces systemic wedelolactone levels following oral administration, suggesting topical or optimized delivery formulations may improve therapeutic efficacy. Most quantitative data derives from Indian and Chinese cultivars; North American or African ecotypes may differ in chemotype expression.
Wedelolactone and eclalbasaponins in Eclipta prostrata enhance hair follicle anagen phase by upregulating growth factors and improving dermal papilla cell proliferation. The herb inhibits inflammatory mediators TNF-α and IL-6 through NF-κB pathway suppression. Additional mechanisms include antioxidant activity via free radical scavenging and hepatoprotective effects through cytochrome P450 enzyme modulation.
Mouse studies using 1-10 mg/day oral Eclipta prostrata showed superior hair growth compared to 3% topical minoxidil treatment. In vitro studies demonstrate significant reduction of TNF-α and IL-6 inflammatory markers in cellular models. Current evidence remains preliminary, derived primarily from animal studies and laboratory research rather than human clinical trials. No large-scale human studies have validated the hair growth or anti-inflammatory benefits observed in preclinical research.
Eclipta prostrata appears generally well-tolerated in traditional use, though comprehensive safety data from clinical trials is limited. The herb may interact with hepatic enzymes and could potentially affect metabolism of medications processed by the liver. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with liver conditions should consult healthcare providers before use given the herb's effects on hepatic pathways.
