Centella asiatica for Skin Repair

Centella asiatica is an annual herbaceous plant from Asia that grows in tropical and subtropical swamps in Asia, and also in Africa. Its leaves, roots and petioles are rich in saponosides (madecassoside and asiaticoside) and triterpenes (asic acid and madecassic acid). Because of this biochemical composition, Centella asiatica is used in skincare for its regenerating, repairing and even antioxidant effects.

Centella asiatica is a plant with soothing and wound healing properties. Its biochemical composition plays a role for skin tissue repair on several levels:

• The plant's main compounds, asiaticoside and madecassoside, have been shown to accelerate the processes of wound healing, both in deep wounds and superficial burns. They also significantly increase the tensile strength of the newly formed skin. Tiger grass can therefore be used to relieve sunburn. In addition, one study demonstrated its positive effect on stretch marks, especially those that appear on women's abdomens during pregnancy. Some studies even suggest that the use of Centella asiatica or its constituents may be helpful in the treatment of psoriasis and scleroderma.

• Through the effect of saponosides and triterpenes, Centella asiatica promotes collagen production. This protein not only prevents skin aging, but also ensures cell regeneration and thus tissue repair.

• The saponosides contained in tiger grass soothe and repair the epidermis. These molecules help to renew the skin's hydrolipidic film, thus preserving its moisture. At the same time, they act against redness and irritation. In cases of severe dandruff, topical application of Centella asiatica regulates the production of keratinocytes (epithelial cells responsible for the formation of dandruff).

In summary, the biochemical composition of Centella asiatica or tiger grass accelerates the healing of wounds and burns that are more or less superficial. This herbal ingredient is also effective in alleviating certain skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. In addition, it promotes the synthesis of collagen fibers and prevents premature aging of the skin.

• BOREL J. P. & al. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in venous and dermis fibroblast cultures by titrated extract from Centella asiatica. Connective Tissue Research (1990).

• BRZEZINSKA M. & al., Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii (2013).

• PYTKOWSKA K. & al. Moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties of cosmetic formulations containing Centella asiatica extract. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2016).