In Southeast Asia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South America, people usually regard Centella asiatica as a kind of vegetable. Centella asiatica has a long history of use as a traditional medicine in India, Asia, and Africa (such as Madagascar). It is mainly used to treat skin and mucous membrane diseases. According to legend, the Bengal tiger rolls on Centella asiatica to heal its wounds, so Centella asiatica is also called “tiger grass” in India. Nowadays, Centella extract has many skin benefits in cosmetics.
1. History of Centella in Wound Healing
To date, Centella has been used as an effective ingredient for the treatment of wound healing, hypertrophic scar, burns and other skin diseases.
It is famous in traditional Chinese medicine, and enjoys a great name of “miracle elixirs of life”. It is said that Centella once helped a sage live past 200.
In India, centella has many other names, such as jalbrahmi, mandukparni, etc.. Centella as a centerpiece of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands years, it’s used for treatment of wounds infection, psoriasis, lupus, eczema and others.
In England, centella is known as pennywort because its leaves is like coin; it treats leprosy in the early times.
In Thailand, centella leaves are used in drinks or salads.
2. Studies on Centella Extract for Skin Benefits
There are many studies that has experimented Centella Extract’ skin benefits. The main active components is triterpenoids, such as madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and asiatic acid. They are all beneficial for skincare, including wounds healing, anti-inflammation, anti-aging and skin-whitening.
2.1 Centella Extract’s Wounds Healing Benefits
Centella extract’s wound healing properties are primarily due to its increased collagen production and reduction of inflammation. More specifically, It is madecassoside and asiaticoside that play wound healing roles in Centella extract. They can promote the synthesis of type 1 and type 3 collagen.
For instant, a study found that wounds treated with TECA (titrated extract of Centella asiatica, including asiaticoside, madecassic acid and Asiatic acid) showed increase of protein and collagen levels, as well as increase of collagen matrix remodeling. Moreover, Centella extract can significantly produce glycosaminoglycan, especially production of hyaluronic acid.
2.2 Centella Extract’s Anti-aging Benefits
Actually, collagen production and amount will decrease with age. Because of Centella extract’s effectiveness at promoting collagen production, it has been used as an anti-aging agent.
A clinical trial among 20 women examined the effect of topical use of 0.1% madecassoside and 5% vitamin C on their skin. After 6 months’ treatment, participants’ skin improves a lot in elasticity, skin hydration, as well as firmness. The trial also proves that the combination of madecassoside and vitamin C has a synergistic effect on skin-aging.
2.3 Centella Extract’s Anti-Stretch Marks Benefits
Studies have indicated that 0.50 g/L Asiaticoside can reduce the content of hydroxyproline (Hyp, a unique amino acid in collagen) in scar fibroblasts cultured in vitro. So it showed that Asiaticoside has the effect of inhibiting collagen synthesis. As time and concentration increase, the inhibitory effect is more obvious. Also, Asiaticoside can inhibit the division and proliferation of fibroblasts. Specifically, Centella Extract can repair skin scar, including stretch marks, cellulite and other.
In a study, 60 participants who undergone cellulite used Centella extract 4 times a day for 4 months have a significant improvement in cellulite for 85% of cases.
Another trial showed that Centella extract can prevent stretch marks for pregnant women. A cream containing Centella extract in combination with vitamin E, hydrolyzed collagen, and elastin was applied daily to stretch marks of 50 pregnant women, while another 50 pregnant women applied a placebo cream. The results indicated that in the placebo group, stretch marks occurred in 22 women; however, in the Centella extract group, only 14women were affected by stretch marks.
3. Centella Extract Manufacturer Specifications
Plamed as a professional Centella Extract Manufacturer, we provide complete Centella Extract specifications for customers. We also can provide you more information on Centella Extract’s skin benefits in cosmetics.
If you want to know more about Centella Extract, please read the following articles.
1. Centella Asiatica Extract Benefits for Skin
2. Centella Asiatica Extract Introduction
3. Madecassoside & Asiaticoside Introduction
4. Gotu Kola Extract Introduction
5. How to Choose the Best Centella Asiatica Extract ?