Centella Asiatica is the dry whole grass of Centella Asiatica (L. ) Urban, belonging to the Umbelliferae family. It is a perennial creeping herb, native to China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and so on. It is also produced in South Africa, India, Madagascar, Australia, and other countries. In China, it is mainly distributed in East China, South China, Central South and Southwest China, and other places. Centella Asiatica is cold in nature, and its main functions are to clear away heat and dampness, detoxify and reduce swelling, etc. It is mostly used for ulcers, lupus erythematosus, bruises, infectious hepatitis, etc.
Traditional application of Centella Asiatica in different countries
In other countries, Centella Asiatica is also known as Asiatic Pennywort, Indian Pennywort, Thick-leaved Pennywort, and Gotu Kola.
In Sri Lanka, Centella Asiatica is used to treat skin problems, difficult-to-heal wounds, etc. In India, Centella Asiatica is used to treat inflamed skin, is a diuretic, is used to treat leprosy, has a tonic effect, is rejuvenating, strengthens nerve function, enhances memory, aids concentration, and is used for Fresh leaves to treat diarrhea in children. Centella Asiatica oil extract is topically applied to promote hair growth, and fresh leaves are used as vegetables and salads. In Vietnam, people add Centella Asiatica and shallots together for food. Centella Asiatica is also used as a traditional Chinese medicine in Madagascar, Sri Lanka, South Africa, India, Nepal, Southeast Asia, and parts of South America. Centella Asiatica is tender and palatable and can be eaten raw. Centella Asiatica is also eaten as a vegetable in Southeast Asia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and South America. In Thailand and India, in addition to being a vegetable, Centella Asiatica is also used to make tonic drinks and juices.
Based on the extensive pharmacological effects of Centella Asiatica, it has been included in many pharmacopeias, such as British Herbal Pharmacopoeia, Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Dutch Pharmacopoeia, German Pharmacopoeia, Martindale European Pharmacopoeia, Pharmacopee Francaise, La Farmacopea Italiana X, European Pharmacopoeia VI, and Polish Pharmacopoeia IX, etc.
Does Centella Asiatica have side effects?
At present, there are no studies or reports showing that Centella Asiatica is toxic at common doses, and side effects are rare, but it does not rule out skin irritation and burning sensation (for external use), headache, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, dizziness in some special cases and other symptoms, it is also possible to experience extreme drowsiness at high doses. Subcutaneous injections can trigger allergic reactions that can cause pain at the injection site or cause discoloration. When using intramuscular injections, there are fewer side effects. Oral overdose of Centella Asiatica may cause headache and transient unconsciousness.
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