false daisy

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• false daisy
• eclipta
• white eclipta
• white twinheads
• Clavel de pozo
• botoncillo
• botón blanco
• pie-plant
• trailing eclipta

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Eclipta palustris
• Spilanthes pseudoacmella
• Anthemis cotula subsp. lithuanica
• Eclipta erecta var. brachypoda
• Verbesina spicata
• Buphthalmum diffusum
• Ecliptica alba var. erecta
• Wedelia psammophila
• Amellus carolinianus
• Maruta cotula var. lithuanica
• Eclipta procumbens var. patula
• Eclipta prostrata f. aureoreticulata
• Eclipta zippeliana
• Eclipta patula
• Cotula oederi
• Eclipta dichotoma
• Eclipta philippinensis
• Eclipta simplex
• Eclipta heterophylla
• Eclipta parviflora
• Eclipta erecta var. diffusa
• Eclipta procumbens
• Clipteria dichotoma
• Eclipta longifolia
• Chamaemelum foetidum
• Eclipta alba
• Cotula alba
• Wiborgia oblongifolia
• Anthemis cotuloides
• Cotula debilis
• Eclipta alba var. longifolia
• Eclipta prostrata var. dixitii
• Eclipta alba f. prostrata
• Eupatoriophalacron album
• Eclipta alba var. zippeliana
• Paleista procumbens
• Eclipta angustata
• Spilanthes wedelioides
• Verbesina pseudoacmella
• Verbesina debilis
• Verbesina pusilla
• Aganippea dentata
• Ecliptica alba
• Grangea lanceolata
• Galinsoga oblongifolia
• Sabazia anomala
• Anthemis sulphurea
• Eclipta angustifolia
• Anthemis abyssinica
• Sabazia leiachaenia
• Eclipta hirsuta
• Eclipta thermalis
• Eclipta alba var. parviflora
• Ecliptica alba var. parviflora
• Eclipta alba f. zippeliana
• Anthemis viridis
• Anthemis cotula-foetida
• Eclipta oederi
• Cotula prostrata
• Ecliptica alba var. zippeliana
• Eclipta erecta var. prostrata
• Eclipta erecta var. latifolia
• Eclipta alba f. erecta
• Eclipta alba var. erecta
• Eclipta flexuosa
• Eclipta alba f. longifolia
• Polygyne inconspicua
• Eclipta linearis
• Ridan alba
• Eclipta alba var. prostrata
• Eclipta pumila
• Anthemis cotula var. hierosolymitana
• Eclipta punctata
• Eclipta tinctoria
• Verbesina alba
• Eleutheranthera prostrata
• Ecliptica alba var. prostrata
• Acmella lanceolata
• Eclipta nutans
• Eclipta dubia
• Eclipta sulcata
• Eclipta marginata
• Eclipta spicata
• Anthemis galilaea var. hierosolymitana
• Abasoloa taboada
• Anthemis variabilis
• Ceratocephalus wedeliodes
• Eclipta longifolia var. linearis
• Eclipta procumbens var. brachypoda

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Asterales and is a member of the Asteraceae family. Taxonomically, it is specifically identified under the genus Eclipta.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a varied geographical distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, its presence has been documented within the territories of Czechia and Slovakia. Moving toward the Mediterranean, it can be found in the southwestern reaches of Europe. Specifically, it inhabits the Balearic Islands, France, and Portugal. Additionally, the species is also distributed across the island of Sardegna.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Eclipta prostata is characterized by its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, particularly within anthropogenic areas and aquatic vegetation. This species exhibits a broad altitudinal distribution, ranging from sea level up to an elevation of 2200 m AMSL, with a mean elevation of approximately 250 m AMSL. Its presence in disturbed human-influenced landscapes and water-associated habitats suggests a high tolerance for varied moisture levels and nutrient availability typical of these ecological niches.

Elevational range max:

2200 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

250 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Vegetação Aquática

Genetics

The genetics of Eclipta prostrata are characterized by specific chromosomal arrangements and reproductive profiles that define its cytological makeup. The species exhibits varying chromosome numbers, with documented counts of 18 and 22, reflecting the inherent genomic diversity within the taxon. Furthermore, the plant typically functions at a diploid ploidy level, indicated by a ploidy value of 2, which establishes the fundamental genetic framework for its cellular reproduction and inheritance patterns.

Chromosome number :

18, 22

Ploidy :

2

Life history

The life history of Eclipta prostrata is characterized by its classification as an annual plant, meaning it completes its entire biological cycle—from germination to seed production—within a single growing season. As a therophyte, the species survives unfavorable environmental conditions by producing hardy seeds that remain dormant in the soil, allowing the plant to reappear once conditions become favorable. This life form strategy ensures rapid colonization and reproduction, as the plant focuses its energy on quick growth and prolific seeding rather than maintaining perennial vegetative structures.

Life form :

therophyte

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Eclipta prostrata is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb and forb. This independent, non-parasitic plant typically exhibits a terrestrial lifestyle, rather than being aquatic or epiphytic. As a self-supporting species, it does not function as a liana or vine, instead maintaining an ascending shoot orientation. In terms of physical dimensions, the plant reaches a maximum height of 1 meter, with a mean height of approximately 0.66 meters, though it can occasionally appear near ground level at a minimum height of 0 meters. The individual shoots are relatively compact, reaching a maximum shoot length of 50 cm.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1 m

Plant height mean:

0.666666666666667 m

Plant height min:

0 m

Shoot length max:

50 cm

Shoot orientation :

ascending

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiological profile of Eclipta prostrata is characterized by distinct morphological dimensions and structural arrangements of its foliage. The leaves exhibit an elliptic form, varying significantly in size with a minimum length of 2 cm and a mean length of 6.5 cm, reaching a maximum potential length of 13 cm. In terms of lateral expansion, the leaf width ranges from a minimum of 0.4 cm to a mean of 1.5 cm, peaking at a maximum of 3 cm. The leaf arrangement follows a pattern that can include alternate, opposite, whorled, or rosette configurations, though it is primarily noted for its opposite positioning. Structurally, the plant is non-succulent, lacking specialized water-storing tissues in its foliage. Furthermore, the species does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic biological mechanisms required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for growth.

