Bhringraj for hair: what the evidence shows for hair fall and thinning
Bhringraj is a classic Ayurvedic hair herb. Animal studies are promising, but human data come only from multi-herb oils and small open studies. CSL formulation scientists explain what can honestly be claimed.
By CSL Formulation team · Evidence checked by CSL scientists
At a glance
- What it is
- Extract or infused oil of Eclipta alba (also called Eclipta prostrata), a traditional Ayurvedic herb
- Main benefits
- Traditional scalp and hair care; animal studies suggest support for the growth phase
- Levels tested in trials
- 5% extract in animal studies; human studies used multi-herb oils or oral tablets at undisclosed levels
- Time to results
- 4 months in multi-herb oil studies
- Watch for
- No human trial of bhringraj on its own; manufacturer-linked studies
01What is it?
Bhringraj is a small plant used for centuries in Ayurvedic hair oils. Cosmetic products use it as an extract or infused in an oil base, often with other herbs such as amla and indigo. Most research is in animals.
02What it does
In rats and mice, bhringraj extracts shortened the time to hair regrowth and increased the number of follicles in the growth phase, in one study more than 2% minoxidil. Human studies of multi-herb oils report less hair fall and more density, but they cannot show how much comes from bhringraj.
03The evidence
Studies below were checked against the publisher, DOI or journal record on 26 Sep 2026. We list design and size so you can judge the strength of each result.
| Study | Design | Who and how long | What it found |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roy et al. 2008, Archives of Dermatological Research (Springer Nature) Source | Animal study (not human) | Shaved male rats, topical 5% petroleum-ether extract vs 2% minoxidil | Time to regrowth halved; 69 vs 47 follicles in the growth phase compared with untreated controls, and better than minoxidil. |
| Datta et al. 2009, Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Elsevier) Source | Animal study (not human) | C57BL/6 mice in the resting phase, topical methanol extract | Dose-dependent hair growth, with markers showing a shift into the growth phase. |
| Patel et al. 2026, Cureus (Springer Nature) Source | Randomised, double-blind, three-arm trial; no placebo | 75 adults with pattern hair loss, 120 days, multi-herb oil with bhringraj, amla, indigo and liquorice; vs 5% minoxidil and the combination | Hair fall fell 55% and density rose 16% from baseline with the oil; density was not significantly different from minoxidil. |
| Mote et al. 2026, Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences Source | Open-label, before-and-after study, no control; oral | 50 adults with hair fall, 24 weeks, standardised oral Eclipta alba tablets | Comb-test hair fall fell from 72 to 27 hairs (−62.5%), but with no control group this is weak evidence. |
| Shukla et al. 2025, International Journal of Research in Dermatology Source | Randomised, single-blind trial vs coconut oil; manufacturer-affiliated authors | Healthy adults with hair fall, 4 months, commercial Ayurvedic bhringraj oil (full formula not stated) | About 20% higher follicle density and over 40% less hair fall from the root at 4 months. |
Bhringraj has encouraging animal data and a long traditional use, but no human trial has tested it on its own. It suits Ayurvedic-style hair oils with claims such as 'traditional scalp care' or 'reduces hair fall due to breakage' only if the finished product is tested. It should not be compared with minoxidil in marketing.
04How CSL formulation scientists use it
- Specify the plant part, solvent and extract ratio; the animal studies used petroleum-ether and methanol extracts, which differ from oil infusions.
- Oil-infused bhringraj suits pre-wash oils; CSL formulation scientists check rancidity and add antioxidants to the oil base.
- Pair with better-studied actives if a performance claim is the goal, and test the finished formula over at least 3 to 4 months.
- Check botanical identity and contaminants (heavy metals, pesticides) in each supplier batch.
05Regulatory and claims
Eclipta extracts are used in cosmetics, and CSL regulatory specialists confirm the INCI name and status in each target market. In India, traditional oils may fall under Ayurvedic rules rather than cosmetic rules, depending on the claims. Claims such as 'regrows hair' or 'treats alopecia' are medical and not allowed on a cosmetic.
06Questions brands ask
Is there proof bhringraj stops hair fall?
Not on its own. Animal studies are positive, and multi-herb oils reduced hair fall in small human studies, but none isolated bhringraj.
Is bhringraj as good as minoxidil?
A rat study found it better, and one human trial of a multi-herb oil found similar density to minoxidil. Neither supports a comparison claim on a cosmetic.
Which form should a brand use?
It depends on the product. Traditional oils suit pre-wash treatments; standardised extracts are easier to dose in serums. Claims should match what the finished product has been tested for.
07References
- Roy RK, Thakur M, Dixit VK. Hair growth promoting activity of Eclipta alba in male albino rats. Arch Dermatol Res. 2008;300:357–364. Link
- Datta K, Singh AT, Mukherjee A, Bhat B, Ramesh B, Burman AC. Eclipta alba extract with potential for hair growth promoting activity. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;124(3):450–456. Link
- Patel MN, Patel N, Merja A, et al. An integrative approach of Neeli Bhringraj polyherbal hair oil in clinical evaluation of androgenetic alopecia and premature hair graying: a randomized, double-blind clinical study. Cureus. 2026;18(7):e111988. Link
- Mote D, Mali S, Maurya M, Kide L. Clinical evaluation of standardized Bhringaraj (Eclipta alba) extract tablets in hair fall: a 24 week prospective trial. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2026;10(12):36–42. Link
- Shukla RK, Gudulkar S, Sachdev M, Ritambhara. Indulekha Bringha hair oil significantly improves hair density and reduces hair fall from roots in comparison to coconut oil in a randomized, single blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Int J Res Dermatol. 2025;11(4):291–296. Link
Used in: Hair fall & hair growth
Update log
- Evidence reviewed and page published by CSL scientists
This page summarises published research for brands and formulators. It is general information, not medical advice, and results in studies depend on the full formula tested.
