Centella asiatica, commonly known as gotu kola or pennywort, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to wetlands in Asia. It is well-regarded for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine for its purported benefits to skin health and overall wellness.

Botanical Classification:

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Apiales
• Family: Apiaceae
• Genus: Centella
• Species: Centella asiatica

Plant Characteristics:
Centella asiatica is a low-growing, spreading herb that can reach up to 30 cm in height. It has round, green leaves with a distinct, fan-like shape and produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are typically white or pink. The plant thrives in moist, shaded environments and often grows in wetlands or marshy areas.

Chemical Composition and Structure:
The plant contains several active compounds with notable benefits:

Triterpenoids: Key compounds include asiaticoside, madecassoside, and asiatic acid, which contribute to the plant's healing properties.

Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C, which aids in collagen synthesis and skin repair.

Flavonoids: Contains flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, which have antioxidant properties.

Saponins: Present in the plant and contribute to its medicinal effects.

Minerals: Includes essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

How to Cultivate It:

• Climate: Prefers tropical and subtropical climates with warm temperatures. It thrives in humid conditions.
• Soil: Grows best in moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight: Prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
• Watering: Requires consistent moisture to thrive, but should be grown in well-drained soil to avoid waterlogging.
• Pruning: Regular pruning can help manage plant spread and promote healthy growth.

Uses and Benefits:

• Culinary Uses: In some cultures, Centella asiatica is used in salads, soups, and herbal teas.
• Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used for its healing properties, including promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, and improving cognitive function. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions and support mental health.
• Economic Uses: Cultivated for its medicinal properties and used in dietary supplements and herbal remedies.

Applications:

• Medical: Used to enhance wound healing, improve skin conditions, and support cognitive function. It is also employed in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects.
• Cosmetics: Centella asiatica extracts are used in skincare products to promote collagen production, improve skin hydration, and reduce signs of aging. It is also known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Others: Incorporated into dietary supplements for its potential cognitive and skin health benefits.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

• Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, but proper care is needed to prevent issues like fungal infections.
• Invasive Potential: Can spread rapidly in suitable conditions; thus, it should be managed carefully to prevent it from becoming invasive.
• Safety: Generally safe for consumption and topical use. People with specific allergies or medical conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use.

References__________________________________________________________________________

LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012–. Centella asiatica. 2024 Apr 24. PMID: 38718155.

Abstract. Centella asiatica, commonly known as gotu kola or Asian pennywort, is a herbaceous, flowering, perennial plant native to tropical areas of Southeast Asia and Australia and used as a food as well as in traditional medicine. While generally regarded as safe, Centella has been linked to rare instances of clinically apparent acute liver injury with jaundice.

Arribas-López E, Zand N, Ojo O, Snowden MJ, Kochhar T. A Systematic Review of the Effect of Centella asiatica on Wound Healing. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Mar 10;19(6):3266. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19063266. PMID: 35328954; PMCID: PMC8956065.

Abstract. Background: Under metabolic stress conditions, there is a higher demand for nutrients which needs to be met. This is to reduce the risk of delay in wound healing which could lead to chronic wound. Aim: This is a systematic review of the effect of Centella asiatica on wound healing. C. asiatica is a traditional medicinal plant used due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and wound healing properties. Methods: PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed for the systematic review and four electronic databases were used. Results: Four clinical trials met the inclusion criteria. The following distinct areas were identified under C. asiatica: wound contraction and granulation; healing/bleeding time and re-epithelialization; VAS (visual analogue scale) scores; skin erythema and wound appearance. Conclusions: C. asiatica might enhance wound healing resulting from improved angiogenesis. This might occur due to its stimulating effect on collagen I, Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) production. Besides, C. asiatica has shown an anti-inflammatory effect observed by the reduction in Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumour Necrosis Factor α (TNFα), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and lipoxygenase (LOX) activity. Delivery systems such as nanoencapsulation could be used to increase C. asiatica bioavailability. Nevertheless, more studies are needed in order to perform a meta-analysis and ascertain the effects of C. asiatica on wound healing and its different parameters.

Gohil KJ, Patel JA, Gajjar AK. Pharmacological Review on Centella asiatica: A Potential Herbal Cure-all. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2010 Sep;72(5):546-56. doi: 10.4103/0250-474X.78519. 

Abstract. In recent times, focus on plant research has increased all over the world. Centella asiatica is an important medicinal herb that is widely used in the orient and is becoming popular in the West. Triterpenoid, saponins, the primary constituents of Centella asiatica are manly believed to be responsible for its wide therapeutic actions. Apart from wound healing, the herb is recommended for the treatment of various skin conditions such as leprosy, lupus, varicose ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, diarrhoea, fever, amenorrhea, diseases of the female genitourinary tract and also for relieving anxiety and improving cognition. The present review attempts to provide comprehensive information on pharmacology, mechanisms of action, various preclinical and clinical studies, safety precautions and current research prospects of the herb. At the same time, studies to evaluate the likelihood of interactions with drugs and herbs on simultaneous use, which is imperative for optimal and safe utilization of the herb, are discussed.

Lin P, Shi HY, Lu YY, Lin J. Centella asiatica alleviates psoriasis through JAK/STAT3-mediated inflammation: An in vitro and in vivo study. J Ethnopharmacol. 2023 Dec 5;317:116746. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116746. Epub 2023 Jun 8. PMID: 37295572.

Johnson W Jr, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD, Liebler DC, Marks JG Jr, Shank RC, Slaga TJ, Snyder PW, Gill LJ, Heldreth B. Safety Assessment of Centella asiatica-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2023 Jun;42(1_suppl):5S-22S. doi: 10.1177/10915818231158272. 

Abstract. The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of 9 Centella asiatica-derived ingredients, which reportedly function primarily as skin conditioning agents in cosmetic products. The Panel reviewed relevant data relating to the safety of these ingredients. The Panel concluded that Centella Asiatica Extract, Centella Asiatica Callus Culture, Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica Meristem Cell Culture, Centella Asiatica Meristem Cell Culture Extract, and Centella Asiatica Root Extract are safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics, as described in this safety assessment, when formulated to be non-sensitizing.