Bhringraj
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata (Eclipta alba)) is a dietary supplement with 9 published peer-reviewed studies involving 44 participants, researched for Hair Growth, Liver Health & Antioxidant.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Hair Growth
ModerateLiver Health & Antioxidant
WeakResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Hair Growth
Eclipta alba extract as hair growth promoter
Study Type
In vitro and in vivo study
Purpose
Eclipta alba extract as hair growth promoter
Dose
Methanol extract of E. alba
Participants
In vitro and animal study
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Significantly promoted hair follicle growth and accelerated hair regrowth in mouse model. Activity comparable to 2% minoxidil. Natural hair loss treatment potential.
How They Measured It
Hair follicle organ culture, dermal papilla proliferation, mouse shaving model
E. prostrata promotes hair anagen induction via FGF-7/FGF-5 regulation
Study Type
Molecular mechanism study
Purpose
E. prostrata promotes hair anagen induction via FGF-7/FGF-5 regulation
Dose
E. prostrata extract
Participants
Human dermal papilla cells and mouse model
Duration
14 days
Results
Significantly upregulated FGF-7 (hair growth promoter) and suppressed FGF-5 (catagen inducer), thereby prolonging anagen phase. Identifies mechanistic pathway.
How They Measured It
RT-PCR gene expression, immunohistochemistry for FGF-7/FGF-5, hair cycle stages
Compare Bhringraj oil with minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia
Study Type
Comparative clinical hair growth trial
Purpose
Compare Bhringraj oil with minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia
Dose
Bhringraj oil applied twice daily
Participants
40 androgenetic alopecia patients
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Similar improvements in hair density to minoxidil. Bhringraj group showed better patient satisfaction and tolerability. Viable natural alternative for mild-moderate hair loss.
How They Measured It
Phototrichogram, hair density measurement, patient satisfaction
Liver Health & Antioxidant
E. alba against CCl4-induced liver damage
Study Type
Hepatoprotective study
Purpose
E. alba against CCl4-induced liver damage
Dose
100-200mg/kg extract
Participants
CCl4-hepatotoxic animals
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Significantly reduced liver enzymes and bilirubin. Hepatoprotective activity comparable to silymarin with normal liver histology preserved.
How They Measured It
Serum ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, histopathology
Antioxidant and anticancer activity of E. alba alcoholic extract
Study Type
In vitro antioxidant and anticancer study
Purpose
Antioxidant and anticancer activity of E. alba alcoholic extract
Dose
Various concentrations
Participants
In vitro cell lines and animal toxicity
Duration
N/A
Results
Potent antioxidant activity comparable to BHA and BHT. Significant anticancer activity against MCF-7 and Colo-205 without toxicological effects in animals.
How They Measured It
DPPH, FRAP, ABTS; MTT assay against cancer cell lines; MTD assessment
Review of ethnomedicinal uses, constituents, and activities of E. prostrata
Study Type
Comprehensive ethnopharmacological review
Purpose
Review of ethnomedicinal uses, constituents, and activities of E. prostrata
Dose
Various
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Wedelolactone, ecliptine, and various coumarins with hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and hair growth activities. Wedelolactone identified as key hepatoprotective compound.
How They Measured It
Systematic literature review
Anti-inflammatory effects of wedelolactone from E. alba via NF-kB pathway
Study Type
Anti-inflammatory study
Purpose
Anti-inflammatory effects of wedelolactone from E. alba via NF-kB pathway
Dose
Wedelolactone 10-100µM
Participants
In vitro macrophage model
Duration
Acute
Results
Potently inhibited NF-kB activation and downstream inflammatory mediators. Natural IKK inhibitor, providing mechanistic basis for anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities.
How They Measured It
NF-kB activation, COX-2, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta
Role of E. alba in liver, skin, and hair disorders in traditional medicine
Study Type
Ethnopharmacological significance review
Purpose
Role of E. alba in liver, skin, and hair disorders in traditional medicine
Dose
Various formulations
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Extensive traditional use as hepatoprotective, hair growth promoter, and skin tonic validated. Wedelolactone, ursolic acid, and luteolin identified as basis for pharmacological effects.
How They Measured It
Literature review and compilation
E. alba effects on liver fibrosis markers
Study Type
Antifibrotic study
Purpose
E. alba effects on liver fibrosis markers
Dose
200mg/kg extract
Participants
Thioacetamide-induced fibrosis model
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significantly reduced liver fibrosis markers and TGF-beta1 expression. Antifibrotic potential supports application in chronic liver disease prevention.
How They Measured It
Hydroxyproline, TGF-beta1, alpha-SMA in liver tissue
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bhringraj research
There are currently 9 peer-reviewed studies on Bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata (Eclipta alba)), involving 44 total participants. Research covers Hair growth & hair loss, Liver health & hepatoprotection, Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (1 human study), and reported outcomes.
Bhringraj has been researched for: Hair growth & hair loss, Liver health & hepatoprotection, Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory, Skin health. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 1 out of 9 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
