THERAPEUTIC APPRAISAL OF BHRINGARAJA (ECLIPTA ALBA) THROUGH RASA PANCHAKA AND KARMA WITH CORRELATION TO MODERN PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS

Abstract

Background: Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba) is used in Ayurveda for Keshya, Rasayana, and Yakrituttejaka actions. Objective: To appraise its therapeutic potential by correlating Rasa Panchaka and Karma with contemporary phytochemical and pharmacological evidence. Methods: Classical Ayurvedic sources and literature identified through PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were reviewed. An ethanolic plant extract was screened qualitatively for major phytochemical groups, and antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays. Results: Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, phenolic compounds, and terpenoids were detected; saponins were present in trace amounts. DPPH inhibition reached 72.5% at the reported maximum concentration, with an IC50 of 48 micrograms/mL, while FRAP reducing power increased with concentration. The observed antioxidant and hepatoprotective evidence was consistent with the classical attributes Tikta Rasa, Rasayana Karma, and Yakrituttejaka. Conclusion: The integrative findings support a correspondence between classical Ayurvedic pharmacodynamics and reported antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory actions of Bhringaraja. Standardized preparations, dose optimization, large-scale clinical trials, and mechanistic studies are needed.