Centella asiatica, an age-old plant
Centella asiatica is a tropical herbaceous, creeping, semi-aquatic plant in the Apiaceae family. The number of names that have been attributed to this extraordinary plant reflects its reputation: Tiger grass, Gotu Kola, Pegaga, Hydrocotyle...
Centella asiatica is found in marshy regions, particularly in Madagascar and Asia (India, China, Indonesia). The dried aerial parts are used in phytotherapy, either orally or externally.
Centella asiatica has been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years.
The Chinese believed that it could prolong life, and that it was the secret to the longevity of the famous herbalist Li Ching Yun, who is claimed to have lived for 256 years!
Centella asiatica and science
Ayurvedic medicine considers this plant to be versatile. Its main indications are memory enhancement, anxiety reduction and skin diseases. In certain Himalayan regions, it is used by yogis to promote meditation.
Centella asiatica has been, and still is, the subject of much research. It has been used extensively, particularly in Madagascar, in the fight against the consequences of leprosy. In 1942, its healing power led to the development by Doctors Ch. Grimes and P. Boiteau of a universally-used medicine, Madécassol (1).
Centella asiatica's active ingredients are saponosides (asiaticosides and madecassossides). It also contains flavonoids with a venotonic action. Taken orally, it helps to tone blood vessel walls, and can thus improve sensations of heavy legs.
Centella asiatica is also used in cosmetics, as its saponosides promote the synthesis of collagen(2), which ensures the skin's resistance and elasticity. A cream based on Centella asiatica LAIT CORPS can therefore have anti-aging and firming properties.
Did you know?
Centella asiatica is also known as "Tiger grass", as tigers are said to roll in it to heal their wounds.
1- Ch. Grimes & P. Boiteau (1945). Report on leprosy therapeutics. Eighth annual report of the Société du Parc Botanique et Zoologique de Tsimbazaza, 1944.
2- Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by a triterpene extracted from Centella asiatica. Maquart FX et al. Connect Tissue Res. 24:107-20. 1990
