Evaluation of Eclipta Alba L. Selections for Higher Biomass and Bioactive Compound

The study evaluated 142 wild accessions of Eclipta alba (L.), a medicinal plant known for its liver disease treatment properties, to identify elite germplasm for cultivation and reduce pressure on wild populations. Using HPLC, researchers analyzed the wedelolactone content, finding significant variation ranging from 0.09 to 0.53% on a dry weight basis. Over two years, they assessed growth, yield, and active compound content, identifying one elite accession, IIHR Sel EA 43, with 0.5% wedelolactone, as suitable for large-scale commercial cultivation due to its superior growth and yield attributes.