Asian Pennywort
Centella asiatica
Centella asiatica, commonly known as gotu kola or Indian pennywort, is a traditional medicinal plant used in Ayurveda and Unani medicine. Traditionally, it has been employed for various conditions including wound healing, improving cognitive function, and enhancing overall skin health, though specific recorded uses vary widely. Scientific evidence suggests that oral Centella asiatica extract may improve skin parameters such as reducing wrinkles, enhancing transepidermal water loss, and showing modest improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and brightness. Preclinical studies indicate potential anti-photoaging and anti-melanogenic effects through modulation of cellular aging pathways; however, clinical data remain limited. No major safety issues have been recorded for Centella asiatica, though no significant drug interactions have been documented as well. This plant is generally considered safe when used appropriately, but its use should be monitored in individuals with specific health conditions or those taking other medications to ensure there are no unforeseen effects.
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
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 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
- 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