Isolation and identification of plant growth-promoting endophytic bacteria from Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. and its metagenomic evidence through functional annotation

The present study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of the active constituents of Eclipta prostrata L. in gastric cancer (GC) and to identify potential targets for its prevention and treatment. Active compounds and their corresponding targets were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. In comparison, GC-related targets were retrieved from GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man databases. Common targets were identified using Venny 2.1.0. Cytoscape 3.10.2 was then employed to construct a traditional Chinese medicine component-target-disease network and a protein-protein interaction network. Core compounds and targets were further assessed through molecular docking, and the potential mechanisms were investigated using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses. The biological activity of luteolin, the principal active component of Eclipta prostrata L., was experimentally validated in AGS cells using Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, wound-healing (scratch) assays, Transwell migration assays, flow cytometry and western blotting. A total of 10 active ingredients and 166 shared targets were identified. Among them, quercetin, luteolin and acacetin were identified as key bioactive constituents, whereas AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), TNF and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1A) were recognized as central targets. Molecular docking analysis revealed strong binding affinities between the core compounds and these targets. Enrichment analyses further indicated that the therapeutic effects of Eclipta prostrata L. may involve pathways related to oxidative stress, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B signaling pathway, and the HIF-1 signaling pathway. Among the identified compounds, luteolin showed the most pronounced inhibitory effects on GC cells and was therefore selected for further mechanistic investigation. In vitro experiments demonstrated that luteolin significantly suppressed GC cell proliferation and migration, reduced AKT phosphorylation and HIF-1A expression, and did not induce apoptosis. These findings suggest that luteolin may exert its anti-GC effects primarily by modulating the AKT1/HIF-1A signaling axis. The present study provides experimental support for the therapeutic potential of Eclipta prostrata L.-derived compounds and offers insights into novel molecular targets for GC treatment.

Background: Hepatic diseases represent a significant health issue on a global scale and the search of effective and safe hepatoprotective agents with botanical origins remains to be the focus of scholarly concern. Although they have been used traditionally and are known to exhibit hepatoprotective effects, a number of medicinal plants have not been investigated properly on pharmacognostic and phytochemical grounds. Objectives: The aim of the current study was to develop detailed pharmacognostic monographs, to develop physicochemical standards, to define phytochemical profiles, and to develop chromatographic fingerprints of five hepatoprotective medicinal species, including Leucas cephalotes (Roxb.). Spreng, Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. (wild varieties), Spermacoce hispida L., Trianthema portulacastrum L., and Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult.--chosen on account of their medicinal capabilities. Methods: The macroscopic, microscopic and powder microscopy analyses were conducted as per the recommendations as laid down by the world health organization and the Indian pharmacopoeia. Quantitative determination was done on the physicochemical parameters which included the ash values, extractive values and the moisture content. Later successive extractions with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol and aqueous solvents were done. Primary phytochemical screening was performed by using conventional chemical analyses. Chromatographic fingerprinting was done using the thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) whereas the Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) was used to identify the functional groups. Results: The five species had recognizable macroscopic and microscopic features in line with the common taxonomic attributes. The determined physicochemical parameters were in the acceptable ranges according to the pharmacognostic guidelines. The phytochemical screening revealed a high concentration of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, and saponins, and steroids. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) produced separate Rf values of individual taxon and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) chromatograms produced four to six properly resolved peaks, which could be associated with phenolic and flavonoid chemical classes. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy supported the existence of typical functional groups that belong to these categories of phytoconstituents. Conclusion: The existing pharmacognostic monographs and chromatographic fingerprints offer complete pharmacognostic and chromatographic standardization information about these hitherto unknown hepatoprotective plants, hence acting as quality-control standards when developing herbal drugs.

Amelioration of amyloid-beta (25–35)-induced neurotoxicity by Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk.: evidence from behavioural and oxidative analyses

