Skin Care Research: Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) for DIY Skin Care

Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola)
BAUMANN LS, Skin & Allergy News- 2006 12 (Vol. 37, Issue 12)

"The potential cosmetic uses of this herb are varied, given its skin-tightening and regenerative capacity. It is included in some products for its antiwrinkling properties and for its ability to reduce acne-induced blemishes.

C. asiatica is similar to aloe vera insofar as it has a long history of wide-ranging medical applications. But it is used in the West primarily for its cutaneous anti-inflammatory activity.

The amassed record thus far on Centella is relatively small but impressive. Randomized, controlled trials are warranted in human subjects to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical products containing C. asiatica for wound healing and other applications. The future is promising regarding the inclusion of this herbal ingredient in an increasing number of products." Read more

About Centella asiatica

"Extracted from the swamp plant Centella asiatica native to Sri Lanka and Southern Africa the selected triterpenes of Centella asiatica have long established use."

Traditional uses

The use of Centella asiatica in the management of dermatological conditions has a long tradition in its native areas, such as India and Sri Lanka, where it is used to support faster healing of small wounds, chaps and scratches, surgical wounds, superficial burns and varicose ulcers and as an oral preparation for atonic wounds and hypertrophic healing. Centella has also been used traditionally as an anti-inflammatory, particularly for eczema, and also for minor itching and insect bites.

Topical use and management of epidermal conditions

Several trials have been published on the topical use of different formulations of the selected triterpenes of Centella asiatica (cream, powder, ointment, fatty gauze, tincture) in pathologies such as obstetrical perineal wounds and ulcers, trophic ulcers of legs, skin graft donor areas. Globally more than 300 patients were treated with topical formulations of the selected triterpenes of Centella asiatica with positive results in 80% of cases. The selected triterpenes of Centella asiatica is the principle active in a range of specialties for the management of dermatological conditions including post operative scarring.

Cosmetic applications

The proven clinical efficacy of Centella asiatica selected triterpenes has led to its incorporation in numerous cosmetic products including soothing creams and milks, repairing and regenerating creams, after-sun creams, after-shave products, creams for chapped hands and cellulite .

Development and metabolism of connective tissue:The active ingredients of the selected triterpenes of Centella asiatica have shown to have modulating properties on the development and metabolism of connective tissue. This activity is mediated by the effect on fibroblasts and on two aminoacids relevant for the collagen metabolism: alanine and proline. Consequently the selected triterpenes of Centella asiatica may help improve wound repair with a better re-epithelialisation and a normalization of perivascular connective tissue allowing an improvement of the venous wall tone and elasticity.

Increase in collagen: Although studies show that the selected triterpenes of Centella asiatica does not affect cell proliferation, total protein synthesis and biosynthesis of proteoglycans, a significant increase in the percentage of collagen and in cell layer fibronectin were observed explaining its action in promoting wound healing.

Keratinisation: The selected triterpenes of Centella asiatica may also affect various stages of tissue development including keratinisation (the process of replacing skin after sores or ulcers) and stimulate the formation of lipids and proteins necessary for healthy skin and are also reported to be capable of fixing alanine and proline into the structure of collagen, and so help promote healing in the care of epithelial ulcers, bedsores and skin disorders. Centella asiatica has also been shown to increase the levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, vitamin E and ascorbic acid in newly formed tissues."

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Advanced skin care research on Gotu Kola (centella asiatica) has shown that it is an effective ingredient for: collagen production, to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reducing stretch marks care, in scar care, and for wound healing support.

Centella Asiatica research

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