Botanical Name: Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski.
Family: Asteraceae
Synonyms: Significant scientific synonyms include Wedelia carnosa Rich. and Silphium trilobatum L. In the Ayurvedic context, it is referred to as Peet Bhringraj or Pita-Bhringraj to distinguish its yellow inflorescence from the white-flowered Eclipta alba.
Vernacular Names: The plant is recognized across various regions as Peela Bhringraj (Hindi), Bayhops or Singapore Daisy (English), Bhringiraj (Bengali), Manjal Karisalanganni (Tamil), and Guntagalagara (Telugu).
Classification: In terms of habit, Peet Bhringraj is a perennial, creeping herb. It is classified as a vigorous groundcover within the Asteraceae family, noted for its ability to form dense mats through its rooting stems.
Habitat: Originally native to Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, it has become widely naturalized in tropical regions globally, including India. It thrives in moist, sunny to partially shaded environments, frequently found along riverbanks, coastal areas, and in damp waste lands or as an ornamental groundcover.
Morphology: The plant typically reaches a height of 10–30 cm, though its stems can trail for several meters. The leaves are fleshy, opposite, and usually three-lobed (trilobate) with irregular serrated margins and a glossy green surface. The flowers are bright yellow, daisy-like composite heads, measuring about 2–3 cm in diameter, borne on solitary peduncles. The fruit is a small, brownish achene, though the plant primarily spreads vegetatively through its nodes.
Useful Parts: The entire plant (Panchang) is utilized in traditional medicine, with the leaves and stems being the most frequently employed parts for extracting juice or preparing oils.
Chemical Composition: Peet Bhringraj contains several bioactive compounds, most notably wedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone, which are shared with the white Bhringraj. It also contains kaurenoic acids, grandiflorenic acid, flavonoids, and various sesquiterpene lactones. The plant is also a source of essential oils containing alpha-pinene and limonene.
Pharmacological Action: The plant exhibits significant hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) and cholagogue actions, stimulating bile flow. It possesses potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. It is traditionally used to treat jaundice, hepatitis, and skin infections. Additionally, it acts as a hair growth stimulant and is used to prevent premature greying and alopecia.
Formulation/Usage: Traditional applications involve the use of Bhringraj Taila (medicated oil) prepared with the fresh juice of the plant for hair and scalp health. The Swarasa (fresh juice) is often administered internally with honey for liver disorders. A Lepa (paste) of the leaves is applied topically to treat stubborn wounds, fungal infections, and swellings.
Rasa: Katu and Tikta.
Guna: Ruksha, Laghu
Virya:Ushna
Vipaka: Katu.