Centella asiatica, also known as gotu kola, is a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medical systems across Asia and Africa. Recently, extracts and components of centella asiatica have attracted interest in the global skincare and pharmaceutical industries for their wide range of purported health benefits. But what exactly is centella asiatica extract, and what is it used for?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the traditional uses, active compounds, scientific research on health effects, skincare applications, cognitive benefits, safety precautions, and more key aspects of this increasingly popular botanical extract. Understanding the origins, makeup, and properties of centella asiatica extract can provide valuable insight into its role in wellness and integrative medicine.
What is Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract Used For?
Sometimes called “tiger herb” or “spadeleaf”, centella asiatica is native to wetlands across parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It has an extensive history of use in Ayurvedic medicine, traditional African medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine.
Centella asiatica has been consumed as a leafy green vegetable and used to treat a wide array of health conditions. Some traditional uses include:
- Wound healing - Applied topically to encourage quicker healing of wounds, burns, and scars.
- Memory and cognition - Believed to improve memory, concentration, and neurological function.
- Anxiety and mood disorders - Used to alleviate anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
- Skin health - Applied to treat skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, and leprosy.
- Venous insufficiency - Thought to improve circulation and treat varicose veins when applied topically.
These traditional applications provide clues about the observed effects and modern-day uses of centella asiatica extract.
Active Compounds and Health Benefits
Centella asiatica contains a range of biologically active compounds that underlie its purported health benefits. Key active ingredients include:
- Triterpenoid saponins - Asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid promote collagen production, brain cell growth, and antioxidant effects.
- Flavonoids - Quercetin and kaempferol have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing activities.
- Plant sterols - Stimulate circulation and provide anti-inflammatory effects.
- Vitamins - Contains vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, and C.
- Minerals - Rich in iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, zinc and copper.
Research indicates these compounds enable centella asiatica extract to:
- Accelerate wound healing and repair - Triterpenes stimulate faster collagen synthesis and angiogenesis around wounds.
- Reduce anxiety and improve cognition - Asiaticoside and madecassoside promote new brain cell growth in the hippocampus and frontal cortex.
- Provide antioxidant protection - The flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol reduce oxidative stress and damage.
- Fight microbes - Has antibacterial and antifungal properties against various pathogens.
- Reduce inflammation - Sterols and saponins suppress inflammatory chemicals and pathways.
Though more human studies are still needed, the chemical makeup and early research on centella asiatica extract are promising.
Is Centella Asiatica Extract Good for Skin?
With its ability to repair connective tissue, reduce inflammation, and protect against oxidative damage, centella asiatica extract has emerged as an increasingly popular ingredient in skincare and cosmetic products. Both applied topically and taken orally, centella asiatica may benefit skin health in several ways.
1 Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Centella asiatica extract speeds up wound closure and healing through multiple mechanisms. The triterpenes asiaticoside and madecassoside stimulate collagen and extracellular matrix production. They also encourage angiogenesis to help rebuild blood vessels around wounds.
Additionally, centella asiatica suppresses inflammatory enzymes like elastase that can impair healing. This combination of collagen stimulation and inflammation reduction enables faster healing with less scarring.
Research shows topical centella asiatica extracts reduce time to heal burns and surgical wounds compared to standard treatments. The extract also minimizes keloid scarring when applied after scar revision surgery.
2 Skincare and Cosmetics Applications
Due to its repairing, anti-aging, and soothing effects, centella asiatica extract has become a fixture in an array of skincare formulations, including:
- Facial creams and moisturizers
- Anti-aging serums and lotions
- Acne creams and scar treatment
- Sunscreen and sunburn relief
- Sensitive skin toner and cleanser
- Stretch mark and cellulite creams
Reviews indicate these centella asiatica skin products help reduce fine lines, smooth roughness and texture, fade dark spots, minimize breakouts and irritation, and improve elasticity. The hydrating and rejuvenating effects leave skin looking radiant.
What does Centella Asiatica do to the Brain?
In addition to external skin benefits, emerging research suggests taking centella asiatica extract orally may support brain health and function.
Studies indicate certain compounds in centella asiatica, particularly asiaticoside, stimulate growth of brain cells in key areas like the hippocampus that govern learning and memory.
By increasing connectivity between brain cells, centella asiatica extract may help strengthen cognitive abilities. Animal studies and small human trials show supplementation can:
- Improve memory, focus and attention span
- Enhance thinking and comprehension skills
- Slow age-related cognitive decline
- Reduce anxiety and depression
Results suggest similar efficacy to some prescription brain boosting medications, but with fewer side effects. More research is underway to further confirm centella asiatica’s neuroprotective mechanisms and effects.
Is Centella Asiatica Good for Aging Skin?
The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-stimulating properties of centella asiatica extract make it a powerful remedy for combating signs of aging skin.
Research shows the triterpenes in centella asiatica may help:
- Restore collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid levels that decline with age. This improves elasticity and suppleness.
- Prevent glycation damage caused by sugar molecules degrading collagen. This smooths wrinkles.
- Stimulate fibroblast activity to ramp up collagen production. This reduces sagging skin and wrinkles.
- Neutralize free radicals and protect against UV damage that accelerates aging.
- Increase microcirculation in the skin to nourish cells and facilitate repair.
Both oral supplements and topical creams with centella asiatica can keep the skin looking more youthful. It’s also beneficial at any age for maintaining skin health.
Safety and Precautions
When used appropriately, centella asiatica extract appears relatively safe for most people. But certain precautions are advised:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid use due to lack of safety data.
- Those with allergies to plants in the Apiaceae family may experience allergic reactions. Discontinue use if rash, itching or swelling develops.
- Avoid very high doses, as excess intake may cause headaches, skin irritation, nausea or dizziness.
- Check for potential drug interactions if taking blood thinners or sedatives. Centella may increase effects of these medications.
Consult your doctor before use if you have any medical conditions or take prescription medicines. Overall, centella asiatica offers an excellent safety profile when used responsibly.
Conclusion
With a long history of traditional medicinal use across multiple cultures, centella asiatica extract has now been confirmed by modern research to possess a wide range of therapeutic bioactive compounds and health benefits. Harnessing its abilities to heal wounds, nourish skin, support mental function, and reduce inflammation continues to unlock new possibilities for this botanical extract in integrative dermatology and medicine. While more human clinical trials are needed, the future certainly looks bright for the mind-body healing potential of centella asiatica.
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References:
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2. James, J.T. & Dubery, I.A. (2009). Pentacyclic triterpenoids from the medicinal herb, Centella asiatica (L.) Urban. Molecules, 14(10), 3922-3941.
3. Maulina, T., Diana, H., Cahyanto, A., & Amalia, A. (2021). A Review of the Biological Activities and Pharmacology of Centella asiatica. Pharmaceutical Biology, 59(1), 1008–1025.
4. Rashid, M., Muhammad, N., Saeed, M., Khan, H., & Gul, F. (2013). A systematic review on centella asiatica extract for its anxiolytic and cognitive effects. Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 26(1), 251-257.
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