ECLIPTA ALBA - ECLIPTA.
Synonym
Eclipta prostata L., Eclipta erecta.
Common name
Eclipta, bhringaraj, false daisy, bringraj, han lian cao, takasaburou, yerba de tago, congo lanna.
Family
Asteraceae (Sunflower family).
Overview
This tropical annual is a creeping and moisture-loving herb; it has a short, flat or round, brown stem and small white flowers on a long stalk. It grows 3" tall; the leaves are opposite and lance-shaped.
Eclipta grows abundantly in the tropics and is used with success in Ayurvedic medicine.
In India the juice of the leaves is used in the treatment of liver cirrhosis, hepatitis and infective hepatitis.
Also used for liver enlargement, jaundice and other ailments of the liver and gall bladder.
In scientific studies, Eclipta alba also shows excellent antifungal activity.
The plant tops are used for skin diseases (inflammation).
A mixture of Eclipta and mineral oil (USP) keeps the hair dark and lustrous; when applied to the scalp it promotes hair growth.
Pharmacology
Eclipta has bio-active steroidal alkaloids but the also possess weak cyto-toxity against certain cells.
An ethanol extract of Eclipta has a neutralizing effect on the venom of South American rattle snakes.
Suriname's traditional medicine
Eclipta is used against anemia, dysentery, eye diseases, asthma and liver cirrhosis.
The juice of Eclipta together with honey, is used to treat upper respiratory congestion in children.
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Hardiness
USDA zone 5 - 11.
Propagation
Seeds (best temperature for germination is 95 F.).
Culture
Full sun / partial shade, tolerate high altitude conditions.
Needs moisture; plant in frost free locations.
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