Centella Asiatica Powder
Also known as: Gotu kola, Indian pennywort, Asiatic pennywort, Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., Centella asiatica
Overview
Centella asiatica, commonly known as Gotu kola, is a perennial herb native to Asia, widely utilized in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. The powdered form is derived from the dried aerial parts of the plant. It is primarily recognized for its potential in cognitive enhancement, wound healing, anti-inflammatory properties, and neuroprotection. Its therapeutic effects are attributed to key active constituents, particularly triterpenoid saponins such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid. Research on C. asiatica includes in vitro, animal, and human studies, with a moderate level of clinical evidence supporting its use for cognitive function and neuroprotection. While systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been conducted, further large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to establish definitive conclusions regarding its efficacy across all potential applications.
Benefits
Centella asiatica offers several evidence-based benefits. For cognitive function, meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicate that supplementation, typically with 750 mg/day of a water extract for two months, can improve self-reported alertness (SMD 0.71, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.41) and calmness, while reducing anger scores shortly after intake. Some studies also suggest improvements in memory and overall cognitive performance, particularly in older adults or those with pathological aging. In terms of neuroprotection, animal models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) have shown that C. asiatica extracts can reduce oxidative stress, neuronal apoptosis, cerebral edema, and neurological dysfunction, highlighting its potential in protecting brain tissue. Preclinical studies also demonstrate its ability to enhance collagen synthesis and promote wound repair, primarily due to its triterpenoid saponins. Additionally, there is some evidence for mild improvements in mood parameters like calmness and reduced anger, though broader mood or quality of life effects are less consistently observed.
How it works
The pharmacological actions of Centella asiatica are primarily mediated by its triterpenoid saponins, including asiaticoside, madecassoside, and their aglycones, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. These compounds exert their effects through multiple mechanisms. They exhibit potent antioxidant properties by modulating oxidative stress pathways, reducing cellular damage. Their anti-inflammatory actions involve the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which helps to mitigate inflammation. Furthermore, these triterpenoids demonstrate neuroprotective effects by inhibiting neuronal apoptosis (programmed cell death). For wound healing, they promote collagen synthesis and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), facilitating tissue repair. The bioavailability of these compounds can be variable, as asiaticoside and madecassoside undergo metabolism in the gut and liver, with oral formulations often optimized for better absorption in clinical settings.
Side effects
Centella asiatica is generally well tolerated in human clinical trials, with no serious adverse effects reported. Mild side effects, occurring in less than 5% of users, primarily include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, headache, sedation, and skin rash. While isolated case reports of hepatotoxicity exist, no liver toxicity has been observed in controlled randomized controlled trials. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications that have been consistently documented in controlled studies. However, it is important to note that the safety of Centella asiatica during pregnancy, lactation, and in children has not been well established through sufficient research, and its use in these populations should be approached with caution or avoided. As with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Dosage
Effective dosages of Centella asiatica in human studies typically range from 500 to 750 mg per day of a standardized water extract, administered orally. The duration of supplementation in clinical trials commonly spans 1 to 2 months to observe significant effects. Dosage translation from preclinical animal studies to human trials often employs allometric scaling to ensure appropriate therapeutic levels. The specific formulation is important, with water extracts standardized for their triterpenoid content generally preferred for achieving cognitive benefits. While specific upper limits for safety are not definitively established, the doses used in research have shown a good safety profile. It is advisable to adhere to the recommended dosages found in reputable studies or product labels, and to consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance, especially for specific health conditions or prolonged use.
FAQs
Is Centella asiatica powder effective for cognitive enhancement?
Evidence supports modest improvements in alertness, calmness, and reduced anger, particularly in older adults or those experiencing cognitive decline. Some studies also suggest memory benefits.
Is Centella asiatica safe to use?
Yes, it is generally considered safe with mild side effects like GI discomfort, headache, or rash. No serious adverse events have been reported in clinical trials.
How long does it take to see effects from Centella asiatica?
Some mood effects may be observed within hours, but cognitive benefits typically require consistent supplementation for several weeks to months (e.g., 1-2 months).
Can Centella asiatica be used for brain injury recovery?
Animal studies show promising neuroprotective potential in traumatic brain injury models, but human data are currently lacking, and more research is needed.
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 provides a comprehensive review of Centella asiatica, detailing its pharmacodynamics, safety profile, and clinical data. It confirms traditional uses for wound healing, cognitive support, and anti-inflammatory effects, primarily attributing these to triterpenoid saponins. The report notes a good safety profile but emphasizes the need for more high-quality randomized controlled trials to solidify clinical evidence.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39108365/ – This systematic review focused on the neuroprotective effects of Centella asiatica in traumatic brain injury (TBI) rat models. It found that C. asiatica reduced oxidative stress, neuronal apoptosis, and improved neurological outcomes in these animal models. While promising, the review highlighted the limited number of studies and the necessity for human trials to confirm these neuroprotective benefits.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-09823-9 – This meta-analysis investigated the effects of Centella asiatica on cognitive function, including 5 RCTs. It reported significant improvements in self-reported alertness and calmness, and reduced anger scores after two months of supplementation with 750 mg/day of C. asiatica extract. The study noted no serious adverse effects but acknowledged limitations such as small sample sizes and heterogeneity in outcome measures across studies.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.799137/full – This review discusses the bioavailability and metabolism of Centella asiatica's active compounds, particularly triterpenoid saponins. It explains how these compounds are metabolized in the gut and liver, influencing their systemic availability. The review also touches upon how oral formulations are optimized to enhance absorption, which is crucial for achieving therapeutic effects in clinical trials.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28878245/ – This publication, likely a review or meta-analysis, contributes to the understanding of Centella asiatica's effects on cognitive function. It supports the findings of improved alertness and calmness, aligning with other research on its neurocognitive benefits. The source reinforces the moderate level of evidence for C. asiatica in cognitive enhancement, particularly in specific populations.
