Centella asiatica, also known as Gotu kola, is a plant belonging to the botanical family Apiaceae widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and in Southeast Asian countries for its medicinal properties.
What it is for and where
Medical
Research has shown that Centella asiatica and its triterpenoids possess a wide range of beneficial effects, particularly on neurological and skin diseases (1). These effects include anti-inflammatory properties, anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptotic actions, and improvements in mitochondrial function.
The plant has been used in the treatment of various health problems and is also consumed as an edible vegetable. Its ease of availability and low-cost cultivation make it popular in ethno-medicinal healthcare systems. Phytochemical analyses have revealed that Centella asiatica contains bioactive compounds that demonstrate pharmacological effects and health benefits, some of which have been confirmed in preclinical and clinical studies. These findings support the principles of folk treatment in different countries.
Furthermore, Centella asiatica extracts (CAE) have shown activity in tissue regeneration, cell migration, and wound repair processes. This is achieved by promoting fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. Asiatic acid, a main active constituent of Centella asiatica, is directly associated with its healing activity. This highlights the plant's potential in the treatment of various skin diseases and in wound healing.
Overall, Centella asiatica holds significant therapeutic potential, with a range of applications in treating diseases and in cosmetic formulations. However, more clinical studies are needed to further validate these benefits and understand the molecular mechanisms involved.
Cosmetics
In terms of cosmetic use, Centella asiatica-derived ingredients, primarily functioning as skin conditioning agents, have been assessed for safety. The conclusion is that these ingredients are safe for use in cosmetics under current practices and concentrations, provided they are formulated to be non-sensitizing. Centella Asiatica contains various bioactive compounds, including asiaticoside, madecassoside, and asiatic acid, which contribute to the skin health benefits.
Centella Asiatica Callus Extract Industrial Production Process
- Cultivation of Centella Asiatica tissues in a controlled environment to form callus. This tissue is nourished with a specific growth medium to promote the production of bioactive compounds.
- Extraction. Once the callus has reached the desired maturity, bioactive compounds are extracted using appropriate techniques, such as solvent use or physical extraction methods.
- Purification. After extraction, the solution containing the bioactive compounds is purified to remove impurities and solvent residues.
- Quality Control. The Centella Asiatica callus extract undergoes quality testing to ensure it meets the required standards in terms of purity and concentration of bioactive compounds.
INCI Functions:
Antimicrobial agent. This ingredient is able to suppress or inhibit the growth and replication of a broad spectrum of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses by making the stratum corneum temporarily bactericidal and fungicidal.
Antioxidant agent. Ingredient that counteracts oxidative stress and prevents cell damage. Free radicals, pathological inflammatory processes, reactive nitrogen species and reactive oxygen species are responsible for the ageing process and many diseases caused by oxidation.
Hair conditioning agent. A significant number of ingredients with specific and targeted purposes may co-exist in hair shampoo formulations: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, matting agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, special additives. However, the indispensable ingredients are the cleansers and conditioners as they are necessary and sufficient for hair cleansing and manageability. The others act as commercial and non-essential auxiliaries such as: appearance, fragrance, colouring, etc. Hair conditioning agents have the task of increasing shine, manageability and volume, and reducing static electricity, especially after treatments such as colouring, ironing, waving, drying and brushing. They are, in practice, dispersants that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioning agents includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners. They can perform their task generally accompanied by other different ingredients.
Humectant. Hygroscopic compound used to minimise water loss in the skin and to prevent it from drying out by facilitating faster and greater absorption of water into the stratum corneum of the epidermis. The epidermis is the most superficial of the three layers that make up human skin (epidermis, dermis and hypodermis) and is the layer that maintains hydration in all three layers. In turn, the epidermis is composed of five layers: horny, the most superficial, granular, spinous, shiny, and basal. Humectants have the ability to retain the water they attract from the air in the stratum corneum and have the function of moisturising the skin. They are best used before emollients, which are oil-based.
Skin protectant. It creates a protective barrier on the skin to defend it from harmful substances, irritants, allergens, pathogens that can cause various inflammatory conditions. These products can also improve the natural skin barrier and in most cases more than one is needed to achieve an effective result.
Form and Color.
Centella Asiatica extract is typically a liquid or a powder. The color can range from light green to brown, depending on the concentration and extraction method.
CAS 84696-21-9
EC number 283-640-5
