Role of Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba) in Liver Diseases as a Rasayana with Special Reference to Hepatoprotective Activity

Abstract

Liver is one of the critical organs of human body. It is associated with metabolism, detoxification, circulation and so on. According to WHO, Liver disease is the 10th most common cause of death in India. Synthesis and excretion of bile, albumin, prothrombin, and the production of the compliments which are the major effectors of the humoral branch of the immune system occurs mainly in liver. According to ayurveda liver disorders related to rasavaha and raktavahasrotas. There are many ayurvedic drugs which have tremendous effect on liver. Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba) is one among them. This plant has very rich ethnomedicinal history and it is a popularly known as hepatoprotective drug. Its therapeutic value has been mentioned in Bhavaprakasha and other nighantus. So this presentation aims to prove utility of Bhrigaraja (Eclipta alba) - As Rasayana drug in liver diseases. Bhrigaraja has Katu, tikta rasa, Katuvipaka, ushnavirya and laghu, ruksha guna therefore, it acts on Pitta dosha (fire and water components of body) and vata dosha (air and space components of body). It acts on rasavaha and raktavahasrotas. It acts as a rasayana. Also, it possesses wide range of phytochemical constituents such as coumestans, saponins and alkaloids which exhibit significant biological properties such as hepatoprotectivity, Antibacterial, antiviral, anti-stress and immunomodulatory. Liver being major organ in human body, it involves in most of the metabolic functions. Hence, protection of liver is necessary. In contemporary science wide range of drugs are available for the treatment and well-being of the liver, but down side of these medicines is that it causes more side effects. In ayurvedic system as the disease is not treated only based on its symptoms but according to dosha, dushya, Agni, Bala etc by this the potential of Bhringaraja can be studied. Further clinical studies on the mentioned herb is required to confirm their effectiveness.

Introduction

The liver is a vital organ responsible for metabolic functions, detoxification, immunity, and synthesis of important substances like bile and albumin. Liver diseases contribute to over two million deaths annually worldwide, with a significant impact in India. In Ayurveda, liver-related disorders (Yakritvikara) are well recognized and treated with various herbal remedies.

Eclipta alba (Bhringaraja) is a prominent medicinal plant traditionally used as a hepatoprotective agent in India. It balances the doshas (especially Pitta and Vata), acts as a liver tonic, and has rejuvenative (rasayana) properties. Bhringaraja’s therapeutic effects are attributed to its phytochemicals, including coumestans (like wedelolactone), saponins, and flavonoids, which exhibit hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and detoxifying activities.

Bhringaraja improves bile flow, supports digestion, detoxifies the body, protects liver cells from damage, and promotes liver regeneration without harmful side effects. Its traditional use and modern research both confirm its role in managing liver diseases and enhancing liver health.

Conclusion

Bhringraja (Eclipta alba)is a wonder herb which is most commonly used in traditional systems of medicine for treating numerous human ailments.It possesses wide range of phytochemical constituents such as coumestans, saponins, and alkaloids which exhibit significant biological properties such as hepatoprotectivity, antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-stress. In Ayurveda, it is used against diseases such as anorexia, jaundice, anemia and splenomegaly. This small medicinal herb with multiple therapeutic applications can be a promising and reliable source of new drugs in future.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dr. Vitkare Akshay, Dr. Rajashekhar Ganiger, Dr. Shivananda B. Kariger, Dr. Sampathkumar Bellamma. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.