Centella – Properties, Application and Dosage

Centella asiatica, commonly referred to as **Asiatic pennywort**, **gotu kola**, or **Indian water navelwort**, is a botanical species within the Apiaceae family that thrives predominantly in **tropical and subtropical climates**, including regions such as **Madagascar, Central and Southern Africa, southern China, and the Indian subcontinent**. The genus name *Centella* derives from the Latin *„centum“* (one hundred), a reference to the **prolific and dense green foliage** the plant produces under favorable conditions. The term *„kola“* pertains to its **leaves**, while *„gotu“* alludes to their **cup-like, concave shape**, reminiscent of a small vessel. Across numerous cultures in Southeast and South Asia, the plant is revered as the **„herb of longevity“** or **„fountain of vitality“**, underscoring its **pivotal role in traditional Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Malay medicinal systems**. Gotu kola flourishes best in **humid, shaded environments**, though it can also be found in **sun-exposed, rocky areas near stone walls or at elevations up to 700 meters above sea level**. Its **morphology exhibits remarkable adaptability to environmental conditions**: in **waterlogged or marshy terrain**, it develops **floating, smooth leaves with a horseshoe-like outline**, whereas in **arid regions**, it produces **smaller, thinner leaf blades borne on elongated petioles**. The root system consists of a **thick, fleshy primary rhizome** from which numerous **slender, reddish secondary rootlets** emerge. The plant’s fruit is an **inconspicuous, elongated pod containing several tiny seeds**, facilitating both **vegetative and generative propagation strategies**.

Centella asiatica, commonly referred to as Asiatic pennywort or Gotu kola, is distinguished by its exceptionally rich composition of pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins, whose biosynthesis occurs intensively during the plant’s vegetative growth phase. The concentration of these secondary metabolites in the raw material ranges from 1.1% to as high as 8%, depending on environmental conditions and cultivation location. The primary triterpenes—including asiaticoside, madecassoside, and centelloside—demonstrate a pronounced capacity to modulate the synthesis of type I and III collagen in bone, joint, and connective tissue structures, thereby enhancing their mechanical resilience and elasticity. Furthermore, these compounds optimize vascular endothelial function, support microcirculatory integrity, and regulate neurotransmitter activity—such as acetylcholine and GABA—which is critical for cognitive processes and neuroprotective effects. Clinical observations confirm their efficacy in accelerating the resorption of subcutaneous hematomas and reducing inflammatory exudates, as well as in stimulating granulation tissue formation during wound healing across various etiologies. In dermatological applications, these triterpenes may delay signs of photoaging by activating fibroblasts to synthesize new collagen and elastin fibers, particularly in areas prone to repetitive facial expressions, such as the periorbital region, neck, and perioral zones. The bioactive profile of Asiatic pennywort is further complemented by lipophilic vitamins (A, E, K) and hydrophilic vitamin C, polyphenolic antioxidants, volatile essential oils with antibacterial properties, and exogenous amino acids such as glutamic acid and serine. Additionally, magnesium—a macroelement involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions within the human body—contributes to its comprehensive nutritional and therapeutic potential.

A botanical agent with well-documented adaptogenic properties that substantially enhances psychological equilibrium by mitigating symptoms of chronic stress and nervous tension. It stimulates neuroplastic processes, thereby supporting cognitive functions—including memory, focus, and the assimilation of new information. Clinical trials have demonstrated that sustained administration of the extract over a 12-week period significantly improved attentional capacity in human subjects, while laboratory animals exhibited accelerated learning of novel behavioral patterns after just two weeks of supplementation. Additionally, it exerts neuroprotective effects, inhibiting neuronal degeneration and facilitating nerve tissue regeneration, positioning it as a promising adjunctive therapy for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Centella asiatica (commonly referred to as gotu kola) is utilized both topically in compresses, tonics, and ointments, as well as internally through infusions, extracts, and capsule supplements. The recommended dosage varies depending on the specific condition being addressed. For instance, a daily intake of 200 mg of extract is advised for burn treatment, whereas up to 600 mg (divided into three 200 mg doses) may be prescribed as an adjunctive therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. Concurrent use of internal and external preparations is permissible. A high-quality extract should contain a minimum of 10% active triterpenoid compounds. Alternatively, dried leaves may be substituted (1 g of dried leaf equates to 200 mg of extract), or alcoholic tinctures with a 10–15% concentration can be prepared. Dosages below 100 mg per day are considered ineffective and may serve only a placebo function. Centella asiatica can be combined with other compounds, including caffeine, lecithin, carnitine, camphor, taurine, vitamins, and amino acids. Due to its potentially stimulating effects, the final daily dose should be administered in the afternoon to prevent insomnia. Supplementation within recommended limits is generally safe, though caution is advised for children and pregnant women. Overdosing may result in epithelial irritation, neurological and motor disturbances, hemorrhage, and mucosal inflammation. Indications for use include concentration difficulties, prolonged stress, dermatological conditions, age-related symptoms (reduced energy levels, circulatory disorders), and heightened intellectual or physical exertion. This supplement is particularly beneficial for elderly individuals, Alzheimer’s patients, those with mood disorders, cardiovascular or joint diseases, as well as students, athletes, and overworked professionals. The health-promoting properties of Centella asiatica have long been recognized in Ayurvedic medicine.