Product name: Centella Asiatica Extract (Gotu Kola Extract)
INCI name: Centella Asiatica extract
Origin: Vietnam
Plant part: Aerial parts
Production method: Extraction, refining
Extraction solvent: Water
Organoleptic characteristic: Ivory white to pale yellow, fine powder (moisture content <5%), characteristic odor
Assay: Total Triterpenoids (Asiaticoside + Asiaticoside B + Madecassoside) >70% (HPLC)
Solubility: Soluble in water
TECHNICAL DOCUMENT
Centella Asiatica Extract, commonly known as Gotu Kola, is a natural ingredient that has been extensively studied and scientifically proven for its outstanding wound-healing and skin-care properties. Centella Asiatica extract contains key active compounds such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, and asiatic acid, which are recognized for their ability to stimulate collagen synthesis and promote skin regeneration. A study by Bonté F. et al. demonstrated that Centella Asiatica extract enhances Type I collagen synthesis, thereby accelerating wound healing through the stimulation of fibroblast activity.
The triterpenoid components, including asiaticoside and madecassoside, have also been shown to exhibit significant variability depending on factors such as climate, harvest season, and genotype. These variations can directly affect the efficacy of the extract, highlighting the importance of selecting high-quality raw materials and maintaining strict control over the production process.
VietPlantEx proudly employs advanced extraction technology that enriches the content of Total Triterpenoids to over 70%, particularly the key active compounds madecassoside and asiaticosides.
In addition, VietPlantEx has established and manages its own cultivation areas dedicated to a selected small-leaf Centella Asiatica variety, ensuring consistent quality from raw material to finished extract.
This small-leaf variety contains active compound levels comparable to Centella Asiatica grown in Madagascar. Furthermore, strict testing procedures and rigorous quality control enable VietPlantEx to produce Centella extracts with superior active content, ensuring premium quality for applications in cosmetics, food products, and dietary supplements.
Centella Asiatica extract, containing key constituents such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, and pentacyclic triterpenoids, offers a wide range of scientifically validated benefits. The major benefits are outlined below:
Madecassoside is an important compound in Centella Asiatica extract known for its ability to promote the healing of burns and skin injuries. Studies have shown that madecassoside enhances wound healing by increasing antioxidant activity and collagen synthesis, while also improving angiogenesis at damaged skin sites. Specifically, in animal studies, oral administration of madecassoside at doses of 6 mg/kg, 12 mg/kg, and 24 mg/kg significantly accelerated wound healing. At a dose of 24 mg/kg, wounds were completely closed by day 20 due to increased fibroblast proliferation and hydroxyproline synthesis, a key marker of collagen production [3].
Asiaticoside also exerts positive effects on burn wound healing. Topical application of asiaticoside at doses ranging from 10 pg to 100 ng for 20 days resulted in increased cytokine production at the wound site, enhanced angiogenesis, and elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production, thereby accelerating wound repair [4].
In addition to supporting wound healing, asiaticoside plays an important role in enhancing the strength and elasticity of blood vessel walls [5]. Studies have shown that topical asiaticoside increases antioxidant enzyme levels in damaged tissues while elevating hydroxyproline content, improving tensile strength and skin firmness. These effects contribute to faster and more effective wound healing, including diabetic wounds [6].
Centella Asiatica extract, particularly madecassoside, exhibits anti-aging properties through its ability to stimulate Type I collagen synthesis, a critical protein responsible for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity.
According to a clinical trial involving 20 women aged 45–60 with photoaged skin, the use of 0.1% madecassoside combined with 5% vitamin C for six months significantly improved skin firmness, elasticity, and hydration. The combination of vitamin C and madecassoside produced a remarkable restructuring effect on the superficial dermal layer [7].
Stretch marks are a common concern among pregnant women and individuals experiencing rapid weight gain. A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study involving 100 pregnant women demonstrated that a cream containing Centella Asiatica extract, α-tocopherol, hydrolyzed collagen, and elastin was effective in preventing and reducing stretch marks.
Only 34% of women in the treatment group developed stretch marks compared with 56% in the placebo group. These findings indicate that Centella Asiatica extract provides significant protection against stretch mark formation [9].
A 90-day double-blind study demonstrated that Centella Asiatica extract may contribute to body fat reduction. The study included 35 participants, with 20 subjects receiving 60 mg of Centella Asiatica extract daily and 15 subjects receiving a placebo.
Results showed a significant reduction in adipocyte size in the gluteal and deltoid regions among subjects receiving the extract. In addition, fibrosis between fat cells was reduced, suggesting improvements in body composition and reduced fat accumulation [8].
Centella Asiatica extract has been shown to protect the skin against both ultraviolet-A (UVA) and ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation.
Studies conducted at various concentrations demonstrated that Centella extract exhibits strong UVB absorption capacity and, at a concentration of 10%, performs comparably to commonly used chemical sunscreen agents. These findings highlight the potential of Centella Asiatica extract in preventing sun-induced skin damage [10].
