Centellae asiaticae herba

Centellae asiatica herbae, the water navel herb, is the officinal preparation (Ph.Eur.8) of the Asian water navel, consisting of the crushed and dried aerial parts of the plant.

Essential oils, flavonols, triterpene saponins and free triterpene acids (Asian acid, madacassic acid).

Antimicrobial, antiphlogistic, promotes wound healing; possibly inhibits excessive collagen proliferation (e.g. in scar keloids).

External: ointments and tinctures for wound and scar treatment;
Internal: tinctures as vein remedies

In Germany approved preparations are not available. Available abroad as Madecasol® ointment and cream (1% active ingredient).

1. Leng DD et al (2013) In vivo disposition and metabolism of madecassoside, a major bioactive constituent in Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. J Ethnopharmacol 150:601-608.
2. Lu GX et al (2014) Madecassoside ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by downregulating collagen deposition. Phytother Res 28:1224-1231.
3. Song J et al (2012) Madecassoside suppresses migration of fibroblasts from keloids: involvement of p38 kinase and PI3K signaling pathways. Burns 38:677-684.
4. Wu F et al (2012) Identification of Major Active Ingredients Responsible for Burn Wound Healing of Centella asiatica Herbs. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2012:848093.