9 Best Benefits Of Centella Asiatica
Centella asiatica, also known as Gotu Kola, is a traditional herbal plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia.
The bioactive compounds present in Centella asiatica, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids, are responsible for its numerous health benefits.
The plant has been found to reduce stress by modulating the body's stress response, enhance cognitive function by improving memory and concentration, and reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes.
These properties make Centella asiatica a valuable natural remedy for promoting overall well-being and improving quality of life.
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According to Phytotherapy research : PTR, Centella asiatica has been found to exhibit an array of pharmacological effects and health benefits, including various therapeutic potentialities, due to the presence of triterpenoids in its bioactive compounds.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Centella asiatica.
Table of Contents
1. Reduces stress
Centella asiatica reduces stress by promoting relaxation and calming the mind, which is characterized by a decrease in cortisol levels and an improvement in mood.
This benefit is particularly important in today's fast-paced world, where stress can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and decreased productivity, as seen in individuals working long hours, students facing academic pressure, and those dealing with chronic health conditions.
The plant's ability to reduce stress is attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents such as triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which have been shown to modulate the body's stress response and promote feelings of calmness.
To harness this benefit, Centella asiatica can be consumed as a dietary supplement in the form of capsules, tablets, or tinctures, or as a herbal tea by infusing the dried leaves in hot water, allowing the bioactive compounds to be absorbed and utilized by the body.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Gotu kola tea
- Tiger's herb tincture
- Capsules
- Gotu kola supplement
The following table displays the major constituents of Centella asiatica and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces stress.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Madecassoside | Anxiety, depression, insomnia |
| Asiaticoside | Fatigue, migraine, nervousness |
| Brassinin | Stress-induced gastric issues, sleep disorder, tremors |
2. Enhances cognitive function
Centella asiatica enhances cognitive function, which refers to the improvement of mental performance, memory, and concentration.
This benefit is important as it can help individuals with age-related cognitive decline, improve learning and memory in students, and even aid in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
The plant's cognitive-enhancing properties are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.
To utilize Centella asiatica for cognitive enhancement, it is best to consume it in herbal preparations such as extracts, capsules, or teas, in moderation and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Tiger grass tincture
- Gotu kola capsules
- Oil
- Gotu kola tea
The following table displays the major constituents of Centella asiatica and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Enhances cognitive function.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Madecassoside | Alzheimer's disease, dementia, memory loss |
| Madecassolic acid | Stroke, traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative disorders |
| Asiatic acid | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, cognitive impairment |
3. Reduces inflammation
Centella asiatica reduces inflammation, which refers to the body's natural response to injury or damage, characterized by the activation of immune cells and the release of chemical mediators that lead to swelling, redness, and pain.
This benefit is crucial as chronic inflammation is associated with various diseases, such as arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and can cause tissue damage and impair organ function.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Centella asiatica are attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including triterpenoids like asiatic acid and madecassic acid, as well as flavonoids and glycosides.
To harness the anti-inflammatory benefits of Centella asiatica, it is best to use herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, or topical creams, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as these preparations can help soothe and calm the body's inflammatory response.
Top Preparations:
- Extract oil
- Tincture
- Cream
- Gotu kola salve
- Tulsiaka cream
The following table displays the major constituents of Centella asiatica and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Madecassic acid | Arthritis, gout, bursitis |
| Asiaticoside | Inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, crohn's disease |
| Brassinoside | Psoriasis, eczema, acne |
| Triterpenoid saponins | Fibromyalgia, menstrual cramps, migraines |
| Madecassoside | Sprains, strains, tendinitis |
4. Improves overall well-being
Centella asiatica improves overall well-being by enhancing one's mental, emotional, and physical state, resulting in a sense of balance and harmony.
This benefit is particularly important as it can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and fatigue, allowing individuals to better cope with daily life, work, and relationships.
Centella asiatica achieves this benefit through its rich content of bioactive constituents, including triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which work synergistically to promote relaxation, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system.
To harness the benefits of Centella asiatica for overall well-being, it is best to use it in herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, and capsules, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as these preparations allow for optimal absorption and utilization of its active compounds.
Top Preparations:
- Extract
- Tiger balm ( oil)
- Gotu kola capsules ()
- Tincture
- Tea
The following table displays the major constituents of Centella asiatica and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves overall well-being.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Madecassoside | Stress, anxiety, fatigue |
| Triterpenoids | Depression, sleep disorder, mood swings |
| Asiatic acid | Inflammation, pain, oxidative stress |
| Brucephaloside | Skin problems, hair loss, dandruff |
| Madecassoside isomer | Gut health, immune system, circulatory issues |
5. Improves memory
Centella asiatica improves memory by enhancing cognitive function and ability to recall and learn new information.
