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Centella asiatica is native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and islands in the western Pacific Ocean.
Centella asiatica is consumed as a culinary vegetable and is used in traditional medicine.
Centella Asiatica is a powerful herbal ingredient that has been used in traditional medicine, especially in Asian countries, for many years and has been heard of frequently in the skincare world in recent years.
CAS Number: 84696-21-9
EINECS Number: 283-640-5
Synonyms: Centella Asiatica Extract, 84696-21-9, Gotu Kola/Brahmi extract, hydrocotyle asiatica extract, Powdered Centella Asiatica Extract (1 g), asiatic pennywort herb extract, Hydrocotyle asiatica, ext., Centella Asiatia, Gotu Kola Herb Extract, Einecs 283-640-5, Unii-7m867G6T1u
Centella asiatica is the whole plant of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. of Umbelliferae, and commercial extracts are usually standardized to contain 9% asiatic acid.
Standard extract specifications of Centella asiatica: asiatic acid 29%-30%, madecassoside 40%, madecassoic acid 29%-30%, madecassoside 1%-2%.
Centella asiatica, commonly known as Indian pennywort, Asiatic pennywort, spadeleaf, coinwort or gotu kola, is a herbaceous, perennial plant in the flowering plant family Apiaceae.
Centella asiatica, this plant is a savior for sensitive skin thanks to its regenerative, restorative and soothing effects.
Centella asiatica is a low-growing, creeping perennial herb that thrives in moist, shady environments, often near water bodies.
Centella asiatica has rounded, fan-shaped leaves with smooth edges and small, pink or purple flowers.
The plant propagates through stolons, forming a dense ground cover.
All parts of the plant—roots, stems, and leaves—are used for medicinal purposes, though the leaves are most commonly harvested.
Centella Asiatica is a medicinal plant known for its medicinal properties that grows in humid and tropical regions.
Centella asiatica has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to heal wounds, reduce inflammation and treat skin diseases.
Centella asiatica is one of the most preferred active ingredients, especially in skin care products .
Centella asiatica, also known as Gotu Kola, is a small, herbaceous plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, China, and Indonesia.
Centella asiatica has been widely used for centuries in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Southeast Asian folk remedies due to its wide range of therapeutic properties.
This plant is particularly valued for its wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-enhancing effects.
Centella asiatica contains active compounds called triterpenoids—such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, and asiatic acid—which are believed to be responsible for most of its medicinal benefits.
Centella asiaticas help improve blood circulation, boost collagen production, and promote skin regeneration, making Centella asiatica a common ingredient in creams and ointments for treating scars, burns, eczema, and even psoriasis.
Centella asiatica is often used as a natural nootropic—a supplement believed to support memory, mental clarity, and focus.
Some studies suggest that it may help reduce anxiety and improve cognitive performance by modulating neurotransmitters and protecting brain cells from oxidative stress.
Centella grows in temperate and tropical swampy areas in many regions of the world.
The stems are slender, creeping stolons, green to reddish-green in color, connecting plants to each other.
Centella asiatica has long-stalked, green, rounded apices which have smooth texture with palmately netted veins.
The leaves are borne on pericladial petioles, around 2 cm (0.79 in).
The rootstock consists of rhizomes, growing vertically down. They are cream in color and covered with root hairs.
The flowers are white or crimson in color, born in small, rounded bunches (umbels) near the surface of the soil.
Each flower is partly enclosed in two green bracts.
The hermaphrodite flowers are minute in size, less than 3 mm (0.12 in), with five to six corolla lobes per flower.
Each flower bears five stamens and two styles. The fruit are densely reticulate, distinguishing it from species of Hydrocotyle which have smooth, ribbed or warty fruit.
The crop matures in three months, and the whole plant, including the roots, is harvested manually.
Centella asiatica is a highly invasive plant, rated as "high risk".
Centella asiatica is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent (including Sri Lanka), Southeast Asia, parts of Australia, and wetland regions of the Southeastern US.
Because the plant is aquatic, it is especially sensitive to biological and chemical pollutants in the water, which may be absorbed into the plant.
Centella asiatica can be cultivated in drier soils, including sandy loam, as long as they are watered regularly enough (such as in a home garden arrangement).
Centella asiatica is a perennial herb that grows primarily in Asia, and may be listed on labels as asiatic acid, hydrocotyl, or gotu kola.
For years, it’s had both culinary and medicinal uses, but like many traditional plant extracts, it’s gaining popularity as a skin care ingredient.
Centella asiatica first gained popularity in South Korea, where it’s the star ingredient in moisturisers known as “cica creams.” “Cica” is a shortening of the term Centella asiatica, and these creams are well known for their soothing, anti-inflammatory properties.
Centella asiatica has multiple benefits for skin thanks to its active compounds, including madecassoside, which serves as an antioxidant.
