Eclipta

BotanicalBest before bed

What is it

Eclipta (Eclipta prostrata, also known as bhringaraj in Ayurveda) is a small herbaceous plant used traditionally in South Asian medicine for hair growth, liver support, and digestive health.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Hair growth (topical)

Mixed Evidence

Long traditional use; modern controlled trials are essentially absent. Animal studies suggest follicle-stimulating activity.

Liver support

Mixed Evidence

Animal hepatoprotective data; no robust human trials.

How it works

Eclipta contains coumestans (wedelolactone), flavonoids, sterols, and triterpenes. Animal and in vitro studies show hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and modest hair-follicle-stimulating activity. Bhringaraj oil is the most common cosmetic use, with topical application proposed to support hair growth. Modern controlled trials in humans are sparse.

Dosage

No RDA. Traditional internal doses are 3-6 g of dried herb as a tea or decoction. Topical oils are applied 2-3 times weekly.

When and how to take it

Topical oil applied at night and washed out in the morning, traditionally.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Bhringaraj oil (topical)

Most common cosmetic use.

Local action.

Powder or extract (internal)

Used in Ayurvedic formulas.

Traditional preparation.

Safety

Generally well tolerated in traditional use. Topical oil application is usually safe; rare skin reactions occur. Long-term internal safety data are limited.

Who should be cautious

Pregnancy: insufficient data on internal use, generally avoid concentrated extracts. Topical oils are commonly used but should be patch-tested.

Interactions

No documented significant interactions. Theoretical interactions with hepatically metabolized drugs.

Frequently asked questions

Does bhringaraj regrow hair?⌄

Traditional use is established but modern clinical evidence is sparse. Effects are likely modest at best.

Can I take it internally?⌄

Traditional Ayurvedic practice does. Safety data are limited; use under qualified guidance.

References

Eclipta on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Eclipta on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Eclipta (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Eclipta with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.