Centella Asiatica

Centella asiatica is a small herbaceous annual plant of the family Mackinlayaceae or subfamily Mackinlayoideae of family Apiaceae, and is native to Sri Lanka, northern Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Melanesia, New Guinea, and other parts of Asia. Common names include gotu kola, asiatic pennywort, luei gong gen, takip-kohol, antanan, pegagan, pegaga, kula kud, bai bua bok, and rau má. It is used as a medicinal herb in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine.

It is rich in Vitamins A, B, C and D, and minerals like calcium, chromium, cobalt, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, selenium, zinc.

It is regarded as one of the most spiritual and rejuvenating herbs in Ayurveda and is used to improve mediation. It is said to develop the crown chakra, the energy center at the top of the head, and to balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain, which the leaf is said to resemble.

There are three main chemical constituents in Gotu Kola. The first is asiaticoside, which is a triterpene glycoside and classified as an antibiotic. It aids in wound healing and has been used in the treatment of leprosy and tuberculosis in the Far East. The second constituent is a pair of chemicals, brahmoside and brahminoside, which are saponin glycosides. These are diuretic in nature and have a slightly sedative action in large doses. Finally, there is madecassoside, a glycoside that is a strong anti-inflammatory agent. The plant is also a source of Vitamin K, magnesium, calcium and sodium.

Common Uses

Centella asiatica has been widely used for a number of conditions, particularly in traditional Eastern health care. In Ayurveda Gotu Kola is one of the chief herbs for revitalizing the nerves and brain cells. It is said to fortify the immune system both cleansing and feeding it, and to strengthen the adrenals. The herbs calming properties make it well suited for overcoming insomnia and making one calm for yoga and meditative practices. It is commonly used to rebuild energy reserves, improve memory and treat fatigue, both mental and physical.

Centella Asiatica has been referred to as "food for the brain". This oriental herb has demonstrated mild tranquilizing, anti-anxiety and anti-stress effects, as well as improving mental functions such as concentration and memory. It has a calming effect on the body and is chiefly used to support the central nervous system. These beneficial qualities make centella asiatica an excellent herb for children with A.D.D. because it has a stimulating effect on the brain that increases one's ability to focus while having a soothing and relaxing effect on an overactive nervous system.

Researchers have found that Gotu Kola contains several glycosides that exhibit wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities and that asiaticosides stimulate the formation of lipids and proteins necessary for healthy skin.

The herb has been used successfully to treat phlebitis (inflammation of the veins), varicose veins, as well as leg cramps, swelling of the legs and "heaviness" or tingling in the legs.

Medicinal Uses

Centella asiatica is used as anti-pyretic, diuretic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, sedative, antispasmodic, antioxidant, adaptogen, tonic, vulnerary, alterative, antiviral, antibiotic, nervine, rejuvenative, blood purifier, and adrenal strengthener.

The plant has been widely used in India and Fiji to treat skin inflammations, to improve blood circulation, to aid in the treatment of bloating congestion and depression.

It affects various stages of tissue development, including keratinization (the process of replacing skin after sores or ulcers), the synthesis of collagen (the first step in tissue repair), the stimulation of hair and nail growth and support for the repair of cartilage. Gotu Kola has been effectively used in the treatment of second and third degree burns. It has been shown to decrease healing time and reduce scar tissue formation.

Recent studies show that it also a positive effect on the circulatory system. It seems to improve the flow of blood throughout the body by strengthening the veins and capillaries. It has been shown to be particularly useful for people who are inactive or confined to bed due to illness.

It has been used as a tonic for purification of blood and for promoting healthy skin. It has also been used to aid in restful sleep, treat skin inflammations, as a treatment for high blood pressure and as a mild diuretic. Recent studies (1995) demonstrated that it destroyed cultured tumor cells in the laboratory setting (in vitro).

The leaves of this swamp plant have been used around the world for centuries to treat leprosy, cancer, skin disorders, arthritis, hemorrhoids and tuberculosis.

In modern health care it has been used for venous insufficiency, localized inflammation and infection and post-surgery recovery.

To summairze, centella asiatica has been used for other health problems which included but are not limited to: