Talk:Bhrungaraja
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Bhrungaraja |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Eclipta prostrata Linn. |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Team Dravyaguna |
Eclipta prostrata Linn. (syn. *Eclipta alba* (Linn.) Hassk.), popularly known as Bhrungaraja (False Daisy), is a small, branched, annual herb belonging to the family Asteraceae. It is highly revered in Ayurveda as a primary *Rasayana* (rejuvenative) and *Kesya* (hair-promoting) drug, traditionally utilized for managing liver disorders, hair loss, and respiratory conditions.
English name
False daisy, Yerba de tago
Therapeutic uses
Sotha (oedema), Svasa (dyspnea), Kasa (cough), Pandu (anemia), Yakrutaroga (liver disease), Krumiroga (worms), Shirahashoola (headache), Hridroga (heart disease)[1]
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
Bhrungaraja
Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
Bhrungarajo, Markava (prevents premature greying of hair), Bhrunga, Angaraka, Kesharaja (good effect on hair), Kesharanjana, Bhrungara[2]
Varieties
Raja Nighantu
Mentioned 3 types[3]
Botanical Profile & Traditional Context
In traditional Ayurvedic therapeutics, Bhrungaraja is classified as a potent *Rasayana* with pungent (*katu*) and bitter (*tikta*) tastes, hot potency (*ushna veerya*), and dry/sharp qualities (*ruksha, tikshna guna*). It acts effectively as a *kaphahara*, *vatahara*, *amahara*, *kesya*, and *chakshushya* agent, holding a supreme reputation for nourishing hair, supporting liver detoxification, and improving vitality[2].
Ayurvedic pharmacological properties
| Sr.no. | Pharmacological criteria | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (rasa) | Pungent (katu), Bitter (tikta)[2] |
| 2 | Potency (veerya) | Hot (ushna)[2] |
| 3 | Post digestion effect (vipaka) | Pungent (katu)[2] |
| 4 | Qualities (guna) | Dry (ruksha), Sharp (tikshna)[2] |
| 5 | Actions (karma) | Balya, kaphahara, vatahara, amahara, rasayana, kesya, chakshushya, vishahara[2] |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions
| Sr.no. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 1/25 | Vamanartha (for therapeutic emesis) |
Dose
- Juice form: 3–6 ml[1]
Important formulations
As per A.P.I.[1]
- Bhrungamalakadi taila
- Bhrungaraja taila
- Bhrungarajasava
Current availability
Available
- In India – Found throughout India, particularly growing abundantly in damp situations across Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Maharashtra[1].
Phytochemical Composition
The therapeutic versatility of Eclipta prostrata is attributed to an active profile of secondary metabolites:
- Coumestans: Wedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone, recognized for their strong hepatoprotective properties[4].
- Flavonoids & Phenolics: Apigenin, luteolin, apiin, and luteolin-7-glucoside[4].
- Terpenoids & Alkaloids: Ecliptine and various thiophene derivatives[4].
Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy
Hepatoprotective and Anti-Hepatotoxic Actions
Bhrungaraja is widely celebrated in traditional and modern medicine for its profound restorative impact on hepatic function (*yakrutaroga*).
- Mechanism: Wedelolactone and active coumestans inhibit oxidative stress cascades, preserve cellular integrity, and regulate hepatic microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes[4].
- Scientific Evidence: Experimental studies demonstrate that administration of plant extracts significantly normalizes elevated liver marker enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and restores total protein and bilirubin levels following chemical-induced hepatic injury[4].
Hair Growth Promotion and Follicular Activation
Its classical title *Kesya* matches modern validations confirming its efficacy against alopecia and hair thinning.
- Mechanism: Stimulates the transition of hair follicles from the resting phase (telogen) to the growth phase (anagen) by upregulating key signaling proteins like fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF-7) and downregulating catagen-inducing proteins (FGF-5)
- Scientific Evidence: Animal studies show that topical and systemic application accelerates hair shaft regeneration, deepens hair follicles into the subcutaneous layer, and darkens dorsal skin tone more rapidly than standard controls[5].
Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Traditional local applications for wounds and skin problems are verified through pharmacological evaluations.
- Mechanism: Scavenges free radicals, increases antioxidant enzymes in granulation tissue, and enhances collagen cross-linking and wound tensile strength[6].
- Scientific Evidence: Research indicates that topical ointments formulated with leaf extracts significantly shorten the epithelialization period and accelerate wound contraction and closure[6].
Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage
- Acute Toxicity: Eclipta prostrata displays a high safety margin, with extracts found safe up to maximum tested thresholds without adverse mortality[1].
- Precautions: Use under appropriate guidance if managing chronic conditions or concurrent conventional treatments.
- Standard Therapeutic Dosage:
Summary of Therapeutic Profile
| Indication | Active Biomolecules | Primary Pharmacological Action |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Disorders / Yakrutaroga | Wedelolactone, Demethylwedelolactone | Hepatoprotective, Antioxidant |
| Hair Loss / Alopecia | Apigenin, Luteolin, Flavonoids | Anagen induction, Follicular stimulation |
| Wounds & Skin Ailments / Vrana | Tannins, Ascorbic acid, Phenolics | Pro-healing, Free radical scavenger |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 2: 10.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Shri Bhavamishra, Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga, verse no. 239, Edited by Padmashree Pro. Krushnachandra Chunekar, Reprint Edition, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, 2020.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raja Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, ed. 2006, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, Shatavhadi Varga.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Wagner, H.; B.; Y.; H. (1986). "Coumestans as the main active principles of the liver-drugging drugs Eclipta alba and Wedelia calendulacea". Planta Medica. 52 (5): 370–374.
- ↑ R. K.; Thakur, M.; Dixit, V. K. (2008). "Hair growth promoting activity of Eclipta alba in male albino rats". Archives of Dermatological Research. 300 (7): 357–364.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Taranalli, A. D.; Koppad, A. S.; Bharath, S. (2004). "Wound healing activity of Eclipta prostrata leaves extract in rats". Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 66 (5): 618–622.