Centella Asiatica

The Basics On Centella Asiatica

What is Centella Asiatica?

Extract of herb that may be listed on labels as asiatic acid, hydrocotyl, or gotu kola.

What are other names for Centella Asiatica?

CENTELLA ASIATICA (GOTU KOLA) EXTRACT, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, CENTELLA EXTRACT, EXTRACT OF CENTELLA ASIATICA, EXTRACT OF HYDROCOTYLE, FO-TI-TIENG EXTRACT, GOTU KOLA EXTRACT, HYDROCOTYL (CENTELLA ASIATICA) EXTRACT, HYDROCOTYL ASIATICA EXTRACT, HYDROCOTYL EXTRACT, HYDROCOTYLE ASIATICA EXTRACT, HYDROCOTYLE ASIATICA, EXT., and HYDROCOTYLE EXTRACT

What is Centella Asiatica used for?

Centella asiatica itself also has been shown to have potent antioxidant properties and to be a rich source of amino acids, and there’s additional research showing that it’s a good hydrating ingredient to soothe upset or compromised skin.

How Centella Asiatica is classified

Skin-Soothing, Antioxidants

Recommendations for using Centella Asiatica during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Limited data suggests no known risk

 

Centella Asiatica During Pregnancy

What we know about using Centella Asiatica while pregnant or breastfeeding

Limited information available.

Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract The reproductive toxicity of centella asiatica leaf extract (in distilled water) was evaluated using 5 groups of 8 Wistar adult male rats.8 Four groups received oral doses (gavage; dose volume = 1 ml) of 10, 50, 80, and 100 mg/kg/day, respectively, for 8 weeks. The fifth group was given distilled water and served as the control. Animals were killed on the last day of dosing (day 60). When compared to the control group, statistically significant (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) reductions in sperm viability and motility were noted in each group dosed with centella asiatica leaf extract. In each experimental group,histopathological examination of the testis revealed a significant (p value not stated) decrease in the number of spermatogenic cells (spermatogonia, spermatocyte, spermatid, and sperm) in the seminiferous tubules. Also, when compared to the control group, intertubular spaces and venous congestion were increased in experimental groups. The authors noted that the reported loss in testicular weight likely corresponded to a dose-dependent decrease in mean spermatogenic cells in seminiferous tubules. At the 100 mg/kg/day dose, the mean number of sperms from the cauda epididymis (x 106) was 36.7 ± 4.8, compared to a mean value (control) of 61.60 ± 2.34; this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Additionally, degeneration of seminiferous tubules was reported. It was concluded that centella asiatica leaf extract was toxic to the reproductive system of male rats.Centella Asiatica ExtractA study was performed to evaluate the effects of centella asiatica extract (ethanol extract) on the rat testis.31 The following groups of 8 male Sprague-Dawley rats (dosed orally) were used in the study: low-dose group (100 mg/kg body weight), mid-dose group (200 mg/kg body weight), high-dose group (300 mg/kg body weight), and control group (distilled water). The groups were force fed (using force feeding needle) for 42 consecutive days, after which the animals were killed and the testis removed for histological examination. Animals of all dose groups had some degeneration of spermatogenic cells and reduction of spermatozoa in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. When compared to the control group, the serum testosterone level decreased in a dose-dependent manner and there was a significant decrease in cauda epididymal sperm count. A statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) in sperm count was observed in the 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg dose groups, but not in the 100 mg/kg dose group. Differences in sperm motility were also observed. Slow or sluggish progressive sperm motility was reported for the control and 100 mg/kg dose group. Non-progressive motility (< 5 μm/second) was reported for both the 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg dose groups. In control animals, the testis had normal features, with successive stages of transformation of the seminiferous epithelium into spermatozoa. However, abnormalities in seminiferous tubules were observed in all dose groups. Complete arrest of the seminiferous tubules was observed only in the 300 mg/kg dose group. It was concluded that centella asiatica extract (ethanol extract) was a reproductive toxicant in male rats.

General safety info about Centella Asiatica from CIR

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel reviewed the safety of 9 Centella asiatica-derived ingredients, which function primarily as skin conditioning agents in cosmetic products. The Panel reviewed relevant data relating to the safety of these ingredients. The Panel concluded that centella asiatica extract, centella asiatica callus culture, centella asiatica flower/leaf/stem extract, centella asiatica leaf cell culture extract, centella asiatica leaf extract, centella asiatica leaf water, centella asiatica meristem cell culture, centella asiatica meristem cell culture extract, and centella asiatica root extract are safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics, as described in this safety assessment, when formulated to be non-sensitizing.

Use this, not that!

Products where you might find Centella Asiatica

Kiehl’s Since 1851 Dermatologist Solutions Centella Sensitive Cica-Cream; Kiehl’s Since 1851 Dermatologist Solutions Centella Sensitive Facial Cleanser;HUDA BEAUTY #FauxFilter Full Coverage Matte Foundation