What is it
Centella asiatica (or Hydrocotyle asiatica) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to India and Madagascar that grows in humid and shady places, typically along waterways.
It has purplish flowers and its active ingredients are found in the leaves. It is also known as “tiger grass” because tigers are said to use it to dress their wounds.
Activities
The triterpene saponins (asiaticoside, Asian acid and madecassoside) of which centella leaves are rich improve venous circulation by stimulating fibroblasts. These are cells that synthesize collagen, essential for the health of different tissues, such as the dermis, connective tissue and vessel walls.
Other active ingredients are phytosterols, polyphenols and essential oils.
Why is it used
Centella is useful for preventing and treating venous insufficiency and therefore the swelling and heaviness in the legs and ankles that derive from it, but also vein pain, night cramps and hemorrhoids.
It is also useful in case of highlighted capillaries. Read the card.
It acts mainly by preserving the structure and tone of the vessel walls thanks to its activity of stimulating collagen synthesis by fibroblasts.
After a first treatment it is possible to carry out maintenance cycles that help prevent a new weakening of the blood vessels.
In addition, centella extract is also able to accelerate the healing of sores, skin lesions and burns of the first and second degree.
Thanks to its beneficial properties on vessels and connective tissue, it can also be useful in the treatment of cellulite.
How to use it
Centella is used as a nebulized dry extract and titrated in total triterpene derivatives (minimum 5%). The best form is FTTCA (Total Triterpene Fraction of Centella Asiatica), consisting of 40 percent asiaticoside and Asian acid and madecassic acid for the remaining 60 percent.
FTTCA should be taken between meals, twice a day, for a total of 30-60 mg daily.
There are also exercises to keep your legs fit (and healthy). This article may be useful to you.
Effects
Rarely, oral intake may cause moderate allergic skin reactions. External use, on the other hand, can give weak allergies only if the extract is applied directly to a damaged skin.
At high doses it can cause headaches. Finally, it can have a hyperglycemic effect.
Precautions
It is not recommended during pregnancy because it could cause the release of the uterine musculature. It is also good not to use centella during breastfeeding.
Interactions
The purified fraction of centella has no known interaction. Only hydroalcoholic extracts and dry extracts can interact with benzodiazepines and antidepressants.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.