Details Top

Internal ID UUID64403be940507834210196
Scientific name Falconeria insignis
Authority Royle
First published in Ill. Bot. Himal. Mts. : 354 (1839)

Ethnobotanical Use Top

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Important notice
  • Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
  • Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
  • Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
  • Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.

In Ayurveda, Eclipta prostrata is called bhringaraja, and practitioners use leaf decoctions and infusions to support the liver and reduce skin inflammation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the herb—known as mo han lian—is taken as a leaf decoction for similar liver-supporting purposes. In Vietnam, practitioners prepare a warm leaf tea for liver-related conditions. Among the Cherokee of the southeastern United States, bruised or crushed leaves are used as a topical poultice for wound care. These uses are recorded in standard herbal monographs and regional sources such as the CRC Handbook of Medicinal Spices, the Chinese Materia Medica, and the ethnobotanical literature documenting Cherokee and Southeast Asian practices.

For a practical and safe mild tea, measure 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried aerial parts (leaves and stems). Pour 1 cup of hot water over them, cover, and steep for 10 to 15 minutes; strain and drink 1 cup once or twice daily. Short, regular use is common in many traditions; extended or heavy use is not recommended. Contraindications: avoid in pregnancy due to emmenagogue effects reported in some texts; if you have liver disease, bleeding disorders, or are on anticoagulants, use only under practitioner guidance. As a topical poultice, fresh leaves may be crushed and applied to minor wounds for 15–30 minutes at a time, up to twice daily.

Well‑established constituents for Eclipta include coumestans (e.g., wedelolactone), polyacetylenes (e.g., ecliptasaponin B), saponins (ecliptasaponins A and C), flavonoids, and thiophenes. These compounds plausibly account for the observed hepatoprotective and topical wound‑healing activities described in traditional practice.

Modern relevance: Pharmacological studies continue to investigate hepatoprotective and hair‑growth effects, and the herb is still widely available in tinctures and teas in global herbal commerce.

General Uses Top

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Synonyms Top

Scientific name Authority First published in
Sapium insigne (Royle) Trimen Syst. Cat. Fl. Pl. Ceylon : 83 (1885)
Sapium insigne var. malabaricum (Wight) Hook.f. Fl. Brit. India 5: 472. 1888
Gymnobothrys lucida Wall. ex Baill. Étude Euphorb. : 527 (1858)
Carumbium insigne Kurz Prelim. Rep. Forest Pegu , App. A: cxiv (1875)
Excoecaria insignis Müll.Arg. Prodr. 15(2): 1212 (1866)
Falconeria malabarica Wight Icon. Pl. Ind. Orient. 5: t. 1866 (1852)
Falconeria wallichiana Royle Ill. Bot. Himal. Mts. : 354 (1839)
Sapium insigne Benth. & Hook.f. Gen. Pl. [Bentham & Hooker f.] 3(1): 335. 1880 [Feb 1880]
Sapium insigne var. genuinum Pax Pflanzenr. IV, 147, V: 242. 1912

Common names Top

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Language Common/alternative name
Chinese 异序乌桕
Chinese 異序烏桕

Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top

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Varieties (abbr. var.) Top

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Subvarieties (abbr. subvar.) Top

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Forms (abbr. f.) Top

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Germination/Propagation Top

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Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top

Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
  • Asia-tropical
    • Indian Subcontinent
      • Assam
      • Bangladesh
      • East Himalaya
      • India
      • Nepal
      • Sri Lanka
      • West Himalaya
    • Indo-China
      • Cambodia
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Malesia
      • Malaya

Links to other databases Top

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Database ID/link to page
World Flora Online wfo-0000966545
Tropicos 50119847
KEW urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:348966-1
The Plant List kew-83930
Open Tree Of Life 3914767
IPNI 348966-1
iNaturalist 427633
GBIF 3063740
EOL 1143545

Genomes (via NCBI) Top

No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.

Scientific Literature Top

Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
Title Authors Publication Released IDs
Cytotoxic diterpenoids from Sapium insigne. Liu HB, Zhang H, Yu JH, Xu CH, Ding J, Yue JM J Nat Prod 27-Apr-2012
doi:10.1021/NP300004Y
PMID:22409148
A new phenolic compound, 4-dehydrochebulic acid-1,6-dimethyl ester from Sapium insigne leaves. Devkota HP, Basnet P, Yahara S J Nat Med 01-Apr-2010
doi:10.1007/S11418-009-0378-9
PMID:20037803
Diterpene esters and phenolic compounds from Sapium insigne (ROYLE) BENTH. ex HOOK. fil. Devkota HP, Basnet P, Yahara S Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 01-Nov-2009
doi:10.1248/CPB.57.1289
PMID:19881284
Phorbol derivatives from Sapium insigne Stephen E. Taylor, Elizabeth M. Williamson, Fred J. Evans Elsevier BV 25-Jul-2002
doi:10.1016/0031-9422(83)80228-3
A New Flavone from Sapium insigne. Saxena M, Srivastava SK, Rusia K Planta Med 01-Dec-1986
doi:10.1055/S-2007-969271
PMID:17345426