The aim of current study is collection and comparison of content and different dosage forms of the most common manufactured Chinnese food supplement products containing antiosteoporotic medicinal plant extracts. The investigation has been made through the electronical database of medical sourses Google Scholar, PubMed, SciFinder Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science. The following approaches in the evaluation of trade multisupplements were: 1) collection of data for manufactured supplement products, containing antiosteoporotic plant extracts; 2) estimation of the most used drug forms; 3) summariring the multipreparations; 4) describing the most common plants in combined supplements; 5) mechanisim of action of plants. The results from the evaluation show that the most spread products containing extracts from medicinal plants with antiosteoporotic effect originated from: Astragalus mongholicus Bung caps., Cimicifuga racemosa L. (Bionorica Menopret tabl.), Cinnamomum cassia (Cinnamon caps.); Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. (Cordyceps extract caps.), Drynaria fortunei Kunze ex Mett., Eclipta prostrata L. (powder), Epimedium brevicornum Maxim. (Yin-Yang Huo 500 mg caps.), Erythina variegate L. Liquid Extract, Morinda officinalis F.C. (tincture), Psoralea corylifolia L. (powder), Pueraria lobate (Willd.) Ohwi caps., Sophora japonica L. (tincture). An observational study shows different trade form preparations: tablets, capsules, powders, solutions of monocomponent and multicomponent products containing extracts from medicinal plants for osteoporosis. The most applied drug forms can be presented as follows: Angelica sinensis (tabl., caps.), Cimicifuga racemosa tabl., Drynaria fortunei Kunze ex Mett. (caps., tincture, powder), Eclipta prostrata (tincture), Salvia caps., Morinda officinalis (powder, tincture), Pueraria lobate caps. An important multicomponent formulation is USANA Phyto Estrin, Hormone Balance Menopause Relief caps., Gu Ling Pian, Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang, Jia

Eclipta prostrata (False Daisy) is widely acknowledged in traditional medicine for its neuroprotective properties, primarily due to its abundant flavonoids and coumestans. However, the chemical and pharmacological potential of its associated endophytic fungi remains underexplored. In this study, we report for the first time the isolation of Aspergillus ochraceus NRRL398 as an endophyte from E. prostrata, and the subsequent isolation and characterization of nine bioactive secondary metabolites from its n-butanol fraction (EPSF-1-NB). Notably, this is the first report of Apigenin and Luteolin being produced by this fungal endophyte, highlighting its unprecedented biosynthetic capability. The isolated compounds comprising two triterpenoids, one phytosterol, two coumestan derivatives, and four flavonoids were structurally elucidated using advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. In-silico molecular docking against acetylcholinesterase (AChE, PDB ID: 1QTI) using SYBYL-X 2.0 software revealed that Apigenin and Luteolin exhibited the strongest binding affinities with C-scores of 6.93 and 6.88, respectively, outperforming other compounds such as Wedelolactone (5.48), dimethylwedelolactone (5.05), and sterol/triterpenoid constituents. This study provides novel insight into the metabolic versatility of A. ochraceus as an endophyte of E. prostrata, and identifies Apigenin and Luteolin as promising AChE inhibitors of fungal origin. These findings open new avenues for exploring fungal endophytes as untapped sources of neuroprotective agents and warrant further in-vitro and in-vivo validation.

Exploring the Cardio-Protective Potential of Eclipta alba Leaves and Its Formulations in Cardiac Fibrosis-Induced Experimental Rats

Active hemostatic constituents of Eclipta prostrata and PI3K-Akt-mediated protection in heat-induced gastric hemorrhage: Integration of serum-exposed metabolite profiling, network pharmacology, and in vivo validation.

A review on the phytochemicals of Eclipta prostrata and Eclipta alba: Antioxidants and antidiabetic activities

Background: Traditional medicine plays a crucial role in the healthcare system of Nepal. Various ethnic groups rely on locally available plants, preserving the ethnomedicinal knowledge. The present study aimed to document the traditional medicinal plant knowledge of the Tajpuriya, an ethnic group of eastern Nepal, through an ethnomedicinal survey conducted in Jhapa District. Method: An ethnomedicinal study was conducted through interviews employing semi-structured, open-ended questionnaires with 52 informants, including two key informants. Spearman’s correlation analysis was applied to examine the relationship between informant’s age and ethnomedicinal knowledge, while the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to evaluate gender-based differences in ethnomedicinal knowledge. Quantitative indices, including the Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) was computed to evaluate the degree of shared knowledge among informants about traditional treatments, and the Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) was determined to identify the common medicinal plants in the study area. Results: This study recorded 61 plant species from 39 families and 57 genera, treating 13 disease categories. The Wilcoxon test showed significant gender variations in plant knowledge (p = 0.005) and Spearman’s correlation revealed a strong positive relation between age of informants and species cited (r = 0.687, p < 0.001). Among the documented species, herbs (38 spp.) represented the dominant growth form, while leaves (23 spp.) were the most commonly utilized plant parts. Juice (31 spp.) was the predominant form of preparation, while oral intake (40 spp.) was the most frequently reported route of administration. The highest ICF was recorded for ear and neurological disorders, whereas digestive disorders involved the largest number of species used (21 spp.). Eclipta prostrata and Centella asiatica showed the highest values of RFC. Conclusions: This study documented the ethnomedicinal information from the Tajpuriya ethnic group in Shivasatakshi Municipality, Jhapa District, highlighting the need for preservation of biocultural heritage and providing a valuable foundation for future pharmacological studies and drug discovery. Keywords: Medicinal plants, Traditional knowledge, Age, Gender

