Centella Asiatica Leaf Water
Also known as: Gotu kola, Indian pennywort, Asiatic pennywort, Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., Centella asiatica
Overview
Centella asiatica leaf water is an aqueous extract derived from the leaves of the Centella asiatica plant, prepared through processes like refluxing powdered leaves in distilled water and freeze-drying. It is primarily utilized for its potential benefits in cognitive enhancement, wound healing, neuroprotection, and skin health. The key characteristics of this extract include its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and wound-healing properties, which are mainly attributed to triterpenoids such as asiatic acid and asiaticoside. While research maturity is moderate, encompassing in vitro, in vivo, and some clinical studies, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, more large-scale, high-quality human trials are needed to solidify the clinical evidence.
Benefits
Centella asiatica leaf water offers several evidence-based benefits. For cognitive function and mood, a systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that 750 mg/day of the aqueous extract for two months significantly improved self-reported alertness and calmness, while reducing anger scores, with no serious adverse effects. In terms of neuroprotection, animal studies suggest it reduces oxidative stress, neuronal apoptosis, inflammation, and cerebral edema, improving cognitive performance in traumatic brain injury models. Its wound-healing properties are well-documented, with topical applications promoting granulation and re-epithelization in wounds and ulcers, supported by pharmacological data on cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, systematic reviews highlight its efficacy in skin health and anti-aging, likely due to its antioxidant and collagen-stimulating effects, contributing to wrinkle reduction and overall skin improvement. The effect sizes for cognitive and mood improvements are moderate, and benefits in neurological and skin conditions are linked to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms, with some clinical trials supporting these effects.
How it works
Centella asiatica leaf water exerts its effects primarily through antioxidant activity, reducing reactive oxygen species, and anti-inflammatory effects, which lower cytokine levels. It also modulates mitochondrial function and influences the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The active molecular targets are triterpenes, particularly asiatic acid and asiaticoside, which modulate signaling pathways involved in apoptosis, inflammation, and synaptic plasticity. The aqueous extract is sufficiently bioavailable to produce systemic effects, although its bioavailability can vary depending on the specific preparation and dosage.
Side effects
Centella asiatica leaf water is generally well tolerated, with clinical trials reporting no serious adverse effects from aqueous extracts. Mild and infrequent side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, headache, and sedation, though these are more commonly associated with combination products rather than Centella asiatica alone. Rare instances of hepatotoxicity have been reported in isolated case studies, but these have not been confirmed in randomized controlled trials. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications extensively documented. However, due to limited data, caution is advised for pregnant individuals and those with pre-existing liver conditions.
Dosage
For cognitive and mood benefits, the minimum effective dose of Centella asiatica aqueous extract is approximately 750 mg/day, taken for at least two months. Optimal dosing may vary depending on the specific condition and individual response. For wound healing, traditional use involves topical application via impregnated dressings or creams. A well-defined maximum safe dose has not been established, but doses up to 750 mg/day have been found safe in clinical trials. Oral administration is typically daily, while topical applications are used as needed for skin or wound conditions. Absorption of the active triterpenes may be enhanced by specific formulations.
FAQs
Is Centella asiatica leaf water safe?
Yes, clinical studies generally report a good safety profile with mild and infrequent side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, headache, and sedation.
How long does it take to see effects?
Cognitive and mood benefits have been observed after 1-2 months of consistent daily use of the aqueous extract.
Can it be used topically?
Yes, it is commonly used topically for wound healing and skin health, often incorporated into creams or dressings.
Does it interact with medications?
No major drug interactions have been widely reported, but caution is advised for individuals with liver conditions due to limited data.
Research Sources
- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/assessment-report-centella-asiatica-l-urb-herba-revision-1_en.pdf – This EMA assessment report reviews pharmacological and clinical data on Centella asiatica, confirming its wound healing properties and safe topical use. It notes that while in vitro and in vivo data are strong, clinical evidence, particularly from RCTs, is still somewhat limited. The report also highlights no significant proliferation effect in corneal cells at tested doses.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11301788/ – This systematic review focuses on animal studies, specifically rat TBI models, demonstrating the neuroprotective effects of Centella asiatica. Findings include reduced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, alongside improved cognitive function. The review emphasizes the need for further research to translate these findings to human applications.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-09823-9 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of Centella asiatica water extract on cognitive function and mood. It concluded that the extract significantly improved self-reported alertness, calmness, and reduced anger scores, with no serious adverse effects reported. The study acknowledges some heterogeneity among the included RCTs but provides high-quality evidence for these benefits.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.568032/full – This article discusses the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms of Centella asiatica, linking them to its benefits in neurological and skin diseases. It delves into the molecular targets and pathways, such as modulation of mitochondrial function and BDNF expression, providing a comprehensive overview of how the extract exerts its therapeutic effects.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9983323/ – This systematic review explores the efficacy of Centella asiatica in improving skin conditions and reducing wrinkles, attributing these benefits to its antioxidant and collagen-stimulating effects. It synthesizes existing research to support its role in skin health and anti-aging, highlighting the potential for cosmetic and dermatological applications.