Centella asiatica itself also has been shown to have potent antioxidant properties and to be a rich source of amino acids, and there’s additional research showing that it’s a good hydrating ingredient to soothe upset or compromised skin.
Density: 0.932[at 20℃]
vapor pressure: 0Pa at 25℃
Water Solubility: 19.68g/L at 90℃
LogP: -0.333
Centella asiatica is a highly versatile medicinal herb with a long-standing reputation for promoting skin health, enhancing cognitive function, and supporting vascular health, although more robust scientific research is still needed to confirm many of its traditional uses.
Centella asiatica is an effective ingredient not only in antiaging cosmetics but also for improving skin hydration.
Centella asiatica contains a variety of triterpene components, of which the main active components are Asiatic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Centella asiatica has functions of antioxidant, remove dead spots and lipid layers, promote skin metabolism, increase skin elasticity and smooth and replenish nutrients.
Centella contains pentacyclic triterpenoids and trisaccharide derivatives, including asiaticoside, brahmoside, asiatic acid, and brahmic acid (madecassic acid).
Other constituents include centellose, centelloside, and madecassoside.
Approximately 124 chemical compounds have been isolated and identified from Centella asiatica.
Long term use on the skin can cause severe health problems including: skin irritation, intoxicated blood, red eyes and problems with the lymph nodes.
Centella Asiatica Extract is a hydrocotyl extract of the Apiaceae plant Centella Asiatica L.
The extract due to its active compounds like pentacyclic triterpenoids has many beneficial effects like anti-photoaging, healing of wounds and burns, cleansing, skin conditioning, etc.
Centella Asiatica has been a staple of both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for millennia.
The plant with lily pad-esque leaves supposedly goes by the nickname “Tiger Grass” because tigers roll in it when they’re injured.
Centella asiatica is also consumed as a dietary supplement or herbal tea in many cultures, as it is believed to support overall wellness, improve venous circulation, and reduce symptoms of conditions like varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency.
However, while generally considered safe when used appropriately, high doses or long-term use may lead to side effects such as headaches, dizziness, or liver problems.
Centella asiatica Urban Sys. Synonym Hydrocotyle asiatica Linn., belongs to the plant family apiaceae (umbelliferae) is an important plant with wide range of traditional, medicinal and therapeutic values.
This herb is found almost all over the world and is utilized as a source of food, beverages, medicine.
This is a key element of numerous compound formulations used for curing gastrointestinal disorders, cutaneous problems and for revitalizing brain cells.
Centella Asiatica goes by many names and has many uses.
A member of the parsley family, Centella Asiatica is common in many cuisines and has been used in both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years.
While Centella asiatica’s been a common ingredient in skin care products for a long time, in the past few years, it’s really taken off.
Centella asiatica, also known as gotu kola, is an herb native to parts of Southeast Asia.
The plant extract is an antioxidant-rich, medicinal herb known by many names, including Indian pennywort and tiger grass.
Extracts from the low, creeping plant can be used to soothe, treat, and improve skin and skin conditions.
Uses Of Centella asiatica:
Centella asiatica can be used to treat gastric ulcer, hypertension, skin diseases such as intractable wounds, skin tuberculosis, leprosy, etc.
Clinically, it is mainly used for the treatment of chronic bronchitis, flow bacterium carriers, hepatitis B, mumps, acute jaundice hepatitis, gastrointestinal mold, various fever, poisoning, nephritis, uremia and other diseases.
Centella asiatica can be used in cosmetics, food and health care fields.
In the field of cosmetics, Centella asiatica can be used as an ingredient in skin care products, acne removal, anti-aging, and beauty care.
In the food field, it can be eaten raw or consumed as herbal tea.
In the health care field, the whole herb of Centella asiatica is used as an ingredient in health care products.
Centella asiatica has the effects of clearing heat, preventing dampness, detoxifying, and reducing swelling.
Centella asiatica is widely used for promoting wound healing, as its bioactive compounds, especially asiaticoside and madecassoside, stimulate the production of collagen and new skin cells, which accelerate the repair of cuts, burns, and abrasions.
Centella asiatica is commonly applied in topical ointments, creams, and gels to reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and post-acne pigmentation, while also calming inflammation and irritation caused by skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis.
Due to its anti-aging effects, it is also used in many cosmetic and skincare products to improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and protect against environmental damage by neutralizing free radicals.
Centella asiatica is traditionally used as a nootropic herb to enhance mental clarity, memory, and concentration, particularly in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Centella asiatica is believed to have a calming effect on the central nervous system, which helps reduce anxiety, stress, and even mild depression by modulating neurotransmitters such as GABA and serotonin.
Some studies have indicated that regular consumption of Centella asiatica extracts may improve cognitive performance, particularly in the elderly, and may offer neuroprotective effects that could be beneficial in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, although more clinical evidence is still needed to confirm these effects.
