Centella Asiatica for Skin

Centella asiatica, also known as Gotu Kola, has garnered significant attention in scientific research for its potential benefits to skin health. Numerous studies have explored its various properties and applications in dermatological contexts, reflecting ongoing investigation into its bioactive compounds and therapeutic potential. These studies examine whether Centella asiatica can offer beneficial therapeutic approaches for various skin conditions and cosmetic applications.

Protocols Studied in Research

[1] Optimized multiherbal combination and in vivo anti-skin aging potential: a randomized double blind placebo controlled study. (Cited by: 2) (PMID: 37024608)

• Protocol: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 60 women evaluating a multi-herbal emulsion containing Centella asiatica, Momordica cochinchinensis, and Phyllanthus emblica for anti-skin aging over 60 days.
• Outcome: The optimized multi-herbal emulsion showed good safety with no skin irritation and significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, and reduced wrinkles after 60 days of application.

[2] Efficacy and Safety of Centella Asiatica (L.) Urb. on Wrinkles: A Systematic Review of Published Data and Network Meta-Analysis. (Cited by: 2) (PMID: 33413787)

• Protocol: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of five double-blinded randomized controlled trials with 172 Asian females, analyzing data on visual scores, image analysis, and participant satisfaction for facial wrinkle reduction.
• Outcome: Centella asiatica improved lip and periocular wrinkles and increased skin hydration, was more effective than Pueraria mirifica but possibly less effective than tretinoin, with fewer adverse events compared to tretinoin.

[3] A two-center randomized controlled trial of a repairing mask as an adjunctive treatment for mild to moderate rosacea. (Cited by: 0) (PMID: 38831627)

• Protocol: A two-center randomized controlled trial with 64 patients (mask group n=47, control group n=17) investigating a Dr. Yu Centella asiatica repairing facial mask as adjunctive treatment for mild to moderate rosacea over 6 weeks.
• Outcome: The Centella asiatica repairing mask significantly improved Investigator Global Assessment scores, facial skin dryness, flushing, and lesion severity in rosacea patients.

[4] Role of Centella asiatica and ceramide in skin barrier improvement: a double blind clinical trial of Indonesian batik workers. (Cited by: 4) (PMID: 34214362)

• Protocol: A double-blind clinical trial with 30 Indonesian batik workers investigating the effects of Centella asiatica and ceramide creams on skin barrier function, measuring transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum hydration, and skin acidity over four weeks.
• Outcome: Both Centella asiatica and ceramide significantly improved skin barrier hydration and acidity with no significant difference in effectiveness between the two interventions.

[5] The Effects of a Standardized Extract of Centella asiatica on Postlaser Resurfacing Wound Healing on the Face: A Split-Face, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. (Cited by: 17) (PMID: 32310680)

• Protocol: A split-face, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 30 individuals evaluating 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel versus placebo gel for postlaser resurfacing wound healing after Er:YAG laser treatment for acne scars.
• Outcome: The ECa 233 treated side showed significantly reduced erythema and improved general wound appearance, including less crusting, in the early stages post-laser treatment.

[6] Clinical, biometric and structural evaluation of the long-term effects of a topical treatment with ascorbic acid and madecassoside in photoaged human skin. (Cited by: 20) (PMID: 18503551)

• Protocol: A randomized double-blind study with 20 female volunteers evaluating a topical formula containing 5% vitamin C and 0.1% madecassoside (from Centella asiatica) on photoaged skin over 6 months.
• Outcome: The treatment significantly improved clinical scores for wrinkles, suppleness, firmness, roughness, and hydration, enhanced skin elasticity, and led to re-appearance of normally structured elastic fiber network.

