Asian Pennywort
Centella asiatica
Centella asiatica is a perennial herb used extensively in various traditional medicine systems. Historically, it has been applied for a wide range of conditions including circulatory complaints, fever, leprosy, cholera, and eye issues such as cataracts. Scientific evidence suggests that oral extracts may improve wrinkle parameters and transepidermal water loss, though changes in skin hydration and elasticity appear modest. Preclinical data indicate potential modulation of cellular aging, but clinical evidence remains limited. Some studies involving polyherbal mixtures have shown a decrease in calf diarrhea. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded.
- Traditionally for
- leprosy · diuretic
- Traditions
- Ayurveda · TCM · traditional
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- leprosy
- diuretic
- alterative
- fever
- eye complaints
- refrigerant
- stimulant
- alexiteric
- anodyne
- astringent
- boils
- brain
- cataract
- cholera
- circulatory complaints
What the science says
- Oral Centella asiatica extract showed significant improvements in wrinkle parameters and transepidermal water loss, with modest changes in skin hydration, elasticity, and brightness.
- Preclinical evidence suggests C. asiatica may modulate cellular aging through multiple pathways but clinical data are limited.
- L. plantarum RKBP showed selective suppression of UVB-induced ERK/JNK phosphorylation and reduced melanin production, supporting its potential for anti-photoaging and anti-melanogenic effects.
- Centella asiatica was part of a polyherbal mixture that significantly decreased calf diarrhea occurrence and improved jejunal villus height.
- Dried Centella asiatica yielded more microvesicles of similar size to fresh samples and contained unique fatty acids not present in fresh material.
Frequently asked questions
What is Asian Pennywort?
Asian Pennywort (Centella asiatica) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Asian Pennywort traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Asian Pennywort for: leprosy, diuretic, alterative, fever, eye complaints, refrigerant. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Asian Pennywort?
Asian Pennywort appears in these traditions in our sources: Ayurveda, TCM, traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Asian Pennywort?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Asian Pennywort; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: Oral Centella asiatica extract showed significant improvements in wrinkle parameters and transepidermal water loss, with modest changes in skin hydration, elasticity, and brightness.
How strong is the evidence for Asian Pennywort?
The strongest finding for Asian Pennywort carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Asian Pennywort safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Asian Pennywort in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Asian Pennywort interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Asian Pennywort in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Asian Pennywort?
Asian Pennywort is also known as: Центелла азиатская, Cochléaria, Cocaria, Cochléaria du pays, Cochléria, Coclaria, Cocléria, Conclellia, Coq claria, Coq l'aria, Coq lariat, Coquel'aria, Coquelariat, Violette marron.
Is Asian Pennywort a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Assessing the Effects of Oral Centella asiatica Extract on Skin Aging-Related Parameters in Middle-Aged Korean Women. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Mechanism of a polyherbal mixture alleviates calf diarrhea: an integrated network pharmacology, metabolomics, and microbiome study. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Impact of drying on yield and composition of extracellular vesicles from Centella asiatica. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Anti-Photoaging and Anti-Melanogenic Effects of a Novel Lactiplantibacillus plantarum RKBP Isolated from Giant Centella asiatica. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Geroprotective Potential of Centella asiatica: Modulation of Cellular Aging. literature abstract metadata