Centella Asiatica: Complete Medicinal Profile
Centella asiatica, also known as Gotu Kola, is a perennial plant native to Asia and Africa that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Its medicinal properties are attributed to its high concentration of triterpenoid saponins and other bioactive compounds, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects.
The health benefits of Centella asiatica include improved cognitive function, enhanced wound healing, and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Centella asiatica is often prepared as a tea, capsule, or topical cream, and is also used in traditional herbal remedies such as soups and infusions.
Study of the Day
According to Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica, Centella asiatica is described for its medicinal properties, but specific medicinal purposes are not mentioned in the given study.
This page analize the most important medicinal aspects of Centella asiatica.
Table of Contents
Uses and Benefits
Centella asiatica is used to promote overall health and well-being by offering a wide range of benefits, including improved wound healing, enhanced cognitive function, and reduced inflammation.
This plant has been traditionally used to treat various health issues, such as skin conditions, hair loss, and anxiety disorders, as well as to improve cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and support digestive health.
The health benefits of Centella asiatica also extend to its potential in reducing symptoms of arthritis, improving sleep quality, and supporting eye health, making it a valuable natural remedy for a variety of health concerns.
By incorporating Centella asiatica into one's health routine, individuals may experience improved overall health and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
The health benefits of Centella asiatica are listed below.
- Improved skin health: Centella asiatica has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it beneficial for skin health, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promoting overall skin rejuvenation.
- Enhanced cognitive function: Centella asiatica contains compounds that may improve cognitive function, enhance memory, and promote focus, making it a potential natural remedy for age-related cognitive decline.
- Reduced inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of centella asiatica may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with conditions such as arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory diseases.
- Improved wound healing: Centella asiatica has been traditionally used to aid in wound healing, promoting the growth of new tissue and reducing the risk of infection, making it a potential natural remedy for wound care.
- Anxiety and stress relief: The adaptogenic properties of centella asiatica may help alleviate anxiety and stress by promoting relaxation and reducing cortisol levels, making it a potential natural remedy for stress-related disorders.
- Improved hair and scalp health: Centella asiatica may help promote hair growth, improve scalp health, and reduce the risk of conditions such as dandruff and psoriasis, making it a potential natural remedy for hair and scalp care.
- Neuroprotective properties: Centella asiatica contains compounds that may have neuroprotective properties, potentially helping to prevent or slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as alzheimer's and parkinson's.
Here are the best health benefits of Centella asiatica.
Actions
Centella asiatica has been found to exhibit a multitude of therapeutic actions, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, nervine, and adaptogenic properties.
These actions have a profound impact on various body systems, including the cardiovascular system, where it helps to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, the nervous system, where it acts as a nervine to calm and soothe, the digestive system, where it exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to support gut health, and the immune system, where it stimulates and supports immune function.
Additionally, Centella asiatica has been found to possess antispasmodic, anti-arthritic, and anti-edematous properties, which can aid in reducing muscle spasms, joint inflammation, and swelling.
Its overall therapeutic profile suggests a complex interplay of actions that can benefit multiple body systems and promote overall well-being.
The therapeutic actions of Centella asiatica are listed below.
- Antiseptic: Centella asiatica has antiseptic properties, which help to protect wounds from infection and promote healing.
- Anti-inflammatory: Centella asiatica has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Antioxidant: Centella asiatica has antioxidant properties, which help to protect the body from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.
- Cicatrizant: Centella asiatica has cicatrizant properties, which help to promote wound healing and tissue regeneration.
- Nervine: Centella asiatica has nervine properties, which help to calm the nervous system and reduce stress and anxiety.
- Tonic: Centella asiatica has tonic properties, which help to strengthen and tone the body's systems, including the nervous and circulatory systems.
- Vasoprotective: Centella asiatica has vasoprotective properties, which help to protect the blood vessels and improve circulation.
Constituents
Centella asiatica has been found to contain a rich array of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, which exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The plant is also rich in tannins, glycosides, and iridoid glycosides, including asiaticoside and madecassoside, which have been shown to possess wound healing and anti-oxidative activities.
Additionally, Centella asiatica contains triterpenoids, alkaloids, and saponins, including brahmoside and centelloside, which have been found to possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties.
The combination of these bioactive constituents in Centella asiatica contributes to its diverse range of healing properties.