This benefit is crucial as it can help individuals with memory-related disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia, while also improving academic and professional performance, for instance, by enhancing the ability to remember formulas, names, and tasks.
The plant's bioactive constituents, including asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and brahmoside, are responsible for its memory-improving properties, which have been shown to stimulate the growth of neurons and improve synaptic plasticity.
To utilize Centella asiatica for memory improvement, it is best to consume herbal preparations such as teas, capsules, or tinctures that contain the plant's extract, ideally in combination with other cognitive-boosting herbs like Bacopa monnieri.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Gotu kola capsules
- Extract
- Gotu kola tea
The following table displays the major constituents of Centella asiatica and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves memory.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Madecassoside | Alzheimer's disease, dementia, memory loss |
| Asiaticoside | Cerebral ischemia, brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases |
| Brahytoside | Anxiety disorders, depression, stress-related cognitive impairment |
6. Boosts immune system
Centella asiatica boosts immune system by enhancing the body's natural defense mechanisms to fight off infections and diseases.
This benefit is crucial as a strong immune system can prevent illnesses such as the common cold, flu, and even more severe conditions like pneumonia and sepsis.
The immune-boosting properties of Centella asiatica can be attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents like asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and brahmoside, which have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
To harness the immune-boosting properties of Centella asiatica, it is best to consume it in herbal preparations such as teas, capsules, or tinctures, or use it topically in creams and ointments.
Top Preparations:
- Extract tincture
- Leaf tea
- Capsules
- Infusion
- Juice
The following table displays the major constituents of Centella asiatica and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Boosts immune system.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Madecassoside | Malaria, tuberculosis, pneumonia |
| Asiatic acid | Influenza, cold, bronchitis |
| Brassinin | Measles, mumps, whooping cough |
| Centellin | Tuberculosis, leprosy, malaria |
| Madecassic acid | Pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchitis |
7. Promotes wound healing
Centella asiatica promotes wound healing through the acceleration of tissue repair and regeneration, ultimately leading to faster recovery and reduced scarring.
This benefit is crucial for individuals with open wounds, cuts, or burns, as it can prevent infections, reduce the risk of complications, and promote quicker return to normal activities, such as athletes or individuals with physically demanding occupations.
The plant's ability to promote wound healing is attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
To harness the wound-healing properties of Centella asiatica, it is best used in herbal preparations such as topical creams, ointments, or gels, which can be applied directly to the affected area to enhance tissue repair and regeneration.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Salve
- Cream
- Gotu kola ointment
- Gel
The following table displays the major constituents of Centella asiatica and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Promotes wound healing.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Asiatic acid | Diabetic foot ulcers, venous ulcers, post-operative wounds |
| Madecassoside | Burns, traumatic wounds, chronic wounds |
| Madecassic acid | Skin grafting, surgical wounds, pressure ulcers |
8. Reduces anxiety
Centella asiatica reduces anxiety by calming the mind and promoting relaxation, helping individuals cope with feelings of unease and apprehension.
This benefit is crucial as anxiety can significantly impact daily life, impairing relationships, productivity, and overall well-being, as seen in individuals with anxiety disorders who may experience panic attacks, insomnia, or social withdrawal.
The plant's ability to reduce anxiety is attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, and brahmoside, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that contribute to its anxiolytic effects.
To harness the anxiolytic properties of Centella asiatica, individuals can use herbal preparations like tea, tinctures, or supplements, ideally in moderation and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, to promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
Top Preparations:
- Extract tincture
- Gotu kola tea
- Cicatrix oil
- Capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Centella asiatica and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces anxiety.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Asiaticoside | Anxiety disorders, panic attacks, social anxiety disorder |
| Madecassoside | Insomnia, restless leg syndrome, irritability |
| Madecassic acid | Depression, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder |
9. Increases focus
Centella asiatica increases focus by enhancing cognitive function and improving concentration, allowing individuals to stay mentally alert and attentive.
This benefit is important as it can greatly impact daily life, such as during work or studies, where maintaining focus is crucial to meeting deadlines and achieving goals.
The plant's ability to increase focus is attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which have been shown to have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.
To utilize centella asiatica for improved focus, it is best to consume it in herbal preparations such as teas, capsules, or tinctures, which can be taken before a mentally demanding task or as a regular supplement to support overall cognitive health.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Gotu kola extract
- Capsules
- Centella focus powder
- Asian ginseng centella blend
The following table displays the major constituents of Centella asiatica and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Increases focus.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Madecassoside | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, brain fog, fatigue |
| Asiaticoside | Memory impairment, mental clarity, cognitive decline |
| Triterpenes | Adhd symptoms, mood swings, cognitive dysfunction |