Leaf arrangement :

opposite

Leaf form :

elliptic

Leaf length max:

13 cm

Leaf length mean:

6.5 cm

Leaf length min:

2 cm

Leaf width max:

3 cm

Leaf width mean:

1.5 cm

Leaf width min:

0.4 cm

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Succulence :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Eclipta prostrata is characterized by its delicate flowering process and specialized fruit development. The plant produces small, white flowers that typically range in length from a minimum of 0.1 cm to a maximum of 0.25 cm. The flowering period is highly variable across the months, though it specifically includes the month of April. Following pollination, the plant develops a fruit classified as an achene. These fruits are indehiscent and possess a length ranging from a minimum of 0.2 cm to a mean and maximum of 0.28 cm. The seeds contained within are notably minute, with a mean mass of approximately 0.001448 g, though individual seed masses can vary from a minimum of 0.00018 g to a maximum of 0.00091 g. For the spread of its progeny, the plant utilizes an anemochorous dispersal syndrome, relying on wind to transport its seeds to new locations.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flower colour :

white

Flower length max:

0.25 cm

Flower length min:

0.1 cm

Flowering time :

Apr

Fruit length max:

0.28 cm

Fruit length min:

0.2 cm

Fruit type :

achene

Seed mass max:

0.00091 g

Seed mass mean:

0.00144803333333333 g

Seed mass min:

0.00018 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Eclipta prostrata has 3 reported plant parts identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, root, seed.

Leaf

1. Indian journal of physiology and pharmacology
2. Photochemical & photobiological sciences : Official journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology
3. Fitoterapia
4. Fish & shellfish immunology
5. The Yale journal of biology and medicine

Root

1. Fitoterapia

Seed

1. Research in veterinary science

Chemicals

Eclipta prostrata has 77 reported phytochemicals identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Wedelolactone, Flavonoids, luteolin, Triterpenes, apigenin.

Wedelolactone

1. PeerJ
2. International immunopharmacology
3. Drug design, development and therapy
4. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica
5. Photochemical & photobiological sciences : Official journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Applied biochemistry and biotechnology
3. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences
4. Applied microbiology and biotechnology

luteolin

1. Indian journal of physiology and pharmacology
2. Pharmaceutical biology
3. International scholarly research notices
4. Scientific reports

Triterpenes

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences
3. Applied microbiology and biotechnology

apigenin

1. Indian journal of physiology and pharmacology
2. International scholarly research notices
3. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Demethylwedelolactone

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica
2. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

ETHYL ACETATE

1. Parasitology research
2. Research in veterinary science

OLEANOLIC ACID

1. Journal of Asian natural products research
2. International scholarly research notices

Steroids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Applied microbiology and biotechnology

Activities

Eclipta prostrata has 26 reported activities identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hepatoprotective, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antioxidant, Antihyperglycemic.

Hepatoprotective

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Biomolecules
3. Photochemical & photobiological sciences : Official journal of the European Photochemistry Association and the European Society for Photobiology
4. International scholarly research notices
5. Mymensingh medical journal : MMJ

Antibacterial

1. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences
2. Fitoterapia
3. Life (Basel, Switzerland)
4. Biotechnology & genetic engineering reviews

Anticancer

1. Biomolecules
2. BMC complementary medicine and therapies
3. International scholarly research notices
4. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Antioxidant

1. Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.)
2. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences
3. Applied microbiology and biotechnology
4. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Antihyperglycemic

1. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences
2. Applied microbiology and biotechnology
3. The Yale journal of biology and medicine

Antimicrobial

1. Biomolecules
2. Applied microbiology and biotechnology
3. International scholarly research notices

Anthelmintic

1. Research in veterinary science
2. Mymensingh medical journal : MMJ

Cytotoxic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Hypolipidemic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.)

Neuroprotective

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Biomolecules

Conditions

Eclipta prostrata has 56 reported investigations on conditions identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include asthma, atopic dermatitis, cancer, dementia, obesity.

Asthma

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Applied microbiology and biotechnology

Atopic dermatitis

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Life (Basel, Switzerland)

Cancer

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Biomolecules

Dementia

1. Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.)
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Obesity

1. Biochimica et biophysica acta. Molecular and cell biology of lipids
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Respiratory diseases

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Applied microbiology and biotechnology

Aids

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Atpase

1. Toxicon : official journal of the International Society on Toxinology

Atopic dermatitis

1. Life (Basel, Switzerland)

E. coli

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Preparations

Eclipta prostrata has 28 reported preparations identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanolic extracts, methanolic extract, whole plant extract, Eclipta alba leaf extract, Eclipta alba plant extract.

Methanolic extracts

1. Integrative cancer therapies
2. BMC complementary medicine and therapies
3. Fish & shellfish immunology

Methanolic extract

1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis
2. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Whole plant extract

1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies
2. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Eclipta alba leaf extract

1. Molecular biotechnology

Eclipta alba plant extract

1. Molecular biotechnology

Etoac fraction of the 70 % etoh extract of e. prostrata

1. Planta medica

Ethanol extract

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Juice

1. In vivo (Athens, Greece)

Meoh extract

1. Journal of natural products

Ryupunghwan (rph)

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)