Introduction:  

Eclipta prostrata L., also known as False daisy or Ink plant in English and locally identified as, Bhringraj, Bhumiraj, Aali jhar, and Nash jhar in Nepali, belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a medium-sized, branching, white flowering annual plant. It prefers damp areas like marsh borders, river or lake banks, and the edges of rice fields.

It can be found in Asia, Africa, and South America’s tropical and subtropical climates.¹ It grows up to 60 cm tall and is multibranched. Leaves are 4–10 cm long, opposite, oblong to lanceolate with rough hairs on both the surfaces.

Based on the colour of the blossoms, there are two primary types of karisalankanni: yellow and white. Alkenynes, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, lipids, steroids, saponins, steroidal alkaloids, phytosterol, and triterpenes have been identified from the herb bhringraj.²  

Properties of Karisalankanni: 

The herb possesses several beneficial properties. There are as follows: 

• It may have anti-diabetic activity^{1, 2} 
• It may show immunomodulatory property¹ 
• It may have hepatoprotective (liver protecting) activity
• It may have potential anticancer activity^{1, 2} 
• It may have anti-osteoporotic activity 
• It might show anti-inflammatory property
• It may have analgesic activity
• It may show hypolipidemic property
• It may show antimicrobial property
• It might have neuroprotective activity
• It may show hair growth-promoting activity
• It may have nephroprotective (kidney protective) activity² 
• It may show antioxidant property 
• It may have antiviral activity
• It may show antiproliferative activity 
• It may have larvicidal activity³ 

Potential Uses of Karisalankanni: 

Based on some research, churna or powder made of Karisalankanni might have the potential to reduce the signs and symptoms related to iron deficiency anaemia.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Potential Uses of Karisalankanni for Liver Disorders:  

Karisalankanni may help as a liver tonic to treat jaundice, hepatitis and other liver diseases. It might acts by restoring the serum enzymes to normal levels and decreasing liver oxidative stress.²  The studies related to karisalankanni for benefits in human liver are insufficient. Before using karisalankanni for these properties for diabetic conditions, make sure you consult your healthcare provider and get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Avoid using karisalankanni or any other herb as medicine without consulting your physician.

Potential Uses of Karisalankanni for Inflammation:  

Karisalankanni has shown anti-inflammatory effects in various animal models of research by regulating nuclear factor-κB pathway and release of pro-inflammatory mediators.²  This may indicate that karisalankanni may have some anti-inflammatory effect but these effects on humans will need further studies. You must consult a qualified doctor for better advice.

Potential Uses of Karisalankanni for Hair Growth:  

In folk medicine, Karisalankanni may be used as a hair tonic. Several research studies have stated the hair growth initiating and promoting effects of the plant. The plant might stimulate the growth of follicular keratinocytes, suggesting that it could be useful in the treatment of alopecia.² It might be beneficial in treating early greying of hair.^1,2    These studies are insufficient to show exact benefits of karisalankanni on humans. you must rely only on your doctors advice and do not try to self-medicate.

Also Read: 5 Ayurvedic Herbs for Hair Growth

Potential Uses of Karisalankanni for Diabetes:  

Karisalankanni possesses antidiabetic activity by acting on the pancreas and restoring and regenerating pancreatic β-cells. It may lower the elevated blood sugar levels and glycosylated hemoglobin levels in the body.¹  However, serious conditions like diabetes must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Therefore, kindly consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.

Potential Uses of Karisalankanni for Immunity Boost:  

The whole plant of karisalankanni was reported to show immunomodulatory activity in several animal models by elevating the count of white blood cells.¹  The studies are insufficient to establish the impact of karisalankanni in humans.

Also Read: 9 Immunity Boosting Herbs

Potential Uses of Karisalankanni for Brain Protection:  

Karisalankanni has been shown to improve human memory and it may also have some effect on long-term neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The plant may improve memory by increasing cholinergic neurotransmitter production and decreasing oxidative stress in the serum and brain.²  More research is needed to support the use of karisalankanni in brain-related diseases in humans. Therefore, talk to your healthcare provider and get a proper diagnosis and prescription.

Potential Uses of Karisalankanni for Gastric Ulcers:  

Karisalankanni may help with gastric ulcers. The excessive release of gastric acid may cause stomach or gastric ulcers. Due to its anti-secretory and gastroprotective properties, karisalankanni might elevate the production of gastric wall mucus, reduction in gastric volume and preserves the gastric pH of the gut.⁴   It may be helpful in relieving constipation and acidity, while the shoot juice treat diarrhoea.^1,2  However more human studies are needed to estimate the extent to which it will be beneficial for human health.

Potential Uses of Karisalankanni for dysentery:  

The leaves of the karisalankanni have been found to be active against bacteria like Shigella dysenteriae. Hence, it aids in the management of dysentery by damaging the cell membrane of bacteria and leading to its death.⁵  

Though various studies show the potential uses of karisalankanni in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of karisalankanni on human health.

According to my observations, Karisalankanni is widely used for its medicinal value. It can be useful in treating skin problems such as dermatitis, wounds and hair loss.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Karisalankanni? 

Karisalankanni is available in six different forms. Your doctor will prescribe you the appropriate form based on your individual needs. 

• Karisalankanni juice² 
• Karisalankanni churana⁶ 
• Karisalankanni ghrit⁶ 
• Karisalankanni oil⁶ 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.

Also Read: Wheatgrass – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Side Effects of Karisalankanni: 

Most studies have determined that karisalankanni is safe and has no harmful effects. However, is insufficient evidence for side-effects of karisalankanni and it may be safe when used by children and pregnant women. It is essential to consult an Ayurvedic physician and take only take prescribed doses.³

Precautions To Take with Karisalankanni: 

No literature is available regarding precautions and warnings to be taken with karisalankanni.  However, one must follow general precautions and doctor’s advice.

Also Read: What Causes White Hair at Early Age? Understanding the Root Causes and Effective Management Options

Interactions With Other Drugs: 

No information is available on the interaction of karisalankanni with other drugs.  There is a lack of sufficient data regarding the interaction of karisalankanni with any other drugs. Therefore, consult a doctor before taking it, especially if you are on medication and/or are receiving treatment for any condition.

Also Read: Jatamansi – Uses, Benefits & Precautions

Frequently Asked Questions:  

Also Read: Sal Tree – Uses & Benefits

References: 

1. Timalsina D, Devkota HP. Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.(Asteraceae): Ethnomedicinal Uses, Chemical Constituents, and Biological Activities. Biomol. 2021; 11(11): 1738. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34827736/

2. Feng L, Zhai YY, Xu J, et al. A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019; 245: 112109. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31395303/

3. Chung IM, Rajakumar G, Lee JH, et al. Ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, biological activities, and biotechnological applications of Eclipta prostrata. App Microbiol Biotechnol. 2017; 101(13): 5247-5257. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28623383/

4. Samaiya PK, Bhattamisra SK, Rao CV, et.al. Antisecretory and antiulcer activities of Eclipta alba Linn.in rats. Anc Sci Life. 2012; 32(1): S3. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3800907/

5. Jahan R, Al-Nahain A, Majumder S, et al. Ethnopharmacological significance of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk.(Asteraceae). Int Sch Res Notices. 2014; 385969. 

https://sci-hub.st/10.1155/2014/385969

6. Sidh V, Sharma O. Medicinal use of bhringraja (Eclipta alba hassk.): a review article. World J Pharm Med Res. 2019; 5(7): 39-40. 

https://www.wjpmr.com/download/article/48062019/1561800916.pdf

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