[7] Investigating the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Cicaglocal on Wound Healing After Mohs Surgery in Patients With Skin Cancer: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. (Cited by: 0) (PMID: 39918266)

• Protocol: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 24 patients evaluating oral Cicaglocal (containing Centella asiatica, bromelain, hyaluronan, vitamins, and minerals) for wound healing after Mohs surgery, with outcomes assessed at 7 and 14 days.
• Outcome: Oral Cicaglocal significantly improved wound healing outcomes, including reduced erythema, better early healing scores, faster full recovery, and higher patient and physician satisfaction compared to placebo.

[8] The Effectiveness of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Dexpanthenol, and Centella Asiatica Combination Serum in the Treatment of Post-Acne Hyperpigmentation in Subjects with Skin of Color. (Cited by: 0) (PMID: 33938432)

• Protocol: A randomized controlled clinical trial with 51 subjects (Fitzpatrick skin types IV and V) assessing a combination serum containing galactomyces ferment filtrate, dexpanthenol, and Centella asiatica for post-acne hyperpigmentation over 8 weeks.
• Outcome: The combination serum led to a significant increase in L* score in subjects with FST V and a significant decrease in melanin index in subjects with FST IV after 8 weeks of treatment.

Research Interpretation: Summary and Conclusion

The evidence strongly supports Centella asiatica as having significant positive outcomes for various skin conditions and cosmetic applications. Multiple high-quality randomized controlled trials demonstrate consistent therapeutic benefits across diverse dermatological contexts, from anti-aging and wound healing to specific conditions like rosacea and post-acne hyperpigmentation.

The clinical evidence encompasses eight well-designed studies with rigorous methodologies, including double-blind, placebo-controlled designs and split-face comparisons. These studies demonstrate Centella asiatica's efficacy in multiple areas: anti-aging effects (improved skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction), wound healing acceleration, rosacea symptom improvement, skin barrier enhancement, and post-laser treatment recovery. The active compounds, particularly asiaticoside and madecassoside, are credited with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and collagen-boosting properties that promote fibroblast proliferation and angiogenesis.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses further support these findings, showing that Centella asiatica demonstrates superior efficacy compared to some alternatives (like Pueraria mirifica) while maintaining excellent safety profiles with fewer adverse events than conventional treatments like tretinoin. The research includes diverse populations and applications, from general anti-aging in women to specific occupational skin protection in batik workers.

While most studies show positive outcomes, the research consistently notes the need for standardization of extracts and long-term safety data. Some studies suggest that innovative delivery systems and combination formulations may further enhance therapeutic outcomes. The evidence indicates that Centella asiatica's benefits extend to enhancing skin barrier function, improving microcirculation, and providing protective effects against environmental damage.

Current evidence establishes Centella asiatica as a promising and well-tolerated natural agent for various dermatological applications, though continued research focusing on standardization, optimal dosing, and long-term effects would further strengthen its therapeutic profile.

Publications

[1] Park KS (2021). Pharmacological Effects of Centella asiatica on Skin Diseases: Evidence and Possible Mechanisms Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM 2021 :5462633. (PMID: 34845411)

[2] Bandopadhyay S; Mandal S; Ghorai M; Jha NK; Kumar M; Radha; Ghosh A; Prockow J; Perez de la Lastra JM; Dey A (2023). Therapeutic properties and pharmacological activities of asiaticoside and madecassoside: A review Journal of cellular and molecular medicine 27 (5) :593-608. (PMID: 36756687)

[3] Sun B; Wu L; Wu Y; Zhang C; Qin L; Hayashi M; Kudo M; Gao M; Liu T (2020). Therapeutic Potential of Centella asiatica and Its Triterpenes: A Review Frontiers in pharmacology 11 :568032. (PMID: 33013406)

[4] Bylka W; Znajdek-Awizen P; Studzinska-Sroka E; Brzezinska M (2013). Centella asiatica in cosmetology Postepy dermatologii i alergologii 30 (1) :46-9. (PMID: 24278045)

