Abstract

A REVIEW ARTICLE ON BHRINGARAJA (ECLIPTA ALBA LINN.) EMPHASIZING SHOTHAGHNA (ANTI-INFLAMMATORY) AND RASAYANA (REJUVENATIVE) KARMA

Dr. Neelakanth Ramappa Khanaganvi*, Dr. Shreedevi Huddar

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Abstract

Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba Linn.), a well-known medicinal plant in Ayurveda, is revered for its multifaceted therapeutic potential. Classified under Keshya,[1] Rasayana[2] and Shothaghna[4,7] dravyas, it is traditionally used to promote longevity, vitality, and tissue regeneration. Classical Ayurvedic texts such as Bhavaprakasha nighantu and Charaka Samhita highlight its role in Rasayana[4,7] therapy and in the management of inflammatory and degenerative disorders. Objectives: To review and critically analyze the Shothaghna (anti-inflammatory) and Rasayana (rejuvenative and adaptogenic) actions of Bhringaraja in the light of Ayurvedic literature and modern pharmacological studies. Methods: Relevant Ayurvedic classics were reviewed to compile references describing the Rasa, Guna, Virya, Vipaka, and Prabhava of Bhringaraja. Scientific data were sourced from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ayurvedic pharmacopoeias, focusing on experimental and clinical studies demonstrating its Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. Results: Ayurvedic texts describe Bhringaraja as Tikta-Katu rasa, Laghu-Ruksha guna, Ushna virya, and Katu vipaka, contributing to Kapha-Vata shaman and Pitta vardhana. Modern research corroborates its Shothaghna property through inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators[8,9] (TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2), and its Rasayana action through antioxidant enzyme activation, hepatoprotection, and cellular regeneration. Phytochemical studies reveal wedelolactone, eclalbasaponins, and luteolin as key bioactives responsible for theseeffects. Conclusion: Bhringaraja exemplifies the synergy between traditional Ayurvedic wisdom and contemporary pharmacological validation. Its dual Shothaghna and Rasayana actions make it a promising candidate for managing inflammatory, degenerative, and age-related conditions. Further clinical trials are warranted to establish its standardized formulations and dosage profiles for evidence-based integration into modern therapeutics.

Keywords: Bhringaraja, Eclipta alba Linn., Shothaghna karma[4,7], Rasayana,[4,7] dravya, Anti-inflammatory[8], Antioxidant[10], Ayurveda.