Botanical Profile
Centella asiatica is a creeping species of the Apiaceae found in moist tropical and subtropical habitats. From a raw-material perspective, the herb and leaves are important, as are triterpene-rich extracts containing asiaticoside, madecassoside and asiatic acid fractions.
Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. is a low-growing, creeping herbaceous plant with slender runners, rounded to kidney-shaped leaves and small inconspicuous flowers. It grows in moist habitats, ditches, rice-field margins, swamps, damp meadows and tropical lowland regions. The plant belongs to the Apiaceae family, but does not have the typically tall, upright appearance of many umbellifers. The aerial parts, herb and leaves are used primarily as raw material.
Phytochemistry
Centella asiatica contains pentacyclic triterpenes and triterpene glycosides, particularly asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. It also contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, small amounts of volatile components, polysaccharides, amino acids and minerals. Aqueous preparations, hydroalcoholic extracts and highly purified triterpene fractions differ substantially. Defined triterpene contents are key quality parameters for cosmetic and pharmaceutical raw materials.
Traditional Uses
Centella asiatica is known as a leaf and herb plant in Ayurvedic, Southeast Asian, Chinese, African and Oceanian traditions. In some regions, the fresh leaves are also used culinarily as a bitter-aromatic green. In Ayurvedic literature, the plant frequently appears under the name Mandukaparni, although careful differentiation from other plants referred to as Brahmi is necessary.
Current Research
Modern research deals intensively with triterpene glycosides, wound-healing and skin models, collagen metabolism, microcirculation models, neuropharmacological questions, analytical standardisation and safety assessment. Cosmetic and dermatological research frequently examines defined triterpene fractions. Data depend strongly on extract type, triterpene content and purity.
Sources
- Plants of the World Online: Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- Scientific literature on Centella asiatica, asiaticoside and madecassoside.
- Ethnobotanical and Ayurvedic literature on Mandukaparni.
Notice
The information presented in this botanical profile has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief from botanical, phytochemical, historical and scientific sources. It is intended solely for general professional information and initial orientation.
The content does not constitute an assurance of specific properties, effects, qualities or possible uses of products or extracts. In particular, it does not constitute a guarantee, a statement of suitability, or a statement regarding marketability, permissibility or usability in specific applications or markets.
Assessment of the suitability of a raw material or extract for a particular intended use, as well as compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, is the sole responsibility of the respective user.