What Is Bhringraj?

Bhringraj is a common weed in India. It's also known as false daisy, and it has the scientific name of Eclipta alba or Eclipta prostrata.

The Eclipta genus (group) of plants generally has several active chemicals. And bhringraj is thought to work through these chemicals.

This article will cover more on what you should know about bhringraj—its potential uses, side effects, and interactions.

Uses of Bhringraj

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medical system that has used bhringraj for various reasons, which may have the support of some in vitro cell culture lab studies and in vivo animal studies.

But in general, there's not enough scientific evidence to support Ayurvedic medicine, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), a U.S. government agency that explores complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Though human studies on bhringraj are lacking, one study has looked into the supplement's effects on blood pressure and cholesterol.

Blood Pressure

In one small clinical study, researchers evaluated bhringraj's effects on blood pressure. A group of study participants took two capsules containing 500 milligrams (mg) of bhringraj leaf powder by mouth three times daily for 60 days.

Results from the trial suggested that bhringraj may act as a diuretic (water pill), lowering blood pressure in mildly hypertensive adults (people with mild high blood pressure) assigned male at birth between 45 to 55 years old. But more high-quality, larger research studies are still necessary to better assess bhringarj's effects on blood pressure.

Cholesterol

Results from the above clinical trial also suggested bhringraj had beneficial effects on participants' cholesterol levels. Bhringraj lowered the following:

• Total cholesterol (TC)
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol)
• Very-low-density lipoprotein (another type of "bad" cholesterol)
• Triglycerides (TG, a fat in the blood)

Again, more well-designed clinical trials with a larger population are needed to better evaluate bhringraj's effects on cholesterol.

Hair Growth

In one 2008 rat study, researchers compared a topical (on the skin) version of bhringraj to Rogaine (minoxidil). The results suggested bhringraj may help promote hair growth. But additional studies in humans are warranted to draw a conclusion.

What Are the Side Effects of Bhringraj?

Like many medications and natural products, side effects are possible with bhringraj. The following may not be a complete list of side effects. If you have any concerns about symptoms you're developing after trying bhringraj, contact your pharmacist and healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of bhringraj include the following:

• Frequent urination
• Nausea
• Vision changes

Severe Side Effects

Serious side effects may include the following:

Severe allergic reaction: A severe allergic reaction can occur with any medication. Symptoms may include breathing difficulties and swollen airways, itchiness, and rash.

Liver problems: Liver toxicity may occur with high doses of bhringraj. If you're experiencing worsening liver problems, symptoms may include upper right-sided stomach pain, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Metal toxicity: According to the NCCIH, some Ayurvedic products may have toxic amounts of metals, such as lead and mercury. The NCCIH referred to a survey that showed high blood levels of lead in 40% of people using Ayurvedic products—with some also having high levels of mercury. What's more, this survey showed that nearly 25% of Ayurvedic products tested high for lead, and roughly 50% of these products tested high for mercury.

Arsenic poisoning: While rare, the according to the NCCIH, arsenic poisoning is possible with Ayurvedic products.

If you're having a severe allergic reaction or if any of your symptoms feel life-threatening, call 911 and get medical help right away.

Precautions

Bhringraj may pose risks in the following situations:

Severe allergic reaction: Avoid bhringraj if you have a severe allergic reaction to it or its components (parts or ingredients).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Bhringraj may cause liver problems. Also, since Ayurvedic products may contain toxic levels of harmful substances, avoid bhringraj while pregnant or breastfeeding.

For concerns, talk with your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks of bhringraj during your pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Children: At high doses, bhringraj can result in liver toxicity. Ayurvedic products may have high levels of toxic substances in general. For these reasons, talk to your child's pediatrician before trying bhringraj.

Adults over age 65: Some older adults may be more sensitive to medication side effects. Use caution with bhringraj—especially if you have other medical conditions, such as liver problems.

People with liver problems: Bhringraj is linked to liver toxicity at high doses. Your healthcare provider may want you to avoid this medication if you have a liver condition.