Phytochemical Profile Top

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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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Name PubChem ID Canonical SMILES MW Found in Proof
> Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives / Gallic acid and derivatives / Gallic acids
Gallic Acid 370 Click to see 170.12 unknown https://doi.org/10.1007/S11418-009-0378-9
Methylgallic acid 20223962 Click to see CC1=C(C(=C(C=C1C(=O)O)O)O)O 184.15 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
> Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives / Gallic acid and derivatives / Galloyl esters
Methyl Gallate 7428 Click to see 184.15 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Diterpenoids / Tigliane and ingenane diterpenoids
[(1R,2R,6R,10R,11R,12S,13S,14R,15R)-13-acetyloxy-1-hydroxy-8,12-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4,12,15-trimethyl-5-oxo-14-tetracyclo[8.5.0.02,6.011,13]pentadeca-3,8-dienyl] dodecanoate 162932261 Click to see 588.80 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(83)80228-3
[(1R,2R,6R,10R,11R,12S,13S,14R,15R)-13-acetyloxy-1-hydroxy-8,12-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4,12,15-trimethyl-5-oxo-14-tetracyclo[8.5.0.02,6.011,13]pentadeca-3,8-dienyl] hexanoate 163022905 Click to see 504.60 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(83)80228-3
[(1R,2R,6S,10R,11R,12S,13S,14R,15R)-13-acetyloxy-1-hydroxy-8,12-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4,12,15-trimethyl-5-oxo-14-tetracyclo[8.5.0.02,6.011,13]pentadeca-3,8-dienyl] (2E,4E)-deca-2,4-dienoate 163011203 Click to see 556.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(83)80228-3
[(1R,2R,6S,10S,11R,12S,13S,14R,15R)-1,13,14-trihydroxy-8-(hydroxymethyl)-4,12,15-trimethyl-5-oxo-12-tetracyclo[8.5.0.02,6.011,13]pentadeca-3,8-dienyl]methyl acetate 44521558 Click to see 406.50 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
[1,13,14-Trihydroxy-8-(hydroxymethyl)-4,12,15-trimethyl-5-oxo-12-tetracyclo[8.5.0.02,6.011,13]pentadeca-3,8-dienyl]methyl acetate 75041557 Click to see CC1C(C2(C(C2(C)COC(=O)C)C3C1(C4C=C(C(=O)C4CC(=C3)CO)C)O)O)O 406.50 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
[1,6,13,14-Tetrahydroxy-8-(hydroxymethyl)-4,12,15-trimethyl-5-oxo-12-tetracyclo[8.5.0.02,6.011,13]pentadeca-3,8-dienyl]methyl acetate 75041558 Click to see 422.50 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
[13-Acetyloxy-1-hydroxy-8,12-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4,12,15-trimethyl-5-oxo-14-tetracyclo[8.5.0.02,6.011,13]pentadeca-3,8-dienyl] deca-2,4-dienoate 163011202 Click to see 556.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(83)80228-3
[13-Acetyloxy-1-hydroxy-8,12-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4,12,15-trimethyl-5-oxo-14-tetracyclo[8.5.0.02,6.011,13]pentadeca-3,8-dienyl] dodecanoate 162932260 Click to see CCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OC1C(C2(C3C=C(C(=O)C3CC(=CC2C4C1(C4(C)CO)OC(=O)C)CO)C)O)C 588.80 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(83)80228-3
[13-Acetyloxy-1-hydroxy-8,12-bis(hydroxymethyl)-4,12,15-trimethyl-5-oxo-14-tetracyclo[8.5.0.02,6.011,13]pentadeca-3,8-dienyl] hexanoate 163022904 Click to see CCCCCC(=O)OC1C(C2(C3C=C(C(=O)C3CC(=CC2C4C1(C4(C)CO)OC(=O)C)CO)C)O)C 504.60 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(83)80228-3
16-Hydroxyphorbol-16-acetate 44521559 Click to see 422.50 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
Sapinsignoid A 57408526 Click to see 628.80 unknown https://doi.org/10.1021/NP300004Y
Sapinsignoid B 57408527 Click to see 628.80 unknown https://doi.org/10.1021/NP300004Y
Sapinsignoid C 57408528 Click to see 626.80 unknown https://doi.org/10.1021/NP300004Y
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Diterpenoids / Tigliane and ingenane diterpenoids / Phorbol esters
Sapinsignoid D 57408646 Click to see CCCCCCCCC=CC=CCC(=O)OC12CC(C3(C(C1C2(C)COC(=O)C)C=C(CC4(C3C=C(C4=O)C)O)CO)O)C 612.80 unknown https://doi.org/10.1021/NP300004Y
> Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Alcohols and polyols / Cyclitols and derivatives / Quinic acids and derivatives
