Eclipta alba (L.) An Ethnomedicinal Herb Plant, Traditionally Use in Ayurveda

Abstract

Eclipta alba (L.) commonly known as False Daisy, and Bhringraj, is a medicinal plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. The greyish cylindrical roots are well developed. It popularly called ‘Kehraj’ in Assamese and ‘Kayanthakarra’ and/or ‘Kaikeshi’ in Tamil. Eclipta alba sprouts in moist places as a weed in warm temperate to tropical areas worldwide. It is widely distributed throughout India, China, Thailand, and Brazil. In ayurvedic medicine, the leaf extract is used as a powerful liver tonic, and especially good for the hair and skin.