Active Ingredients of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica (L. Urb.) Leaves and Their Use in the Health Sector
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53366/jimki.v12i2.919Keywords:
Centella asiaticaAbstract
Introduction: Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) contains four major triterpenes, asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, which are associated with dermatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Studies from 2020–2025 indicate a shift from traditional use to modern formulations that improve the stability, release, and bioavailability of the active compounds.
Methods: A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA 2020. Searches were conducted in Scopus and PubMed (2020–2025) using the keywords “Centella asiatica/Gotu kola” combined with “asiaticoside,” “madecassoside,” “asiatic acid,” “madecassic acid,” and health indication terms (wound/skin/inflammation/cognition/neuroprotective). Inclusion criteria: Original research articles related to the active ingredients and/or health benefits; Exclusions: review/editorial. Data were extracted and mapped; bibliometric analysis (R-bibliometrix) was used to assess trends, author/country of origin, and keyword clusters.
Discussion: The synthesis demonstrated that asiaticoside/madecassoside consistently improves wound healing and modulates inflammation, with strong evidence in topical preparations (controlled-release emulsions/gels, chitosan hydrogels) and anti-melanogenesis potential. Asiatic acid/madecassic acid is prominent in oncology (migration-invasion inhibition, apoptosis induction, MAPK modulation) and neuroprotection; delivery systems such as chitosan liposomes enhance bioavailability. Nanotechnology approaches, such as silver nanoparticles based on gotu kola extract, enhance antimicrobial effects and biofilm eradication. Bibliometric analysis confirms an increase in publications and a diversification of topics toward specific clinical applications.
Conclusion: Four key triterpenes of C. asiatica are the pivot of its bioactivity across indications (dermatology—wound healing, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotection, antimicrobial, oncology). Modern formulations improve performance and clinical translation potential, although extract standardization and large-scale clinical trials are still needed to establish the evidence.
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