3-{[3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyl]oxy}-1,4,5-trihydroxycyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid 348159 Click to see C1C(C(C(CC1(C(=O)O)O)OC(=O)C=CC2=CC(=C(C=C2)O)O)O)O 354.31 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
Neochlorogenic acid 5280633 Click to see C1C(C(C(CC1(C(=O)O)O)OC(=O)C=CC2=CC(=C(C=C2)O)O)O)O 354.31 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Coumarin glycosides
6-Methoxy-7-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxychromen-2-one 346340 Click to see 354.31 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-8-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)(2H-3,4,5,6-tetrahydr opyran-2-yl)oxy]chromen-2-one 5909448 Click to see 370.31 unknown https://doi.org/10.1007/S11418-009-0378-9
Fraxin 5273568 Click to see 370.31 unknown https://doi.org/10.1007/S11418-009-0378-9
Scopolin 439514 Click to see COC1=C(C=C2C(=C1)C=CC(=O)O2)OC3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O 354.31 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavones / Flavonols
3-Hydroxy-5,7,8-trimethoxyflavone 44259915 Click to see COC1=CC(=C(C2=C1C(=O)C(=C(O2)C3=CC=CC=C3)O)OC)OC 328.30 unknown https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2007-969271
Quercetin 5280343 Click to see 302.23 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides / Flavonoid-3-O-glycosides
2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-3-[(2S,5S)-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl]oxychromen-4-one 44259215 Click to see 434.30 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-3-{[(2S,3R,4R,5S)-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl]oxy}chromen-4-one 121540514 Click to see C1C(C(C(C(O1)OC2=C(OC3=CC(=CC(=C3C2=O)O)O)C4=CC(=C(C=C4)O)O)O)O)O 434.30 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
5,7-Dihydroxy-2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-3-(3,4,5-Trihydroxy-6-((3,4,5-Trihydroxy-6-Methyloxan-2-Yl)Oxymethyl)Oxan-2-Yl)Oxychromen-4-One 12313332 Click to see 594.50 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
acs.jmedchem.1c00409_ST.657 5878729 Click to see 434.30 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
Guaijaverin 5481224 Click to see 434.30 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
Kaempferol-3-O-Rutinoside 5318767 Click to see 594.50 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
Rutin 5280805 Click to see 610.50 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
Vitamin P 5293655 Click to see 610.50 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Isocoumarins and derivatives
(1S)-7,8,9-trihydroxy-3,5-dioxo-1,2-dihydrocyclopenta[c]isochromene-1-carboxylic acid 90654761 Click to see 292.20 unknown https://doi.org/10.1007/S11418-009-0378-9
Brevifolincarboxylic acid 9838995 Click to see 292.20 unknown https://doi.org/10.1007/S11418-009-0378-9
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Tannins
(3,4,5-Trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl) 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate 4628122 Click to see 332.26 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
[3,5-Dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-(3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoyl)oxyoxan-4-yl] 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate 85372017 Click to see 484.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
[5-Hydroxy-3,4,6-tris[(3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoyl)oxy]oxan-2-yl]methyl 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate 14188629 Click to see 788.60 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
1,3,4,6-Tetra-O-Galloyl-Beta-D-Glucopyranoside 471531 Click to see 788.60 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
beta-Glucogallin 124021 Click to see C1=C(C=C(C(=C1O)O)O)C(=O)OC2C(C(C(C(O2)CO)O)O)O 332.26 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
galloyl(-3)Glc(b)-O-galloyl 11027295 Click to see C1=C(C=C(C(=C1O)O)O)C(=O)OC2C(C(OC(C2O)OC(=O)C3=CC(=C(C(=C3)O)O)O)CO)O 484.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Tannins / Hydrolyzable tannins
Corilagin 73568 Click to see 634.50 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289
Corilagin (Standard) 5089683 Click to see 634.50 unknown https://doi.org/10.1248/CPB.57.1289

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