[5] Arribas-Lopez E; Zand N; Ojo O; Snowden MJ; Kochhar T (2022). A Systematic Review of the Effect of Centella asiatica on Wound Healing International journal of environmental research and public health 19 (6). (PMID: 35328954)

[6] Diniz LRL; Calado LL; Duarte ABS; de Sousa DP (2023). Centella asiatica and Its Metabolite Asiatic Acid: Wound Healing Effects and Therapeutic Potential Metabolites 13 (2). (PMID: 36837896)

[7] Chan LKW; Lee KWA; Lee CH; Lam KWP; Lee KFV; Wu R; Wan J; Shivananjappa S; Sky WTH; Choi H; Yi KH (2024). Cosmeceuticals in photoaging: A review Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI) 30 (9) :e13730. (PMID: 39233460)

[8] Torbati FA; Ramezani M; Dehghan R; Amiri MS; Moghadam AT; Shakour N; Elyasi S; Sahebkar A; Emami SA (2021). Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Features of Centella asiatica: A Comprehensive Review Advances in experimental medicine and biology 1308 :451-499. (PMID: 33861456)

[9] Poomanee W; Yaowiwat N; Pattarachaidaecharuch T; Leelapornpisid P (2023). Optimized multiherbal combination and in vivo anti-skin aging potential: a randomized double blind placebo controlled study Scientific reports 13 (1) :5633. (PMID: 37024608)

[10] Wiart C; Tan PL; Rajagopal M; Chew YL; Leong MY; Tan LF; Yap VL (2024). Review of Malaysian medicinal plants with potential wound healing activity BMC complementary medicine and therapies 24 (1) :268. (PMID: 38997637)

[11] Witkowska K; Paczkowska-Walendowska M; Garbiec E; Cielecka-Piontek J (2024). Topical Application of Centella asiatica in Wound Healing: Recent Insights into Mechanisms and Clinical Efficacy Pharmaceutics 16 (10). (PMID: 39458583)

[12] Korkina L; Kharaeva Z; Shokarova A; Barokova E; Mayer W; Trakhtman I; Dal Toso R; De Luca C (2024). Effects of Plant Meristem-Cell-Based Cosmetics on Menopausal Skin: Clinical Data and Mechanisms Biomolecules 14 (9). (PMID: 39334942)

[13] Kongkaew C; Meesomperm P; Scholfield CN; Chaiwiang N; Waranuch N (2020). Efficacy and Safety of Centella Asiatica (L.) Urb. on Wrinkles: A Systematic Review of Published Data and Network Meta-Analysis Journal of cosmetic science. 71 (6) :439-454. (PMID: 33413787)

[14] Wang L; Zhang Y; Chen L; Yuan D; Feng X; Zheng J; Li X; Yuan C (2024). A two-center randomized controlled trial of a repairing mask as an adjunctive treatment for mild to moderate rosacea Journal of cosmetic dermatology 23 (10) :3281-3286. (PMID: 38831627)

[15] Anggraeni S; Umborowati MA; Damayanti D; Endaryanto A; Prakoeswa CRS (2021). Role of Centella asiatica and ceramide in skin barrier improvement: a double blind clinical trial of Indonesian batik workers Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology 32 (4) :589-593. (PMID: 34214362)

[16] Shedoeva A; Leavesley D; Upton Z; Fan C (2019). Wound Healing and the Use of Medicinal Plants Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM 2019 :2684108. (PMID: 31662773)

[17] He Z; Hu Y; Niu Z; Zhong K; Liu T; Yang M; Ji L; Hu W (2023). A review of pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties of asiaticoside, a major active constituent of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb Journal of ethnopharmacology 302 (Pt A) :115865. (PMID: 36306932)

[18] Palmieri B; Vadala M; Laurino C (2019). Nutrition in wound healing: investigation of the molecular mechanisms, a narrative review Journal of wound care 28 (10) :683-693. (PMID: 31600106)

