BOTANICAL IDENTITY
The right name is the first step.
Also known as: gotu kola
The botanical name, part and preparation must match. A photograph is not enough for identification intended for consumption.
An illustration is not enough to identify a plant for consumption. Do not forage for a species based solely on this profile.
01 · UNDERSTAND
Properties & uses.
The traditional uses described are not clinical proof of effectiveness. Evidence for one preparation cannot automatically be applied to another.
02 · UNDERSTAND THE ACTION
How does the plant act?
Centella is studied particularly for tissue repair. The herb traditionally used on minor wounds must be distinguished from the highly purified triterpene fractions used in certain medicines or trials. The EMA report stresses that these reconstituted fractions no longer correspond to an ordinary herbal preparation. Their documentation therefore does not validate all centella creams, powders or capsules.
Constituents to know.
Their presence and quantity depend on the plant part and preparation.
- Triterpenes, known as centelloids
- Asiaticoside, madecassoside and their aglycones are studied. Their proportions vary with origin and growing conditions.Read the reference
Collagen synthesis
Extracts and triterpenes have altered collagen production in cell cultures. An increase in a test tube does not prove an anti-aging effect or wound healing in humans.
Read the referenceSmall superficial wounds
The monograph recognises traditional topical use of the herb within a limited scope; it does not cover all indications of purified products.
Read the referenceWhat this means for preparation.
Reading the exact extract name and route studied is crucial. A study of an oral fraction or a formulated dressing does not describe a powder to apply yourself.
03 · EXAMINE THE EVIDENCE
What the research shows.
A laboratory or animal result alone does not demonstrate a benefit in humans. Each result must be read alongside the preparation studied and its limitations.
Why TECA is not a herbal tea
- Type of research
- EMA report describing manufacturing and the scope of the studies.
- Preparation concerned
- Purified TECA/TTFCA fractions, enriched and reconstituted in triterpenes.
- Observed results
- These preparations have their own documentation, distinct from that of the whole herb.
- Limitations to consider
- The purification steps and altered proportions prevent the conclusions from being transferred directly to any arbitrary extract.
What can we take from this?
Neurological, circulatory and cosmetic research directions are not automatically validated indications. A deep, infected or poorly healing wound needs assessment.
Documentary review dated 09/10/2026. The references remain available to check the context.
04 · CHOOSE A PREPARATION
One plant, several preparations.
Only forms documented in this profile’s sources are presented.
Topical preparationAerial parts · Route: topical
Product intended for local care, according to its package leaflet.
Please note: Do not use on a deep or infected wound without medical advice.
Read the source05 · BEFORE ANY USE
Precautions & contraindications.
This guidance does not cover every individual situation. Missing information is not a guarantee of safety.
Contraindications
- Allergy to the plant or Apiaceae.
Medicine interactions
- No interaction reported in the monograph; check combinations.
Adverse effects
- No known adverse effects in the monograph; this does not mean zero risk.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: not recommended due to lack of data.
Children & adolescents
Not recommended under 18 years.
If symptoms persist, worsen or are unusual, consult a healthcare professional. In an emergency, contact the emergency services.
06 · PUTTING KNOWLEDGE INTO PRACTICE
Preparations & recipes.
No home recipe is provided in this profile. For an appropriate preparation, refer to the product leaflet and ask your pharmacist for advice.
07 · CHECK THE SOURCES
Sources for this profile.
- EMA — Centellae asiaticae herba: official dossierAccessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — monograph or public statement on Centella asiaticaAccessed on 09/10/2026
- EMA — assessment report on Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. (Aerial parts)Accessed on 09/10/2026
Illustration: Shahidul Hasan Roman · CC BY-SA 4.0. View the original image and its licence. Image resized and converted to WebP.
A TOUCH OF SOLÉA
Myriam’s tip
Myriam is reviewing the tip for this profile.
Myriam