People with a urinary condition: A possible side effect of bhringraj is frequent urination, and bhringraj may worsen your symptoms if you have a urinary condition, such as overactive bladder (OAB) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Therefore, your healthcare provider may want to closely monitor your symptoms and make any necessary adjustments to your medications.

Dosage: How Much Bhringraj Should I Take?

While several in vitro and in vivo animal studies on bhringraj exist, few human clinical trials exist. More longer-term, high-quality human studies are needed. For these reasons, there are no guidelines on the appropriate dosage to take bhringraj for any condition.

If you take bhringraj, follow your healthcare provider's recommendations and product label instructions.

What Happens If I Take Too Much Bhringraj?

There is little information about bhringraj toxicity and overdoses in humans.

Overdoses of bhringraj, however, are likely similar to its potential severe side effects. At high doses, liver toxicity may also be a problem. And since some Ayurvedic products have been found to contain high levels of toxic substances, poisoning from these substances is also possible.

If you suspect you're experiencing life-threatening side effects, seek immediate medical attention.

Interactions

Use caution when taking bhringraj with the following:

• Blood pressure medications: Bhringraj may lower your blood pressure. For this reason, it may compound the effects of your blood pressure medications, especially water pills—like Microzide (hydrochlorothiazide). If your blood pressure is too low, you may experience symptoms of dizziness and fainting spells.
• Cholesterol medications: Bhringraj may lower your cholesterol levels. While it may increase the effects of your cholesterol medications, bhringraj may also worsen some side effects. An example of a cholesterol medication is Zocor (simvastatin).
• Urinary-related medications: Bhringraj is linked to frequent urination in some people. So, if you're taking medication for a urinary condition (e.g., overactive bladder or enlarged prostate), bhringraj may work against this medication.

It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to learn which ingredients are present and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications. 

How to Store Bhringraj

Since storage instructions may vary for different natural products, carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container. Keep your medications tightly closed and out of the reach and sight of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet. Try to store your medicines in a cool and dry place.

Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging. Avoid putting unused and expired medicines down the drain or in the toilet. Visit the FDA's website to know where and how to discard all unused and expired medicines. You can also find disposal boxes in your area.

Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider any questions you have about how to dispose of your medications or supplements.

Similar Supplements

Potential uses of bhringraj may include blood pressure, cholesterol, and hair growth. Potentially similar supplements include the following:

• Omega-3s like EPA and DHA (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), flaxseed, garlic, calcium, and magnesium, which impact blood pressure
  
• Niacin, omega-3s, and fiber, which impact cholesterol levels
• Biotin, which may affect hair health, although only a few studies support this, and may interfere with some lab work, like thyroid tests, resulting in misdiagnosis or mismanagement of medical conditions
  

Don't combine multiple natural products until you first talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Checking in can help you avoid possible interactions and side effects and ensure you're giving these supplements a fair trial at appropriate doses.

Sources of Bhringraj & What to Look For

There are several different sources of bhringraj.

Food Sources of Bhringraj

Bhringraj is naturally available as a plant. It's considered a common weed in India.

It's also been used in food for over 1,000 years in India and other parts of Asia. For example, a juice version of bhringraj might be used in Ayurvedic traditional medicine for certain conditions.

Bhringraj Supplements

Bhringraj is available in various forms, including pills and capsules. If you have difficulty swallowing pills, bhringraj might also be available in the following dosage forms:

• Liquid
• Powder
• Topical skin or hair products

Your specific product will depend on your preference and what you hope to get in terms of effects. Each product may work a bit differently, depending on the form. So, following your healthcare provider's recommendations or label directions is important.

Summary

Bhringraj is a common weed in India.

Bhringraj may potentially lower blood pressure and cholesterol and promote hair growth. But similar to many medications and natural products, side effects and medication interactions are still possible.

More high-quality, long-term, and extensive clinical trials are still needed to assess bhringraj's effectiveness and safety. Before taking bhringraj, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider to help you safely achieve your health goals.