Wedelolactone (Coumestan · Hepatoprotective · Hair Growth)

Compound	Wedelolactone
Chemical class	Polyphenol — Coumestan (Eclipta coumestan)
CAS	524-12-9
Primary source	Eclipta prostrata (Bhringraj / False daisy)
Key applications	Hepatoprotective, anti-venom, anti-inflammatory, hair growth
Claim strength	Moderate
Typical form	Eclipta prostrata extract standardised to wedelolactone
Buy from Herbuno	Eclipta prostrata (Bhringraj) Extract Powder | Kesharaja → Bhringraj Liquid Extract (Water Soluble) - Eclipta Alba →

Name origin: From Wedelia (a closely related genus in the Asteraceae family), where a similar coumestan was identified. Wedelolactone is the primary bioactive coumestan of Eclipta prostrata, which is also known as Eclipta alba (Bhringraj in Ayurveda, Kesharaj — king of hair). Traditional use: Bhringraj (Eclipta prostrata) is one of the most important Ayurvedic herbs for hair health, liver support, and as a general rasayana (rejuvenating herb). It is prescribed for premature greying, hair loss, liver disorders, and skin conditions across Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha traditions. Wedelolactone is the principal bioactive identified as responsible for these effects. Research trajectory: Wedelolactone has a growing research base covering hepatoprotection (NF-κB and NLRP3 pathway inhibition), anti-venom activity (phospholipase A2 inhibition), hair follicle stimulation, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Clinical evidence is limited; preclinical evidence is strong and mechanistically well-characterised. Commercial source: Wedelolactone is commercially available as a primary constituent of Eclipta prostrata (Bhringraj) extract powder and water-soluble liquid extract. See sourcing options below.

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Evidence for Wedelolactone Applications

Hepatoprotective activity: Wedelolactone inhibits NF-κB and IKKβ (a key kinase in inflammatory signalling), suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation in Kupffer cells, and reduces hepatic oxidative stress. In CCl4 and alcohol liver injury models, wedelolactone reduces ALT/AST elevation and histological liver damage scores comparably to silymarin in some studies. Claim strength: Moderate.

Anti-venom and phospholipase A2 inhibition: Wedelolactone potently inhibits phospholipase A2 (PLA2), the primary inflammatory enzyme in snake and bee venom. Traditional use of Eclipta for snake bite management is documented across South Asia, and PLA2 inhibition provides a mechanistic basis for this. This is a unique bioactivity among supplement botanicals. Claim strength: Moderate (mechanism well-established; human anti-venom clinical data absent).

Hair growth promotion: Eclipta extract (wedelolactone-containing) stimulates hair follicle growth in animal models and in vitro dermal papilla cell studies. 5α-Reductase inhibition and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation are proposed mechanisms consistent with traditional Bhringraj use for hair loss. Claim strength: Moderate (animal and cell; limited human trials).

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Dosage & Formulator Specification

Ayurvedic traditional dose for Bhringraj: 3–6 g dried herb/day or 10–20 mL fresh juice. For standardised Eclipta extract: 200–500 mg/day at wedelolactone 2–5% standardisation (delivering 4–25 mg wedelolactone/day). No formal human dose-escalation study establishes an optimal wedelolactone dose.

Specify Eclipta prostrata extract by wedelolactone content (HPLC, 1–5% typical range in commercial extracts). Herbuno’s Bhringraj Extract and Water-Soluble Extract should be accompanied by wedelolactone quantification on CoA for premium formulations requiring marker standardisation.

Wedelolactone has moderate aqueous solubility. Herbuno’s water-soluble Bhringraj extract is suitable for liquid and RTD formats. For topical hair care applications (oils, serums, masks), Eclipta extract in an oil-soluble format delivers wedelolactone to the scalp consistent with traditional Bhringraj oil preparations.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Wedelolactone

Is wedelolactone the same compound as in other Asteraceae plants?
Wedelolactone is found across several Asteraceae family plants including Wedelia, Eclipta, and related genera. The compound is identical across sources; Eclipta prostrata is the primary commercial supplement source due to its Ayurvedic history and established extraction infrastructure in India.

Can Bhringraj extract be used in a liver support formula alongside silymarin?
Yes — this is a rational combination. Wedelolactone (NF-κB/NLRP3 inhibition) and silybin (hepatocyte membrane stabilisation, RNA polymerase I activation) have complementary hepatoprotective mechanisms. Combined Bhringraj + milk thistle extract formulations align with traditional Indian practice and are mechanistically supported by preclinical data.

What is the evidence for Bhringraj in preventing premature hair greying?
Traditional Ayurvedic use attributes hair darkening properties to Bhringraj preparations. Wedelolactone’s 5α-reductase inhibition and antioxidant activity may contribute to melanocyte protection. However, rigorous clinical evidence specifically for premature greying prevention is absent. This is an area where traditional use is strong but clinical substantiation is needed before label claims can be made.

Is wedelolactone estrogenic given its coumestan structure?
Wedelolactone is structurally a coumestan, like coumestrol. However, unlike coumestrol, wedelolactone does not appear to have significant ER agonist activity in available assays — its bioactivity profile is dominated by NF-κB inhibition and PLA2 inhibition rather than estrogenic mechanisms. The coumestan scaffold does not uniformly confer estrogenicity; substituent pattern determines receptor affinity.

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Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.

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