The APIACEAE (formerly umbellifera for the umbel shape of their inflorescence) are not very represented in tropical regions, on the other hand they are very widespread and constitute an important family in all temperate regions, especially in the North hemisphere.
CENTELLA ASIATICA is an apiaceae native the countries bordering the Indian Ocean (Indian subcontinent, Madagascar, South Africa, Indonesia).
It is a small, perennial herbaceous plant, crawling on the ground, with a rooting stem, rather slender and which spreads horizontally on wet soils with the help of runners, often at a great distance from the foot of origin.
In other words, it is a small grassy plant that can become invasive.
It can be recognized by its small rounded and kidney-shaped leaves 2 to 3 cm in size and carried by a slender erect stem sometimes hairy 5 to 25 cm long.
The inflorescence is very discreet, quite rare, the petals are reddish.
It is a robust plant that acclimates quickly and that can be found in the majority of hot and humid areas where it is sometimes introduced as an ornamental plant.
In the West Indies, for example, it is found from sea level to the top of the highest mountains (1400 m).
Centella asiatica thrives in humid areas and can withstand partial immersion.
It is known in many countries as « GOTU KOLA » (, (the word kola having nothing to do with the African kola nut).
The Asian or Indian pennywort or gotukola, MANDUKPARNI in India is a plant widely used since several thousand years in traditional Indian medicine (Ayurvedic medicine, where it almost considered a panacea) and more recently in Western medicine.
The whole plant and its extracts are medicinal.
CENTELLA ASIATICA GOTU KOLA HEALING VARICOSES ULCERS MICROANGIOPATHIY ANXIETY INSOMNIA CENTELLA ASIATICA
CHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS AND PROPERTIES
The most pharmacologically active constituents of gotu-kola are saponosides with a triterpenoid structure: mainly asiaticoside, centelloside, madecassoside.
Some studies show that genins (components without their carbohydrate fractions) may be more active: asiatic acid and madecassic acid.
The Indian pennywort or gotukola also contains anti-inflammatory, anti-free radical or vascular protective flavonoids but not specific to this plant: naringin, quercitin, rutin, kaempferol, apigenin.
In addition, Centella asiatica contains very little essential oil (0.1%), a little tannin, phytosterols and a content in carotenoids, vitamin C and proteins interesting from a dietary point of view.
The majority of pharmacological studies on Centella asiatica or gotukola link its medicinal properties to triterpenoids.
WOUND HEALING AND REGULATION OF COLLAGEN SYNTHESIS
Asiatic and madecassic acids as well as asiaticoside and madecassoside seem to stimulate and regulate the production of collagen, a fibrous matrix essential for wound healing.
Gotu kola extracts increase the action of fibroblasts, cells specialized in the synthesis of collagen and the repair of tissue destruction (wounds, ulcers, abscesses).
One could suppose and fear that this increase in the activity of fibroblasts with healing power leads to an increase in the thickness of the scars but on the contrary it appears that hydrocotyl extracts by an anti-inflammatory and anti-free radical action limit the inflammation of the scar area and thus prevent the occurrence of an unsightly keloid scar.
PROTECTION OF THE VENOUS NETWORK AND SMALL BLOOD VESSELS
The combined action of triterpenoids and flavonoids seems to strengthen the walls of the veins and limit the permeability of small blood vessels and therefore the exudation responsible for edema in the lower limbs when venous circulation is poor.
Inflammation of small blood vessels (microangiopathy linked to atherosclerosis or diabetes for example) is also reduced by extracts of Asiatic pennywort, gotu kola.
CALMING AND REGULATING ACTION ON THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Medical Doctors in Asia, both in India and in China, recognize extracts of Centella asiatica, gotukola, a power both stimulating and calming (in other words regulator) on the central nervous system.
The aqueous extract (infusion) of centella asiatica leaves is believed to increase cognitive abilities, learning, memory and « intelligence scores » while reducing feelings of anxiety.
Part of the healing power of hydrocotyl may be due to its ability to facilitate the regeneration of axons in the nerves that line the wound.
PROTECTION OF GASTRIC MUCOUS AND ANTI GASTRIC ULCER
Several modern studies show that Asian Hydrocotyl (the juice of the fresh plant) and the aqueous extract (infusion) of this plant protect the gastric mucosa against substances that cause an ulcer of the stomach wall by increasing the secretion of mucus (protective) and also accelerate the healing of the gastric ulcer when it exists.
This healing effect, especially of the aqueous extract, is thought to be due both to an anti-inflammatory action and to an increase in the activity of the fibroblasts.
This corresponds to the traditional use of Centella asiatica to calm stomach pain in Ayurvedic medicine.
ANTALGIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Several studies show that the aqueous extract of centella asiatica has an anti-inflammatory power similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used in cases of rheumatic pain or lower back pain.
