Gotu Kola in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Centella Asiatica

Scientific name

Gotu kola L., syn. Asian hydrocotyl L.

Family

Umbelliferae

Origin

Spontaneous plant in humid places in tropical and subtropical regions (Madagascar, India).

Synonyms

Gotu Kola, also known as Hydrocotyl, "Tiger grass".

Parts Used

The drug is given by the aerial parts and by the leaves (Official Pharmacopoeia).

Chemical constituents

• Tannins;
• Resin;
• Flavonoids;
• Triterpene saponins (asiaticoside, asiatic acid and madecassicoside);
• Essential oil;
• Phytosterols;
• Polyphenols;
• Amino acids.

Gotu Kola in Herbal Medicine: Properties of Centella Asiatica

The therapeutic action of centella mainly concerns blood circulation. The purified fraction of triterpenes in fact has eudermic properties, stimulates the synthesis of collagen and is indicated as a phlebotonic in states of venous insufficiency, varicose veins, post-phlebitic syndrome and complement for the therapy of cellulite For external use, gotu kola is used in the treatment of ulcers and fissures.