"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."

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

References (full abstracts here)

 

 10: Hashim P, Sidek H, Helan MH, Sabery A, Palanisamy UD, Ilham M. Triterpene composition and bioactivities of Centella asiatica. Molecules. 2011 Jan 28;16(2):1310-22. PubMed PMID: 21278681.

9: Haftek M, Mac-Mary S, Le Bitoux MA, Creidi P, Seité S, Rougier A, Humbert P. Clinical, biometric and structural evaluation of the long-term effects of a topical treatment with ascorbic acid and madecassoside in photoaged human skin. Exp Dermatol. 2008 Nov;17(11):946-52. Epub 2008 May 21. PubMed PMID: 18503551. 

8: Kimura Y, Sumiyoshi M, Samukawa K, Satake N, Sakanaka M. Facilitating action of asiaticoside at low doses on burn wound repair and its mechanism. Eur J Pharmacol. 2008 Apr 28;584(2-3):415-23. Epub 2008 Feb 21. PubMed PMID: 18353310. 

7: Shetty BS, Udupa SL, Udupa AL, Somayaji SN. Effect of Centella asiatica L (Umbelliferae) on normal and dexamethasone-suppressed wound healing in Wistar Albino rats. Int J Low Extrem Wounds. 2006 Sep;5(3):137-43. PubMed PMID: 16928669.  

6: Salas Campos L, Fernándes Mansilla M, Martínez de la Chica AM. [Topical chemotherapy for the treatment of burns]. Rev Enferm. 2005 May;28(5):67-70. Spanish. PubMed PMID: 15981974. 

5: Hong SS, Kim JH, Li H, Shim CK. Advanced formulation and pharmacological activity of hydrogel of the titrated extract of C. asiatica. Arch Pharm Res. 2005 Apr;28(4):502-8. PubMed PMID: 15918527. 

4: Sampson JH, Raman A, Karlsen G, Navsaria H, Leigh IM. In vitro keratinocyte antiproliferant effect of Centella asiatica extract and triterpenoid saponins. Phytomedicine. 2001 May;8(3):230-5. PubMed PMID: 11417919. 

3: Martelli L, Berardesca E, Martelli M. Topical formulation of a new plant extract complex with refirming properties. Clinical and non-invasive evaluation in a double-blind trial. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2000 Jun;22(3):201-6. PubMed PMID: 18503475. 

2: Shukla A, Rasik AM, Jain GK, Shankar R, Kulshrestha DK, Dhawan BN. In vitro and in vivo wound healing activity of asiaticoside isolated from Centella asiatica. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999 Apr;65(1):1-11. PubMed PMID: 10350364.  

1: Shukla A, Rasik AM, Dhawan BN. Asiaticoside-induced elevation of antioxidant levels in healing wounds. Phytother Res. 1999 Feb;13(1):50-4. PubMed PMID: 10189951.  

  

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."

 Centella asiatica in skin care - research

 

Topically applied Centella asiatica may:

 

• prevent or reduce UVA and UVB sun damage: [10] [9]
  
  

• repair and treat sun damage: [9]
  
  

• increase collagen synthesis: [10] [9]
  
  

• act as an anti oxidant: [10] [1]
  
  

• increase skin elasticity: [9] [3]
  
  

• enhance wound repair: [8] [7] [6] [5] [2] [1]
  
  

• increase skin firmness: [3]
  
  

• increase moisture content: [3]