Traditional medicine has usedC.
asiaticafor centuries to treat skin conditions and help with wound healing.
Cosmetic products and supplements containingC.
Guido Mieth / Getty Images
asiaticaare becoming increasingly popular due to the plants potential benefits for skin health and cognition.
As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.
Potential Skin Benefits and More
Centella asiaticais commonly known for its use in skincare.
It is particularly valued for its ability to support skin health, wound healing, and collagen production.
asiatica’s benefits may be due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
asiaticasupports multiple steps in the wound-healing process, ultimately helping to close wounds.Research has suggested thatC.
asiaticamay accelerate wound healing when used topically (on the skin) or orally (by mouth).
Helps Skin Damage
Preliminary research revealed that applying aC.
asiaticaextract to skin cells could repair and recover damaged skin cells.
Skin damage occurs from aging, exposure to pollutants, or the sun.
asiaticaexerts anti-inflammatory effects to help heal wounds by reducing swelling, redness, and pain.
Genetic and environmental factors and oxidative stress (damage from free radicals) contribute to vitiligo.
Madecassoside, a compound inC. asiatica, lessens melanocyte damage via antioxidant properties.
Also, triterpenes inC. asiaticacontribute to its antioxidant properties.
asiaticamay lessen cellular damage in the brain.
Venous Insufficiency
Under normal circumstances, veins in your legs push blood back to your heart.
However, withvenous insufficiency, vein walls and valves are damaged.
This prevents the legs from sending blood to the heart, causing blood to remain in the veins.
Research found that oralC.
However, studies included in the review measured different outcomes, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions aboutC.
asiatica’s effects on venous insufficiency.
Cognitive and Mental Health
Preliminary research points to a potential benefit ofC.
asiaticaon cognitive function and health, namely supporting learning and memory, improving mood, and reducinganxiety.
It may also protect against changes in brain structure associated with chronic diseases.
However, not all evidence supports its use for cognitive function.
Some research found no benefit ofC.
However, it may improve working memory and boost mood and alertness.
The cognitive benefits ofC.
asiaticamay only occur at dosages higher than 3 grams daily.
asiaticamay offer many potential benefits, further research is needed to understand its full effectiveness.
What Is Centella Asiatica?
C. asiaticais used as an herb, spice, vegetable, or juice.
Cosmetics and health products like supplements also containC.
asiaticafor its alleged health benefits.
asiaticafor its potential neuroprotective, cardioprotective, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial effects, among other properties.Traditional Asian medicine usedC.
Compounds inC. asiaticamay be responsible for its health benefits.
The primary active compounds inC. asiaticaareasiaticacid,asiaticoside,madecassoside, andmadecassicacid.
Side Effects and Risks
Centella asiaticais generally not toxic.
Still, some people may want to exercise caution withC.
asiatica, and side effects and medication interactions are possible.
Who Should Avoid It?
asiaticaif you are allergic to it or its parts.
Given its potential adverse effect on the liver, people with conditions that impact liver function should avoidC.
asiatica.People with pop in 2 diabetes or elevated lipids (hyperlipidemia) should avoidC.
Because limited research exists on the effects ofC.
asiaticaon pregnancy and lactation, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid it.
Side Effects
Potential side effects of topicalC.
asiaticamay include allergic reactions and a burning sensation.
When used at its recommended dosage, side effects from topicalC.
Side effects of oralC.
Interactions
C. asiaticasupplements may be harmful to the liver.
Therefore, avoid takingC.
asiaticawith other medications that may be harmful to the liver.
Because of its stress-reducing properties,C.
asiaticamay increase the effects of antianxiety medications.
asiaticamay enhance the effects of diuretics (drugs that remove excess water from the body).
Always consult your healthcare provider before use to ensure safety.
Some evidence suggests that encapsulatedC.
asiaticamay be more potent than other forms.
Studied Dosages
Dosages depend on the intended use ofC.
For skin health, the dose for topical creams varies, with ointments containing 0.05 to 3%C.
asiatica.Topical creams may contain other ingredients, such as vitamin C, to enhance skin health.
Use a topical cream containing 1%C.
asiaticafor three weeks to help with wound healing.
If you’re takingC.
How to Apply It
When to Stop Taking It
UsingC.
asiaticafor more than six weeks is not recommended.
If you plan on usingC.
asiaticafor a prolonged period, take a two-week break between treatment rounds.
Speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
How Much Is Too Much?
Limited research exists on the side effects of taking too muchCentella asiatica.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limitingC.
asiaticato 330 to 680 mg daily.
Instead of too much, it may be about how long you takeC.
It is not recommended to takeC.
Still, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before startingC.
asiaticato ensure it will be safe and effective for you.
Summary
The herbCentella asiaticamay support skin health, wound healing, and mood.
Cosmetic products like skin creams may containC.
asiaticato help with skin hydration, and ointments withC.
C. asiaticais considered relatively safe when used at the recommended dosage for short periods.
If you are considering usingC.
asiaticafor its skin or mood benefits, speak with your healthcare provider to ensure it is safe.
Bylka W, Znajdek-Awizen P, Studzinska-Sroka E, et al.Centella asiatica in dermatology: an overview.Phytother Res.
2018;79(1):88-97. doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2018.07.024
MedlinePlus.Venous insufficiency.
