Plants and the chemicals they make. What so special about Centella asiatica?

You will find Centella asiatica extract in several Skin Actives products, including the capillary health cream, restoration cream, scar vanishing gel , ultra calming cream, and antiaging cream. We also sell it as a Do It Yourself (DIY) ingredient.  As you can see, it is a favorite active that we have been using since we started Skin Actives.

Centella asiatica (Gotu kola, a.k.a. Hydrocotyle asiatica).

This oriental herb has been used for centuries in both traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. The active chemicals in the extract are terpenoids including asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and asiaticoside. Centella asiatica promotes wound healing, apparently by stimulating the production of type I collagen and decreasing the inflammatory reaction and myofibroblast production. Triterpenes from gotu cola may also affect various stages of tissue development including keratinization (the process of replacing skin after sores or ulcers) and stimulate the formation of lipids and proteins necessary for healthy skin. The triterpenes of Centella asiatica are also reported to promote healing of epithelial ulcers, bedsores and skin disorders. Centella asiatica extracts may have a positive effect on the circulatory system and may improve blood flow throughout the body by strengthening the veins and capillaries. Madeccassoside inhibits the inflammation caused by the acne bacteria and may help prevent the formation of keloids.

Bonte, F.; Dumas, M.; Chaudagne, C.; Meybeck, A. (1995) Asiaticoside and madecassoside comparative activities on human fibroblast type I and III collagen secretion. Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises, 53:38-42.
Tenni, R.; Zanaboni, G.; De Agostini, M. P.; Rossi, A.; Bendotti, C.; Cetta, G. (1988) Effect of the triterpenoid fraction of Centella asiatica on macromolecules of the connective matrix in human skin fibroblast cultures. Italian Journal of Biochemistry, 37:69-77.
Cesarone M R; Laurora G; De Sanctis M T; Incandela L; Grimaldi R; Marelli C; Belcaro G (1994) The microcirculatory activity of Centella asiatica in venous insufficiency. A double-blind study. Minerva angiologica. 42: 299-304.