The bioactive constituents of Centella asiatica are listed below.
- Triterpenoids: A class of bioactive compounds found in centella asiatica, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Flavonoids: A group of plant-derived compounds with antioxidant properties, present in centella asiatica, which may contribute to its therapeutic effects.
- Saponins: A type of bioactive compound found in centella asiatica, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as their potential to enhance cognitive function.
- Volatile oils: A class of bioactive compounds found in centella asiatica, known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Alkaloids: A group of nitrogen-containing compounds found in centella asiatica, which may contribute to its therapeutic effects, including its potential to enhance cognitive function.
- Glycosides: A class of bioactive compounds found in centella asiatica, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as their potential to enhance cognitive function.
- Phenolic acids: A group of plant-derived compounds with antioxidant properties, present in centella asiatica, which may contribute to its therapeutic effects.
Parts
The most commonly used parts of Centella asiatica are the leaves, roots, and stems.
The leaves are primarily used to make a tea or infusion, which is said to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, used to treat conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and digestive issues.
The roots are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, rheumatism, and skin conditions, and are also used as a tonic to promote overall health and well-being.
Additionally, the stems are used in herbal remedies to treat wounds, reduce inflammation, and improve blood circulation, and are also used to make a supplement that supports immune function and cognitive health.
The following table displays the most used parts of of Centella asiatica and examples of ailments they help cure.
| Parts | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Skin irritation, eczema, psoriasis |
| Stems | Inflammation, wound healing, antibacterial |
| Roots | Stress relief, anxiety, sleep disorder |
| Flowers | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral |
| Seeds | Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial |
Preparations
Centella asiatica most common herbal preparations are infusions, tinctures, and topical creams.
Infusions are often used to treat anxiety and stress, while tinctures are commonly employed to boost cognitive function and memory, and to alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Topical creams are used to improve skin health, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing, making them a popular choice for treating conditions such as eczema, acne, and minor burns.
Additionally, the plant's extracts are also used in oral capsules and suppositories to treat a range of health issues, including digestive problems, immune system dysfunction, and menopausal symptoms.
The herbal preparations of Centella asiatica are listed below.
- Infusion: A tea made by steeping dried centella asiatica leaves in hot water, often used to promote relaxation and improve skin health.
- Tincture: A concentrated liquid extract of centella asiatica, made by steeping the leaves in a solvent like ethanol or glycerin, often used to support cognitive function and memory.
- Decoction: A liquid extract made by simmering centella asiatica roots or stems in water, often used to soothe digestive issues and reduce inflammation.
- Salve: A topical cream or ointment made from centella asiatica extract, often used to promote wound healing and reduce skin irritation.
- Supercritical co2 extract: A concentrated extract of centella asiatica made using supercritical co2 extraction, often used to support skin health and reduce inflammation.
- Essential oil: A highly concentrated oil extracted from centella asiatica leaves, often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- Capsule: A dry extract of centella asiatica in a capsule form, often used to support cognitive function and memory.
Side Effects
Centella asiatica side effects are generally mild and temporary, but may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, stomach upset, diarrhea, and allergic reactions such as hives or itching in individuals with sensitive skin.
Those who are most likely to experience these side effects are people with pre-existing medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or liver disease, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and older adults.
To minimize potential side effects, it is recommended to start with small doses and gradually increase as needed, avoid taking centella asiatica with other medications or supplements, and be cautious of interactions with blood thinners, antidepressants, and other medications.
Additionally, individuals with a history of kidney stones, thyroid problems, or autoimmune disorders should exercise extreme caution when using centella asiatica, as it may exacerbate these conditions.
The possible side effects of Centella asiatica are listed below.
- Digestive issues: Consuming high amounts of centella asiatica may cause stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea in some individuals.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, or difficulty breathing, after consuming centella asiatica.
- Interaction with medications: Centella asiatica may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, and decrease their effectiveness or increase the risk of bleeding.
- Increased risk of bleeding: Centella asiatica may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with other medications that also thin the blood.
- Skin irritation: Applying centella asiatica topically may cause skin irritation, such as redness, itching, or rashes, in some individuals.
- Eye problems: Centella asiatica may cause eye problems, such as blurred vision, double vision, or sensitivity to light, in some individuals.
- Headaches: Consuming high amounts of centella asiatica may cause headaches or migraines in some individuals.