Yerba de Tago (Eclipta alba): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Yerba de Tago protect the liver?

Yerba de Tago (Eclipta alba) exerts hepatoprotective effects primarily through its active compounds wedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone. These compounds demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help protect liver cells from oxidative damage. Wedelolactone specifically inhibits pro-inflammatory enzymes and may support liver cell regeneration. The herb also appears to stimulate bile secretion and improve overall liver function. Evidence level: C (preliminary clinical evidence).

Does Yerba de Tago interact with any medications?

Limited formal drug interaction studies exist for Yerba de Tago. Due to its hepatoprotective properties and potential effects on liver enzyme systems, it may theoretically interact with medications metabolized by the liver. Patients taking hepatotoxic medications, blood thinners, or drugs requiring precise hepatic metabolism should consult a healthcare provider before use. Always disclose all herbal supplements to your physician. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for Yerba de Tago?

The typical adult dosage for Yerba de Tago is 3-6 grams of powdered herb daily, taken in divided doses. This can be consumed as a tea, decoction, or encapsulated powder. Traditional preparations may vary by condition being treated. Start with lower doses to assess tolerance, and follow product-specific recommendations. Consult a qualified herbalist for personalized dosing guidance. Evidence level: Traditional/C.

Is Yerba de Tago safe during pregnancy?

No, Yerba de Tago is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be strictly avoided. Traditional use patterns and available evidence indicate potential risks to fetal development. Pregnant women, those attempting to conceive, or breastfeeding mothers should not use this herb. Discontinue use immediately if pregnancy occurs. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for pregnancy-safe alternatives. Evidence level: Traditional/C.

Does Yerba de Tago help with hair loss?

Yerba de Tago has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to promote hair growth, prevent premature graying, and strengthen hair follicles. Preliminary research suggests potential benefits for hair follicle stimulation, though robust clinical trials remain limited. The herb is commonly applied topically as an oil or taken internally for hair-related concerns. Evidence level: C (preliminary evidence and traditional use).

What are the side effects of Yerba de Tago?

Yerba de Tago is generally well-tolerated when used at recommended doses. Reported side effects are primarily mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea or stomach discomfort. These effects typically resolve with continued use or dose reduction. Discontinue use if symptoms persist. Those with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should exercise caution. Evidence level: Traditional/C.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Eclipta alba (also known as Bhringaraj) is a medicinal herb used in Asian and African traditional medicines for its diverse pharmacological properties, including neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial effects [PMID:31116703, PMID:27355071, PMID:34827736].

Background

Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. is a small branched perennial herb and weed distributed globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions [PMID:24191336, PMID:38202343, PMID:34827736]. It is widely utilized in Ayurvedic, Unani, and other traditional medicinal systems [PMID:24191336, PMID:27355071].

Traditional uses

Traditional uses include the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory tract disorders (including asthma), fever, liver disorders (including jaundice), skin disorders, spleen enlargement, cuts, wounds, and hair loss or graying of hair [PMID:27355071, PMID:34827736].

Active compounds

Identified phytoconstituents include wedelolactone, dimethyl wedelolactone, eclalbasaponins (e.g., Eclalbasaponin II), eclalbatin, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, luteolin, apigenin, genistein, caffeic acid, phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and polysaccharides [PMID:31116703, PMID:27355071, PMID:39926801, PMID:11491397, PMID:42291152].

Mechanism of action

The herb exhibits antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress [PMID:39926801]. In murine models of leukemia, it has shown immunomodulation of the NF-kB family and IL-1β expressional profile [PMID:34420458]. In adipocyte studies, the ethyl acetate fraction inhibited mitotic clonal expansion and caused cell cycle arrest in G1 and S phases [PMID:29032341].

Clinical evidence

Evidence CCognitive deficits and seizures

Extracts improve cognitive deficits and attenuate epileptic seizures, with Eclalbasaponin II and luteolin implicated in these effects [PMID:31116703]

Evidence DCerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Hydroalcoholic extract showed cerebroprotective and antioxidant effects in rats by mitigating oxidative stress [PMID:22951390]

Evidence DObesity/Dyslipidemia

Ethyl acetate fraction inhibited adipocyte differentiation and showed anti-dyslipidemic activity in hamsters [PMID:29032341]; acetone fraction showed anti-lipase activity in zebrafish [PMID:42291152]

Evidence DLiver Injury

A preparation containing E. alba and curcumin normalized lipid accumulation and serum bilirubin in CCl4-induced fatty liver rat models [PMID:22557595]

Evidence CDiabetes

E. alba extracts have shown promising effects as enzyme inhibitors for antidiabetic therapy [PMID:30417583]

Safety & adverse effects

Eclipta alba has been identified as a potential antigen causing air-borne contact dermatitis in some sensitive patients [PMID:28150592].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on review articles (Level C) and preclinical animal or in vitro studies (Level D). There is a lack of human clinical trials (Level B) or meta-analyses (Level A) in the provided data.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 31116703 (2019) — Phytochemistry and neuroprotective effects of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. · Journal of complementary & integrative medicine
2.PMID: 27355071 (2014) — Ethnopharmacological Significance of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. (Asteraceae). · International scholarly research notices
3.PMID: 38202343 (2023) — Unlocking Therapeutic Potential: Comprehensive Extraction, Profiling, and Pharmacological Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. for Dermatological Applications. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 26125878 (2015) — Improving plant transformation using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. · Genetics and molecular research : GMR
5.PMID: 31924033 (2020) — Bio-modified TiO2 nanoparticles with Withania somnifera, Eclipta prostrata and Glycyrrhiza glabra for anticancer and antibacterial applications.

Yerba de Tago

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Yerba de Tago