Pharmacological review on Centella asiatica: A potential herbal cure-all

Abstract

In recent times, focus on plant research has increased all over the world. Centella asiatica is an important medicinal herb that is widely used in the orient and is becoming popular in the West. Triterpenoid, saponins, the primary constituents of Centella asiatica are manly believed to be responsible for its wide therapeutic actions. Apart from wound healing, the herb is recommended for the treatment of various skin conditions such as leprosy, lupus, varicose ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, diarrhoea, fever, amenorrhea, diseases of the female genitourinary tract and also for relieving anxiety and improving cognition. The present review attempts to provide comprehensive information on pharmacology, mechanisms of action, various preclinical and clinical studies, safety precautions and current research prospects of the herb. At the same time, studies to evaluate the likelihood of interactions with drugs and herbs on simultaneous use, which is imperative for optimal and safe utilization of the herb, are discussed.

Evaluation of Diuretic Activity of Aqueous Extract of Leaves of Centella Asiatica

“…[1,2,3] Centella asiatica L. has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years in India, China, Srilanka and Nepal for treating skin problems, to heal wounds, for revitalizing the nerves and brain cells, hence primarily known as a "Brain food" in India. [4,5,6] Centella asiatica (Linn.) Synonym Hydrocotyle asiatica Linn.…”

Microbiological analysis and detection of anti-bacterial activity of Centella asiatica and Aloe vera samples collected from different areas of Dhaka city, Bangladesh

“…used for the treatment of various skin disease such as leprosy, lupus, varicose ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, diarrhea, fever, and diseases related to the female genitourinary tract (15). Various reports have claimed that Centella asiatica have been used conventionally in decreasing high blood pressure, treating a range of deficiencies, enhancing memory and brainpower, easing nervousness and wound repairing (16).…”

Accession in Centella asiatica; Current Understanding and Future Knowledge

“…It is an oriental plant that has been described as an herb that can cure all illness (Gohil et al, 2010). C. asiatica has been used in the traditional Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines for many centuries (Brinkhaus et al, 2000).…”

“…Gohil et al, (2010) described C. asiatica as a perennial herbaceous creeper plant that belongs to the Umbellifere family. The creeping is a slender one with the stolon running up to about 2.5 m; the stolons grow horizontally connecting the plant to each other thereby giving way to new daughter plants (Gohil et al, 2010). In the Malaysian Herbal Monograph (2003), C. asiatica was describe as having a rounded apex leaves, deeply cordate stipulate base and petiole of height of about 20 cm.…”

“…In the Malaysian Herbal Monograph (2003), C. asiatica was describe as having a rounded apex leaves, deeply cordate stipulate base and petiole of height of about 20 cm. There are reports that there are up to 20 different species of C. asiatica with each having their peculiar features (Gohil et al, 2010). The plant is made up of many constituent and this confer it many abilities.…”