Economic Importance

MARKETED PRODUCTS

CENTELLA ASIATICA
(GOTU KOLA)

Centella asiatica is a medicinal plant with a long history of therapeutic use. It is a creeping plant which has its origin in tropical and subtropical climates. In India and Indonesia it has a long history of use, healing wounds and slowing the progression of leper. Furthermore, it is considered to prolong life and to increase energy and sexual potency.

Based on many indications of the traditional medicine, it was accepted in France in 1880. British physicians used it in Africa for leper treatment. In the 70s, Italian and European investigators found evidence that this plant may significantly improve the symptoms caused by hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Parts used

The dried and fragmented aerial parts of Asian Centella (L.) Urban (Asian herb Centella) are used.

Indications:

1. Skin:

According to the WHO and various clinical studies, the Centella preparations are indicated for external use as healing substance, particularly to accelerate the healing of postraumatic or postsurgical wounds, as well as for second and third degree burns and the prevention of gravidic stretch marks. Furthermore, they prevent the formation of hypertrophic scars. Also for the treatment of the psoriasis and skin damage of simple herpes.

2. Vascular and lymphatic pathologies

Various clinical studies indicate its application for chronical venous insufficiency, varicose veins, venous hypertension, and its use for the prevention of circulatory problems on medium and long distance flights.

Other recent studies confirm its usefulness in diabetic microangiopathy. Some clinical tests suggest the action against stretch marks and cellulitis, for its diuretic action and improvement of lymphatic circulation.

3. Action on the nervous system

Asian Centella increases the cerebral levels of GABA, which explains its traditional use as ansiolytic and anti-convulsive.
Centella has been used for the treatment of the syndrome of concentration deficit and in cases of feeble-mindedness, although its action mechanism in these pathologies is not known.

4. Anti-tumor action

Probably due to its immune-stimulating properties it produces immunological cytolysis which explains the benefits observed in cancer patients.

5. Peptic ulcer desease

It may be used orally for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers due to stress. Its benefit is apparently due to the immune-modulating active components that act at the gastrointestinal level.