Planta Med 2014; 80 - PD89
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1382510

Eclipta alba: A potential antiaging herb

A Rajgopal 1, J Rana 1, L Saito 2, J Balles 2
  • 1Analytical Sciences
  • 2Concentrate development, Amway Corporation, 7575 E Fulton St ADA Michigan 49355

Eclipta Alba commonly known as False Daisy, is a traditional Ayurvedic herb that grows in moist areas throughout India, China, Brazil and Thailand. The leaf extract is considered a powerful liver tonic with a history of use in traditional medicine, other benefits these herbs are known for are hair growth and diabetes. Amway grows this herb in their Brazil farm, its harvest cycle is 75 – 90 days, aerials parts are used for processing and extraction.

Eclipta Alba was one of the herb that was included in our internally developed discovery screening process. In the initial screening assay Eclipta showed PGC 1alpha stimulation function. We then performed confirmatory test to show that Eclipta indeed stimulates mitochondrial mass. Furthermore we have shown that a compound Wadelactone found in the plant can also activate PGC 1alpha. Geroscience research have identified mitochondrial dysfunction as key in the aging process and stimulating PGC 1alpha could be one mechanism to counter mitochondrial dysfunction and hence slow aging. This initial discovery process of stimulating PGC 1alpha activity identified Eclipta as a potential botanical ingredient for products in our antiaging category. We then developed an in house extraction method to produce Eclipta Alba extracts that could be used in a product as an antiaging ingredient.