The research delves into the chemical compositions of traditionally significant twenty-two green leaves, for which chemical analysis is scarce despite their well-documented medicinal value in Ayurvedic medical texts, using standard methods. Moreover, it investigated the impact of the traditional cooking process of “Mallung” on the antioxidant activity of green leaves. The moisture content of twenty-two green leaves varied from 74.49±0.29% to 95.49±0.19%. The ash content of the tested green leaves ranged between 5.95±0.88% and 15.95±0.34%. The results illustrated that the crude fiber content of green leaves was within the range of 9.37±0.58% to 14.25±0.65%. The zinc and iron contents ranged from 13.76 to 68.90 mg/kg and from 39.72 to 335.00 mg/kg, respectively. Senna auriculata (Ranawara) possessed the highest zinc and iron content. The highest manganese content (197.76 mg/kg) was reported for Commelina diffusa (Girapala), and the lowest (13.45 mg/kg) for Senna auriculata (Ranawara). Psychotria sarmentosa (Gonuke) recorded the highest copper content (44.80 mg/kg), while Commelina diffusa (Girapala) recorded the lowest (4.80 mg/kg). The sodium content ranged from 0.36 mg/g to 2.79 mg/g, with Bacopa monnieri (Lunuwila) exhibiting the highest content. Alysicarpus vaginalis (Aswenna) contains the highest potassium content (88.55 mg/g), and Tylophora pauciflora (Kiri anguna) contains the lowest potassium content (9.17 mg/g) among the tested green leaves. The highest calcium content (9.13 mg/g) was reported for Amaranthus viridis (Koora thampala), and the lowest (1.00 mg/g) for Tylophora pauciflora (Kiri anguna). The magnesium content ranged between 0.66-5.96 mg/g, while Senna occidentalis (Peni thora) had the highest amount of magnesium, and Eclipta prostrata (Keekirindiyae) had the lowest amount of magnesium. The highest DPPH radical scavenging antioxidant activity (2062.11 ± 15.35 µmol TE/g DW) was reported for Moringa oleifera (Murunga), while the lowest antioxidant activity (963.38 ± 9.01 µmol TE/g DW) was noted for Eclipta prostrata (Keekirindiyae). The Mallung cooking process did not significantly affect the antioxidant activity.

Background: Hair fall is a frequent dermatological complaint with high prevalence and psychosocial impact. Conventional therapies often show variable efficacy and tolerability, prompting evaluation of botanicals such as Bhringaraj (Eclipta alba), traditionally described for hair health but rarely tested in structured clinical trials. Methods: A prospective, open‑label, pre–post-trial was conducted in adults aged 18–55 years with increased hair shedding. Participants received standardized oral Eclipta alba extract tablets for 24 weeks. Primary outcomes were hair shedding counts (60‑second comb test) and weekly diary totals, assessed at baseline, Week 12, and Week 24. Secondary outcome was Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC). Safety was monitored through adverse events, vital signs, and hepatic function tests. Results: Fifty‑four participants were enrolled; 50 completed the study. Mean age was 34.6 years, with 58% female. Comb test counts decreased from 72.4 ± 18.6 hairs at baseline to 27.1 ± 11.8 at Week 24 (–62.5%, p < 0.0001). Weekly diary counts declined from 512.6 ± 104.2 to 205.4 ± 82.1 hairs (–59.9%, p < 0.0001). PGIC showed 84% reported improvement at Week 24. No serious adverse events occurred; mild gastrointestinal discomfort resolved spontaneously. Conclusion: Standardized Bhringaraj extract tablets significantly reduced hair shedding over 24 weeks, corroborated by patient‑reported outcomes and favorable safety, supporting further controlled trials to establish their role in hair fall management.