An in vivo study demonstrated that creams containing Centella Asiatica extract can significantly improve skin hydration.
The study was conducted on 25 volunteers over a four-week period. Results showed increased skin moisture retention, reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and notable anti-inflammatory effects. These findings support the use of Centella Asiatica extract in moisturizing and daily skin-care products [11].
The triterpenoids present in Centella Asiatica extract, including asiaticoside and madecassoside, have been shown to be effective in managing acne vulgaris and other dermatological conditions such as atopic dermatitis and wound healing.
These active compounds inhibit pro-inflammatory factors and cytokines, thereby reducing skin inflammation. One study demonstrated that purified madecassoside significantly inhibited IL-1β production, downregulated pro-inflammatory TLR2 expression, and suppressed NF-κB activity, helping to control inflammation associated with acne [12].
In addition to Centella Asiatica extract, green tea extract is another standardized botanical extract widely used in acne-care formulations.
Centella Asiatica extract has also shown promising effects in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that the extract inhibits the activity of inflammatory enzymes such as iNOS and COX-2 while reducing the release of inflammatory mediators including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IgE. These effects help soothe skin inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with atopic dermatitis.
Furthermore, when combined with astaxanthin, Centella Asiatica extract has been shown to enhance therapeutic efficacy in the management of inflammatory skin conditions.
Centella Asiatica extract offers a broad spectrum of benefits, ranging from wound healing and anti-aging effects to UV protection, acne management, atopic dermatitis support, and fat reduction. These benefits have been validated through numerous scientific studies, further strengthening the value and credibility of this ingredient in the cosmetics and health-care industries [13].
Centella Asiatica extract has broad applications across various industries, particularly in:
Used in products such as:
In addition to Centella Asiatica extract, other botanical extracts such as Soap Pod Extract and Soapberry Extract are also widely utilized in cosmetic formulations.
Centella Asiatica extract is used to:
Centella Asiatica Extract supplied by VietPlantEx is manufactured under stringent production standards and complies with internationally recognized quality management systems, including:
These certifications ensure product safety, consistency, traceability, and suitability for global cosmetic, food, and dietary supplement markets.
References:
‘1. James J, Dubery I. Identification and quantification of triterpenoid Centelloids in Centella asiatica (L.) urban by densitometric TLC. J Planar Chromatogr. 2011;24:82–7.
2. Hashin P, Sidek H, Helan MH, et al. Triterpene composition and bioactive of Centella asiatica. Molecules. 2011;16:1310–22.
3. Liu M, Dai Y, Li Y, et al. Madecassoside isolated from Centella asiatica herbs facilitates burn wound healing in mice. Planta Med. 2008;74:809–15.
4. Kimura Y, Sumiyoshi M, Samukawa K, et al. Facilitating action of asiaticoside at low doses on burn wound repair and its mechanism. Eur J Pharmacol. 2008;584:415–23.
5. Shukla A, Rasik AM, Jain GK, et al. In vitro and in vivo wound healing activity of asiaticoside isolated from Centella asiatica. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999;65:1–11.
6. Shukla A, Rasik AM, Dhawan BN. Asiaticoside-induced elevation of antioxidant levels in healing wounds. Phytother Res. 1999;13:50–4.
7. Haftek M, Mac-Mary S, Le Bitoux MA, et al. Clinical, biometric and structural evaluation of the long-term effects of a topical treatment with ascorbic acid and madecassoside in photoaged human skin. Exp Dermatol. 2000;17:946–52.
8. Rossi AB, Vergnanini AL. Cellulite: a review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2000;14:251–62.
9. Mallol J, Belda MA, Costa D, et al. Prophylaxis of Striae gravidarum with a topical formulation. A double blind trial. Int J Cosmet Sci. 1991;13:51–7.
10. Scalia, S.; Mezzena, M. Photostabilization effect of quuercetin on the UV filter combination, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane-octyl methoxycinnamate. Photochem. Photobiol. 2010, 86, 273–278.
11. Ratz-Łyko A, Arct J, Pytkowska K. Moisturizing and Antiinflammatory Properties of Cosmetic Formulations Containing Centella asiatica Extract. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2016 Jan-Feb;78(1):27-33. doi: 10.4103/0250-474x.180247. PMID: 27168678; PMCID: PMC4852572.
12. Park KS. Pharmacological Effects of Centella asiatica on Skin Diseases: Evidence and Possible Mechanisms. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021 Nov 20;2021:5462633. doi: 10.1155/2021/5462633. PMID: 34845411; PMCID: PMC8627341.
13. Shen X., Guo M., Yu H., Liu D., Lu Z., Lu Y. Propionibacterium acnes related anti-inflammation and skin hydration activities of madecassoside, a pentacyclic triterpene saponin from Centella asiatica. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry . 2019;83(3):561–568. doi: 10.1080/09168451.2018.1547627.
