A review on phytochemistry and pharmacology of Eclipta alba L.: A valuable medicinal plant

Eclipta alba L. is a medicinal plant included in the Asteraceae family. This plant is generally called as false daisy and bhringaraj. In traditional medicine, this plant is utilized to medicate various diseases in humans such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, gastrointestinal disease, skin disease, vitiligo, skin lesions, respiratory diseases and high blood pressure. Additionally, Eclipta alba has been widely utilized as a hair grower and dye. Eclipta alba contains various active compounds such as glycosides, triterpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, coumestans and polyacetyl. This plant is believed to have several pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, antimalarial, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, analgesic, diuretic, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, hair growth promoting, memory enhancing and antivenom. The aim of this review as discussions on the taxonomy, plant description, geographical distribution, phytochemistry, traditional use, medicinal value, pharmacological activity of the Eclipta alba L.