This study aims to evaluate the potential of green-synthesized titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) derived from herbal extracts-namely Camellia sinensis (Green Tea), Eclipta prostrata (Bhringraj), Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice), and Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon)-for enhancing the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) in sunscreen formulations. Addressing the environmental and toxicity concerns associated with conventionally synthesized TiO₂ NPs, this eco-friendly approach offers a sustainable and effective alternative for cosmetic applications without compromising efficacy. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and then incorporated into oil-in-water emulsions containing 5% homosalate. In vitro SPF was measured using the Labsphere UV-2000S system, while formulation stability was assessed via pH monitoring, rheological behavior, and accelerated centrifugation using the LUMiSizer. Statistical analysis, including one-way ANOVA and effect size metrics (η2, Cohen's d), confirmed significant SPF enhancement, particularly in formulations using Green Tea and Cinnamon-derived TiO₂ NPs, which showed 3.12-fold and 3.11-fold improvements, respectively. Notably, smaller crystallite size (30.2nm in Green Tea-derived TiO₂) correlated with higher SPF (14.97 ± 0.31). All formulations exhibited excellent physical and thermal stability. These findings underscore the promise of plant-mediated TiO₂ NPs as a viable, sustainable solution for next-generation sunscreen products, with further investigation warranted for scale-up and in vivo validation.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication along with the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. The World Health Organization estimates that ASD affects approximately 1 in 100 children. In Ayurveda, ASD shares clinical similarities with Unmada (~insanity) as described in the classical texts. A two-year-old male child presented at the Kaumarabhritya Out-patient department with symptoms including poor eye contact, sleep disturbances, hyperactivity, self-harm tendencies, repetitive movements (rocking and stimming), poor speech, and language development since one year of age. The Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA) was used to confirm the diagnosis. The Ayurveda therapy approach comprised Medhya rasayana (~intellect enhancer) herbs, including Brahmi ( Bacopa monnieri [L.] Drake), Jatamansi ( Nardostachys jatamansi [D. Don] DC), Tagara ( Valeriana wallichii DC.), Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera [L.] Dunal), Bhringraja ( Eclipta prostrata [L.] Hassk), Vacha ( Acorus calamus Linn.), and Yashtimadhu ( Glycyrrhiza glabra L . ) which were administered in the form of capsules and syrup. Along with these, Mahapaishachika ghrita and Triphala were suggested to improve digestion, systemic balance, and cognition. Furthermore, localized treatments such as Jihwa nirlekhana (~tongue scraping) with Vacha, Nasya (~medication through the nasal route) with Brahmi taila, and Shirolepa (~anointment over scalp) with Brahmi and Jatamansi were also employed to optimize neurological and behavioural outcomes. Posttreatment, the ISAA scores significantly reduced from 169 to 63, indicating improvement in social, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms. In addition, the child’s sleep pattern improved, hyperactivity was reduced, and parental stress levels decreased. No adverse effects were observed during the treatment and follow-up period. This case highlights the potential of Ayurveda interventions in managing ASD symptoms effectively.

Grown in a variety of environments, including irrigated lowlands and uplands, rice is a major crop in Nepal. Drought, flooding, and weeds are just a few of the difficulties farmers confront that can drastically lower harvests. Although improved spring rice types are being used more frequently to address these problems, weeds are still a major issue. Using 22 quadrats per stage, this study examined weeds in spring rice fields in Saptari, Eastern Terai, at three crucial growth stages: tillering, milking, and maturity. The milking stage had the maximum weed abundance (2,492), followed by tillering (2,337) and maturity (753). Cyperus difformis, Eclipta prostrata, Fimbristylis littoralis, Alternanthera sessilis, and Monochoria vaginalis were the most prevalent species. Grasses were scarce, broad-leaved weeds predominated, and the most prevalent groups were Cyperaceae, Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Amaranthaceae. Diversity peaked at the maturity stage, indicating changes in the makeup of weeds as the crop grows. These results demonstrate that weed biology, rice development, and environmental factors all affect weed variety and abundance. By identifying these trends, farmers in the Eastern Terai can improve spring rice productivity by creating integrated weed management plans that are specific to the region.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disorder worldwide, strongly associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Conventional management is limited, and effective Ayurvedic interventions may provide cost-effective alternatives. Kirātatikta (Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees) and Bhringarāja (Eclipta prostrata (L.) L) are traditionally prescribed in liver disorders, but clinical evidence in NAFLD is scarce. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of KB Yoga (combination of Kirātatikta and Bhringarāja) in comparison with Droṇapuṣpī (Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link)) in patients with NAFLD. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at VPSV Ayurveda College Hospital, Kottakkal. Participants aged 30–60 years with NAFLD, confirmed by elevated ALT/AST and ultrasound, were randomized to receive either KB Yoga tablets (450 mg) or Droṇapuṣpī tablets (500 mg) for the study period. Primary outcomes were changes in ALT and AST levels; secondary outcomes included gastrointestinal and constitutional symptom relief assessed by the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: A total of 106 participants were randomized (53 in each group). In the KB group, mean ALT decreased from 114.7 to 55.08 IU/L and AST from 73.34 to 44.06 IU/L (p < 0.05). Both enzymes also decreased significantly in the control group, but between-group comparisons favored KB (ALT: 55.08 ± 15.70 vs. 64.53 ± 24.02, p = 0.017; AST: 44.06 ± 12.51 vs. 50.25 ± 17.48, p = 0.043). Subjective symptom assessment showed significant within-group improvements in both arms, with slightly greater resolution of gastrointestinal complaints in the KB group. Conclusion: KB Yoga demonstrated superior hepatoprotective efficacy compared with Droṇapuṣpī in NAFLD, with significant reductions in ALT and AST and parallel improvement in gastrointestinal and constitutional symptoms. Its dual metabolic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, alongside classical Ayurvedic indications, support its use as a cost-effective and readily available intervention for NAFLD. Further trials with imaging and biomarker endpoints are warranted.