[19] Lichota A; Gwozdzinski L; Gwozdzinski K (2019). Therapeutic potential of natural compounds in inflammation and chronic venous insufficiency European journal of medicinal chemistry 176 :68-91. (PMID: 31096120)

[20] Asilian A; Mohammadian P; Mahram H; Shahriarirad R; Bigham M (2025). Investigating the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Cicaglocal on Wound Healing After Mohs Surgery in Patients With Skin Cancer: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Journal of cosmetic dermatology 24 (2) :e16784. (PMID: 39918266)

[21] Belcaro G; Maquart FX; Scoccianti M; Dugall M; Hosoi M; Cesarone MR; Luzzi R; Cornelli U; Ledda A; Feragalli B (2011). TECA (Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica): new microcirculatory, biomolecular, and vascular application in preventive and clinical medicine. A status paper Panminerva medica 53 (3 Suppl 1) :105-18. (PMID: 22108486)

[22] Wollina U; Abdel-Naser MB; Mani R (2006). A review of the microcirculation in skin in patients with chronic venous insufficiency: the problem and the evidence available for therapeutic options The international journal of lower extremity wounds 5 (3) :169-80. (PMID: 16928673)

[23] Anwar AI; Adriani A; Rimayani S; Anwar AA; Seweng A; Munirah R; Dewi WS; Kurniadi I (2021). The Effectiveness of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Dexpanthenol, and Centella Asiatica Combination Serum in the Treatment of Post-Acne Hyperpigmentation in Subjects with Skin of Color Skinmed 19 (2) :110-115. (PMID: 33938432)

[24] Widgerow A; Grivet-Seyve M; Anjuwon S; Emesiani C; Meckfessel M (2025). Efficacy and Tolerability of a Cream in Aging Skin Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD 24 (5) :524-529. (PMID: 40327578)

[25] MacKay D; Miller AL (2003). Nutritional support for wound healing Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic 8 (4) :359-77. (PMID: 14653765)

[26] Damkerngsuntorn W; Rerknimitr P; Panchaprateep R; Tangkijngamvong N; Kumtornrut C; Kerr SJ; Asawanonda P; Tantisira MH; Khemawoot P (2020). The Effects of a Standardized Extract of Centella asiatica on Postlaser Resurfacing Wound Healing on the Face: A Split-Face, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) 26 (6) :529-536. (PMID: 32310680)

[27] Haftek M; Mac-Mary S; Le Bitoux MA; Creidi P; Seite S; Rougier A; Humbert P (2008). Clinical, biometric and structural evaluation of the long-term effects of a topical treatment with ascorbic acid and madecassoside in photoaged human skin Experimental dermatology 17 (11) :946-52. (PMID: 18503551)

[28] Thanthong S; Nanthong R; Kongwattanakul S; Laebua K; Trirussapanich P; Pitiporn S; Nantajit D (2020). Prophylaxis of Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in Patients With Breast Cancer Using Herbal Creams: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Integrative cancer therapies 19 :1534735420920714. (PMID: 32406284)

[29] Widgerow A; Grivet-Seyve M; Anjuwon S; Emesiani C; Meckfessel M (2025). An Innovative Cream Improves Signs and Symptoms of Dermatoporosis in Patients Aged 65 and Over Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD 24 (4) :352-356. (PMID: 40196951)

[30] Cesarone MR; Incandela L; De Sanctis MT; Belcaro G; Bavera P; Bucci M; Ippolito E (2001). Evaluation of treatment of diabetic microangiopathy with total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica: a clinical prospective randomized trial with a microcirculatory model Angiology 52 Suppl 2 :S49-54. (PMID: 11666124)

[31] Cesarone MR; Laurora G; De Sanctis MT; Incandela L; Grimaldi R; Marelli C; Belcaro G (1994). [The microcirculatory activity of Centella asiatica in venous insufficiency. A double-blind study] Minerva cardioangiologica 42 (6) :299-304. (PMID: 7936334)