Centella asiatica is frequently used to treat vascular disorders, particularly those related to poor blood circulation, such as varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), and leg swelling (edema).
The herb strengthens vein walls and capillaries, enhances microcirculation, and reduces venous pressure, which helps to relieve symptoms such as heavy legs, pain, tingling, and swelling, especially in people who stand for long periods or have circulatory issues.
Centella asiatica is often taken in capsule or tablet form as a natural supplement for maintaining vascular health and preventing complications from weakened blood vessels.
Thanks to its rich content of triterpenoids and flavonoids, Centella asiatica exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help the body manage inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue degeneration.
These properties make it useful not only for skin and vascular health but also for managing chronic inflammatory conditions, reducing joint pain, and preventing damage from free radicals that contribute to aging, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
In traditional medicine, Centella asiatica has been used to treat a variety of digestive issues, including gastritis, stomach ulcers, and diarrhea, by soothing the mucosal lining of the stomach and intestines and reducing inflammation.
Some evidence suggests it may also support liver detoxification and protect liver cells from damage caused by toxins or medications, although more modern research is needed to fully validate these effects.
Centella asiatica is often consumed as a general health tonic in many cultures, particularly in Southeast Asia, where it is brewed as a herbal tea, added to juices, or eaten as a leafy green vegetable.
Centella asiatica is believed to strengthen the immune system, improve energy levels, and promote longevity when used regularly.
In Ayurveda, it is considered a rejuvenating herb (Rasayana) that supports both mental and physical well-being and balances the body's internal systems.
In Burmese cuisine, raw pennywort is used as the main constituent in a salad mixed with onions, crushed peanuts, bean powder and seasoned with lime juice and fish sauce.
Centella asiatica is used as a leafy green in Sri Lankan cuisine, being the predominantly locally available leafy green, where it is called gotu kola or vallaarai.
Centella asiatica is most often prepared as malluma, a traditional accompaniment to rice and vegetarian dishes, such as lentils, and jackfruit or pumpkin curry.
Centella asiatica is considered nutritious. In addition to finely chopped gotu kola plants, the gotu kola malluma may be eaten with grated coconut, diced shallots, lime (or lemon) juice, and sea salt.
Additional ingredients are finely chopped green chilis, chili powder, turmeric powder, or chopped carrots.
The Centella fruit-bearing structures are discarded from the gotu kola malluma due to their intense bitter taste.
A variation of porridge known as kola kanda is also made with gotu kola in Sri Lanka.
Gotu kola kanda or Vallaarai kanji is made with well-boiled red rice with some extra liquid, coconut milk first extract, and gotu kola purée.
The porridge is accompanied with jaggery for sweetness.
Centella asiatica leaves are also used in modern sweet pennywort drinks and herbal teas.
In addition the leaves are served stir-fried whole in coconut oil, or cooked in coconut milk with garlic or dhal.
In traditional medicine, C. asiatica has been used with the intent to treat various disorders, dermatological conditions, and minor wounds, although clinical efficacy and safety have not been proven in clinical research.
Contact dermatitis and skin irritation can result from topical application.
In Indonesia, the leaves are used for sambai oi peuga-ga, an Aceh type of salad, and is also mixed into asinan in Bogor.
In Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand, this leaf is used for preparing a drink or can be eaten in raw form in salads or cold rolls.
In Bangkok, vendors in the Chatuchak Weekend Market sell it alongside coconut, roselle, chrysanthemum, orange and other health drinks.
In Malay cuisine it is known as pegaga, and the leaves of this plant are used for ulam, a type of vegetable salad C. asiatica is widely used in various Indian regional cuisines.
In Bangladesh and India (specifically in West Bengal), Centella is called Thankuni Pata and used in various dishes, one of the most appetising of which is the pakora-like snack called Thankuni Patar Bora; made of mashed Centella, lentils, julienned onion and green chilli.
Safety Profile Of Centella asiatica:
One of the most significant concerns with internal use of Centella asiatica is its potential to cause liver toxicity when taken in high doses or for prolonged periods.
Some studies and case reports have suggested that excessive or long-term use of oral Centella asiatica extracts may lead to elevated liver enzymes, hepatitis, or other liver-related complications, especially in people who already have pre-existing liver disease or are taking other medications that stress the liver.
Although Centella asiatica is widely used in skincare products, some individuals may develop contact dermatitis, rashes, or skin sensitivity when applying products containing its extracts.
These reactions are more likely in people with sensitive skin or those allergic to plants in the Apiaceae family, such as parsley, celery, or carrots.
Patch testing is often recommended before using new topical formulations.
Because Centella asiatica has mild anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties and can act as a nervous system depressant, it may cause drowsiness, fatigue, or slowed reflexes in some users, particularly when taken in large amounts.
This effect may be amplified when combined with sedatives, sleep aids, alcohol, or drugs that act on the central nervous system, potentially leading to dangerous interactions.