DIETARY INTEREST: CAROTENOID CONTENT
Centella asiatica, gotu kola, contains an interesting percentage of carotenoids (antioxidants and protectors of the retina ): 0.25 mg / g of Beta carotene, approximately 1 mg / g of lutein, 0.25 mg / g of viola xanthine, measures carried out on the dry plant.
These water soluble carotenoids are easily absorbed by the digestive system
USES
WOUNDS, ULCERS, BURNS, DIFFICULTY IN HEALING OR PREVENTION OF KELOID SCAR, COSMETOLOGY
Centella asiatica has been used for a very long time in India and in many tropical countries to treat various dermatoses, superficial wounds and especially sluggish wounds, ulcers, linked to venous-lymphatic insufficiency, varicoses, diabetes or leprosy.
In Western medicine, the same indications are recognized: all trophic disorders linked to venous circulatory insufficiency, especially when there is a delay in healing (leg ulcers, bedsores in particular) or, on the contrary, excess healing (keloid), also minor burn and surgical wound known for its difficulty in healing.
The eye drops form is proposed to accelerate the healing of the cornea (surgical consequences, ulcerations) and in keratoconjunctivitis with or without corneal ulcerations.
Centella asiatica, gotukola extracts are commonly used in Asia in dermatological preparations for cosmetic purposes (rehydrating, protective, anti-wrinkle, on dry, damaged or even eczematous skin or in cases of limited psoriasis).
Examples of dosage
FRESH PLANT
The fresh plant, washed and then ground, can be used directly as a plaster on wounds or ulcers, some traditional healers preferring to collect the juice of the fresh plant and apply it on a compress. Application to renew every day.
INFUSION
Aqueous infusion of fresh or dry plant.
A handful of fresh plant or a tablespoon of dry plant in 1/2 liter of water, 5 minutes of infusion.
In local application as a compress and by mouth three times during the day
ALCOHOLIC TINCTURE OF FRESH PLANT
In local application on a compress diluted to 1/10 with physiological serum or distilled water by default and orally at a dosage of 30 drops of tincture 3 times a day
In Western medicine, but not in all countries, there were specialties containing extracts titrated in Centella asiatica; pure or combined with corticosteroids and antibiotics, in particular under the specialty name Madécassol : 10 mg tablets, 2% powder, 1% ointment, compound ointment, sterile gauze impregnated with 1%, 1% eye drops.
But nowadays only remains Madecassol cream
VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY, VARICOSE VEINS, HEMORRHOIDS
Venous insufficiency especially of the lower limbs with varicose veins, to a lesser extent hemorrhoidal disorders and phlebitis suites are indications for extracts of Asian hydrocotyl.
examples of dosage:
Alcoholic tincture Centella asiatica: by mouth, 50 drops 3 times a day then 20 to 30 drops 3 times per day or 60 drops at once.
MICROANGIOPATHY, ciculatory disorders linked to immobilization , circulatory disorders associated with atherosclerosis are also an indication for Centella asiatica
Also disorders of the blood microcirculation associated with mild type 2 DIABETES or prolonged immobilization: bed rest, prolonged airplane flight.
Examples of dosage:
Alcoholic tincture Centella asiatica: by mouth, 50 drops 3 times a day then 20 to 30 drops 3 times per day or 60 drops at once.
COGNITIVE IMPAIREMENT in the elderly, epilepsy, restlessness and behavioral disturbances in children
In Western medicine, to my knowledge, extracts of centella asiatica are not recommended as a regulator of the central nervous system, even if it is a very old indication in Asia.
DIETARY use
This small plant is commonly consumed in the Indian subcontinent in aqueous preparations (soups, herbal teas) or after light cooking in oil.
It seems that the content of protective and anti-inflammatory carotenoids keeps better in boiling.
PRECAUTIONS
Some people may be allergic to Centella asiatica, others (very rarely) may develop toxic hepatitis, finally Centella asiatica, gotu kola, is contraindicated in pregnant or breastfeeding women and in young children.
CULTIVATION of Centella asiatica gotukola
The wild Asian pennywort is overexploited in many geographical areas and the global demand for this small plant is increasing, so it is interesting to cultivate Centella asiatica especially since it does not require special growing conditions except constant humidity and a temperature between 10 and 30 ° C.
It can be grown in warm temperate zones during the summer months.
Propagation is done by replanting small secondary plants (runners) already rooted or from seeds.
In countries with cold winters, hydrocotyls should be kept in a greenhouse as long as there is a risk of frost.
After harvesting Centella asiatica must be dried quickly except when the fresh plant is macerated in ethanol (alcoholic tincture).
ABSTRACT
TO TREAT CHRONIC SKIN WOUNDS AND ULCERS
CENTELLA ASIATICA or GOTU KOLAis a small plant native to the Indian Ocean which contains essential oil and compounds that stimulate the connective tissue cells responsible for healing wounds.
It is very useful for treating desperately chronic ulcers due to poor circulation of blood and lymph or prolonged bed rest.
Copyright 2023 : Dr Jean-Michel Hurtel
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