Premature canities, or premature hair greying (PHG) (Akalapālitya in Ayurveda), is a cosmetological and psychosocial problem that occurs before the normal senile stage. Commonly used treatment options include the use of chemical dyes, which give transient results and could have harmful side effects. Ayurveda, by the concept of Akalapālitya, has its own natural methods of cosmetology by way of herbal formulations, rejuvenative measures, and lifestyle modifications. The aim of this study is to evaluate Ayurvedic cosmetology approaches to PHG by synthesizing evidence from different peer-reviewed journals using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2010–2025). The collected data were analyzed according to diet & Rasāyana, lifestyle interventions, herbal interventions, and clinical & pharmacological evidence. PHG is a pitta-dosha-dominated disorder, according to Ayurveda, and its primary causes include heredity, Ahitha Aahara (poor food), disregard for Dincharya (daily routine) and Ritucharya (seasonal routine), living in a polluted environment, and dealing with a stressful work culture. Herbal agents in the form of Bhringaraja (Eclipta alba), Yaṣṭimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), etc., and polyherbal oils, for example, Nilibhringadi Taila, have been found to possess antioxidant, hair melanogenic-stimulating, and hair follicle proliferative properties. Rasāyana formulations promote systemic rejuvenation, whereas lifestyle practices such as dinacharya, nasya karma, yoga, and Sadvritta, combined with stress management, support prevention. Proof points show that Ayurveda cosmetology gives safe and multi-pronged ways for PHG control through herbal formulations, lifestyle interventions, and rejuvenative therapies. Yet, strong multicenter randomized tests and set formulas are needed to check clinical effect and help blend with modern cosmetology. Ayurveda’s holistic paradigm offers a sustainable, natural alternative for managing premature hair graying. Keywords: Premature hair greying, Akalapālitya, Ayurveda cosmetology

This study documented the weed flora and their ethnobotanical importance within the Daffodil International University (DIU) campus, Bangladesh. Field surveys were conducted across seven habitat categories between July 2024 and February 2025. A total of 55 species belonging to 50 genera and 16 families were recorded, with Asteraceae (18 spp.) and Poaceae (14 spp.) as the most represented families. More than half of the flora were perennials (54.5%), while annuals accounted for 38.2%. Several species were cosmopolitan and widely distributed, including Cyperus rotundus, Cynodon dactylon, and Ipomoea aquatica. Ethnobotanical review revealed that most of the species have recognized uses. Prominent examples include Eclipta alba (hair growth and wound healing), Ageratum conyzoides (skin disorder), Cyanthillium cinereum (smoking cessation aid), Panicum repens (fodder) and Ipomoea aquatica (nutritious leafy vegetable). The findings underscore the ecological resilience and cultural relevance of weeds in managed landscapes. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 23(4): 498–507, 2025

The increasing global market for herbal medicinal products (HMPs) require stringent quality control measures to combat adulteration, misidentification, and contamination. Traditional reliance on organoleptic and morphological studies alone is inadequate for complex, processed, or powdered materials as it contains more than 50 species. This article focus on research on Eclipta alba (Bhringaraj) by combined application of Physiological & Morphological studies, High-Performance ThinLayer Chromatography (HPTLC), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), UV Spectroscopy (UV), and Genetic Engineering (DNA Barcoding/PCR) as an integrated, multi-disciplinary strategy for the definitive authentication and quality assessment of herbal drugs. This synergistic approach provides a three-tiered confirmation—botanical origin, chemical profile, and safety (heavy metal) profile—essential for the standardization and regulation of herbal medicine.

First report of powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera xanthii on Eclipta prostrata in Mexico