Description

Eclipta prostrata commonly known as false daisy, and bhringraj, is a species of plant in the sunflower family. It is widespread across much of the world.[3][4][5] This plant has cylindrical, grayish roots. The solitary flower heads are 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 in) in diameter, with white florets. The achenes are compressed and narrowly winged.

Ecology

This species grows commonly in moist places in warm temperate to tropical areas worldwide. It is widely distributed throughout India, Nepal, China, Thailand, and Brazil.

Importance

The plant has traditional uses in Ayurveda. It is bitter, hot, sharp, and dry in taste. In India, it is known as bhangra or bhringaraj. Wedelia calendulacea is known by the same names, so the white-flowered E. alba is called white bhangra and the yellow-flowered W. calendulacea is called yellow bhangra.[6] In Southeast Asia, the dried whole plant is used in traditional medicine,[7] although there is no high-quality clinical research to indicate such uses are effective.

Threat

Citation