Scientific name

Centella asiatica L., sin. Hydrocotile asiatica L.

Family

Umbelliferae

Origin

Spontaneous plant in the humid places of tropical and subtropical regions (Madagascar, India).

Synonyms

Centella Asiatica, also known as Hydrocotyl, "Tiger's herb".

Used Parts

The drug is given by the aerial parts and the leaves (Official Pharmacopoeia).

Chemical constituents

• Tannins;
• Resin;
• Flavonoids;
• Triterpene saponins (asiaticoside, Asian acid and madecassicoside);
• Essential oil;
• Phytosterols;
• Polyphenols;
• Amino acids.

Centella Asiatica in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Centella Asiatica

The therapeutic action of the centella mainly concerns the blood circulation. In fact, the purified fraction of triterpenes has eudermic properties, stimulates collagen synthesis and is indicated as a phlebotonic in states of venous insufficiency, varicose veins, post-phlebitic syndrome and complement for cellulite therapy. For external use, centella asiatica is used in the treatment of ulcers and fissures.

Biological activity

Although the centella has not obtained official approval for any type of therapeutic indication, this plant is widely used in phytotherapy as a remedy to combat venous insufficiency and capillary fragility, so much so that it even falls within the composition of some medicinal specialties (Centellase ®).

In fact, the plant is given the ability to increase venous tone and to exert a protective action on the walls of blood vessels (in particular, against the venous walls). More in detail, these activities are attributable to the triterpene fraction contained within the same centella and have been confirmed by various clinical studies conducted in this regard.

In fact, these studies have shown how plant extracts are able to improve symptoms related to chronic venous insufficiency (such as, for example, the sensation of heavy legs) and how they are useful in the treatment of hemorrhoids caused by weakness of the walls venous. These activities seem to be due to the centella's ability to stimulate collagen synthesis at the level of the vein walls.

Thanks to this action, moreover, the plant is also able to exert an antiulcerogenic activity; as well as being able to promote wound healing.

Other research conducted on animals, on the other hand, has brought to light the anti-inflammatory properties of centella asiatica extracts. More in detail, the anti-inflammatory activity is ascribed to the asthiasis and the madecassicoside contained in the plant.

From other studies conducted on animals it emerged that the extracts of Centella asiatica also exert a depressive effect on the central nervous system, preventing the onset of convulsions and prolonging the action of pentobarbital. These activities appear to be exercised through interaction with D2 receptors for dopamine and through a mechanism of cholinergic action.

Furthermore, a further study carried out on animals has revealed an interesting anxiolytic action exerted by the extracts of Centella asiatica, comparable, even, to that exerted by diazepam.

However, despite the encouraging results obtained, before being able to approve similar medical applications of Centella asiatica, it is certainly necessary to carry out in-depth clinical studies, in order to verify the real therapeutic efficacy on humans and the effective safety of use.

Centella asiatica in folk medicine and homeopathy

In folk medicine, centella asiatica is used as an internal remedy in the case of rheumatism and skin diseases. Externally, however, the plant is used in traditional medicine to promote the healing of wounds and sores caused by leprosy.

In Chinese medicine, centella is used for the treatment of vomit, diarrhea, dysentery, epistaxis, urinary calculi and even for the treatment of jaundice and scabies.

In Indian medicine, however, the plant is used in the treatment of a wide variety of disorders, such as rheumatism, leprosy, syphilis, epilepsy, hysteria and mental disorders. Furthermore, traditional Indian medicine uses centella asiatica as a remedy to counteract dehydration.

Centella asiatica is also used in homeopathic settings, where it can be found in the form of granules, mother tinctures and oral drops.

Homeopathic medicine uses this plant in case of skin diseases accompanied by swelling and itching, uterine inflammation, ulcers, hypertrophic scars, behavioral disorders, sleep disorders, irritability caused by stress and anxiety.

The amount of homeopathic remedy to be taken can be different from individual to individual, also depending on the type of disorder that needs to be treated and according to the type of preparation and homeopathic dilution that you want to use.

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Side effects

Centella asiatica is generally a safe and well tolerated plant. However, in some cases, following the use of preparations containing centella or its extracts, skin irritations and photosensitivity reactions may occur.

Furthermore, some in vitro studies have shown that centella asiatica could cause both male and female infertility.

Contraindications

Avoid taking centella asiatica and your preparations in the event of hypersensitivity to one or more components.

Furthermore, the use of the plant and its preparations is also contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

Warnings

Unlike the purified fraction, hydroalcoholic extracts or dried centella extracts can present side effects on the central nervous system, therefore caution should be used.

Asiaticoside has demonstrated hyperglycaemic activity, so care must be taken in diabetic subjects.

In addition, the centella should be used with caution even in patients with hyperlipidemia, as the plant could cause an increase in blood lipid levels.

Generally, in these cases, it is always good to ask the advice of your doctor.

Pharmacological Interactions

• interactions with benzodiazepines and antidepressants.