Bhringraj (Eclipta alba)

Ingredient context

Bhringraj has been called the “king of hair” in Ayurvedic texts for over a thousand years, prescribed in classical formulations such as Mahanil Taila for hair fall and premature greying. Modern research has started to catch up with that reputation. A 24-week, open-label clinical trial of standardised oral Eclipta alba extract measured hair shedding using the 60-second comb test and reported meaningful reductions in shedding counts across the treatment period, alongside a favourable safety profile on liver function testing. An earlier study of 50 adults with mild-to-moderate hair loss found that more than three-quarters of participants saw a significant reduction in shedding after seven weeks of use.

Evidence context

Mechanistically, Bhringraj's phytochemicals, wedelolactone, ecliptine and a range of flavonoids, appear to work on two fronts. Laboratory research suggests they inhibit the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, broadly similar in principle, though far milder in effect, to how a drug such as finasteride works. Separately, the herb's well-documented hepatoprotective and adaptogenic properties support the liver's role in hormone clearance, which is relevant during the hormonal turbulence of the postpartum window.