Efficacy and Effects of Centella asiatica

Primary Therapeutic Effects

Skin beautification and nourishment; treatment of dermatological conditions; relieving summer-heat and stopping diarrhea

Introduction

Centella asiatica (commonly known as “Lei Gong Gen” or “Gotu Kola”) is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family. Its roots and leaves are the primary parts used medicinally. It is traditionally applied externally to treat cardiovascular disorders, edema (fluid retention), hoarseness, bronchitis, pediatric coughs, and various skin conditions. Research has also indicated that Centella asiatica may strengthen blood vessels and promote circulation. So, what are the specific therapeutic effects and actions of Centella asiatica?

Therapeutic Effects and Actions of Centella asiatica

1. Skin Beautification and Nourishment

The trace bioactive compounds in Centella asiatica act directly on human skin, enhancing skin elasticity and softness. Moreover, it promotes collagen synthesis in the dermis and accelerates fibroblast regeneration, thereby fundamentally reducing wrinkles. Regular use yields notably visible cosmetic benefits.

2. Treatment of Dermatological Conditions

Centella asiatica demonstrates marked efficacy against multiple skin disorders, including skin ulcers, chronic non-healing wounds, cutaneous tuberculosis, and leprosy. Its therapeutic effects are exceptional—not only alleviating dermatitis symptoms and eliminating surface pathogens, but also modulating skin cell proliferation.

3. Relieving Summer-Heat and Stopping Diarrhea

Centella asiatica clears heat, promotes diuresis, and detoxifies—making it highly effective for treating summer-heat syndrome and diarrhea, both common during hot weather. Additionally, it is employed in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to manage abscesses, carbuncles, traumatic injuries, and contusions, exerting detoxifying, anti-swelling, blood-activating, and analgesic effects to rapidly alleviate associated discomfort.

Main Therapeutic Values of Centella asiatica

In folk medicine, the whole plant or its aerial parts (stems and leaves) are widely used. Internally, it treats urinary bladder stones and urinary tract calculi. Externally, it is applied to traumatic injuries, fractures, external bleeding, boils, carbuncles, erysipelas, and tinea (fungal infections). Orally, it addresses wind-cold invasion with cough, influenza, hematemesis, hemoptysis, epistaxis, hematochezia, hematuria, dysentery, malaria, menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, leukorrhea, postpartum blood deficiency with dizziness, pediatric bronchitis, oral ulcers, fetal toxin, infantile convulsions, malnutrition (infantile “gan ji”), jaundice, pulmonary tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, its leaf juice is used to treat infantile convulsions and chronic pneumonia.

Contraindicated Populations

Due to its cold and cooling nature, Centella asiatica should be avoided by individuals with deficient-cold constitutions or those prone to gastrointestinal discomfort, to prevent potential adverse effects on health.

We hope the above information is helpful to you.