What is "Asiaticoside" and what is its utility?

Asiaticoside is a glycosylated triterpene isolated and purified from a herbaceous plant called Centella asiatica, also known under the names of Gotu Kola and Asian Pennywort. This plant grows in the tropical and subtropical marshy areas of Asia, but also in Africa and Oceania. In some Asian countries (China, India, Indonesia), the medicinal properties of this plant have been recognised for over 2,000 years. Populations used it in poultices to heal wounds, and more specifically the skin manifestations of leprosy. Asiaticoside is a compound present in the roots, leaves and petioles of the Centella asiatica. In skincare, asiaticoside presents several benefits detailed below.

Firstly, asiaticoside speeds up the healing process, whether in the case of superficial burns or deep wounds. This molecule also significantly increases the tensile strength of newly formed skin. Asiaticoside can therefore be used to soothe sunburn. The components of Centella asiatica, specifically asiaticoside, could also be used to treat certain skin conditions such as scleroderma and psoriasis.

Furthermore, numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of this active ingredient on the diminishing of stretch marks, as well as scars and skin blemishes associated, for example, with acne outbreaks or irritations.

Finally, asiaticoside promotes the production of type I collagen. In addition to preventing skin ageing, this protein ensures cellular regeneration and thus tissue repair.