Eclipta alba: The Ayurvedic herb that helps treat everything from hair loss to high blood pressure

A creeping plant with small white flowers that grows throughout India is highly prized by Ayurvedic (ancient Indian medicine) practitioners for its diverse range of health-giving powers, particularly with regards to its ability to overcome liver disorders.

The leaves, stems and roots of Eclipta Alba, a member of the sunflower family, have been used for thousands of years by traditional healers to treat diseases such as liver cirrhosis, jaundice, gallbladder problems and hepatitis. Ecliptas liquid extract is also used for medicinal purposes to help combat everything from memory problems, stress and anxiety to insomnia, chest infections and even eyesight problems, such as short-sightedness.

Many of these therapeutic uses have now been confirmed by studies, and with regards to its liver-protective properties researchers have found that the plant is able to shield your liver cells and protect them against harmful toxins (Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2001;45(4):435-41).

More promising still, recent research has uncovered additional, hitherto unknown about medicinal properties linked to the plant. This is hardly surprising, given the fact that Eclipta is packed full of health-giving ingredients. For example, it contains the chemicals ecliptine (which protects against liver problems), steroidal alkaloids (which help kill cancerous cells) and ecliptasaponin (which protects the brain against toxic damage).

Promotes heart health by lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol levels

One newly discovered benefit is Ecliptas ability to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and improve kidney function.

Indian scientists from the Department of Foods and Nutrition, Agricultural University in Hyderabad, gave a group of participants aged between 40 and 55, who were suffering from moderately high blood pressure and cholesterol readings, 1g of Eclipta leaf powder three times a day. The treatment lasted for two months, and the results were compared to another group of similar patients who received a placebo (dummy treatment).

At the end of the two months, the scientists found that those receiving Eclipta experienced marked reductions in their blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride (blood fat) level readings. Their kidney function also improved, and the concentration of protective molecules such as tocopherol (vitamin E) and vitamin C was increased.

The scientists concluded that: it would appear that Eclipta alba is diuretic, hypotensive, and hypocholesterolemic (Med Food. 2007;10(1):143-8). So Eclipta not only reduces high blood pressure, but also helps prevent some of the complications that accompany it, such as kidney damage.

An effective brain tonic that helps improve memory, learning and concentration

A study conducted by Indian researchers from the Womens University, in Mumbai, has revealed that Eclipta extracts help improve memory, concentration and cognitive function. In addition, their research showed that the plant helps alleviate stress and has muscle relaxant properties (J Ethnopharmacol. 2005;102(1):23-31).

It is still not known exactly what component of the plant is responsible for these benefits, but the researchers believe it is probably the combined action of several of its ingredients particularly ecliptasaponin, wedelolactone and terpenoids rather than just one of these working on its own. The scientists are now calling for further studies to be carried out to confirm these actions and reveal how the plant works in these areas.

Eclipta possesses a diverse range of therapeutic properties

One of the most impressive aspects of the plant is the fact that it has so many seemingly unrelated beneficial actions when it comes to maintaining good health:

* Boosts immunity and helps you build up a natural resistance to ill-health. Research has revealed that Eclipta improves the actions of phagocytes important immune cells which seek out and destroy any infectious bugs that may be present in your body (Phytomedicine. 2004;11(4):361-5; Fish Shellfish Immunol. 2006 Oct;21(4):372-84).

* Acts as a safe and effective natural painkiller. Eclipta contains a variety of natural pain-killing substances, such as alkaloids and triterpenes, which help overcome mild to moderate pain without side effects (Phytother Res. 2004;18(2):111-3). This is in stark contrast to conventional painkillers which can cause numerous harmful side effects, including drowsiness and gastrointestinal problems.

* Offers hope to diabetes sufferers.  As traditional health practitioners in India have known for centuries, Eclipta helps reduce high blood sugar levels. This benefit has since been confirmed by scientists (Yale J Biol Med. 2003;76(3):97-102).

* Acts as an antidote to snake bites. Hopefully youll never have to put this particular function to the test! Researchers have found that the plant acts as an antidote to the poisonous venom of the Malayan pit viper (J Ethnopharmacol. 2004;90(2-3):347-52).

* Maintains the health of your hair. Applying Eclipta oil to your hair helps keep it healthy and lustrous looking, and when applied to your scalp it is believed to promote hair growth. 

* Plus Ecliptas benefits dont end there. The plant has long been used by traditional healers as a remedy for anaemia, diarrhoea, and eye infections. Mixed with honey, the juice of Eclipta has also been used to improve asthma and chest infections. Scientists do not know exactly how it works to combat these particular conditions but they believe that it may be due in part to Ecliptas immune-boosting properties.

What to take for best results

The recommended dosage amount for Eclipta Alba as a tincture is 1-3ml daily, or as otherwise directed on the products label.

As a tea infusion, the usual dose is one to two cups a day.