Indena’s Centella Asiatica extract touted as beneficial for heart and skin health

14 Feb 2019 --- Botanical ingredients company Indena’s Centella asiatica extract holds potential in a wide range of medicinal applications in diabetic neuropathy, cardiovascular diseases and skin health. This is according to a new monograph by several researchers, commissioned by the company and coined “Centella asiatica: entering a new era” which takes note of the pre-clinical and clinical studies that confirm the plant’s properties for broader applications. 

Centella asiatica, also known as “gotu kola” is a plant widely used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine. Found in the Southeast of Asia, Centella asiatica has long been used for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-hypertensive, diuretic, antiulcer and anti-inflammatory properties. 

“It is suitable for both topical and oral applications. Centella asiatica extracts fit with topical formulations in the form of emulsions, gel emulsions, gels and for oral applications in the form of tablets or capsules,” Giada Maramaldi, Business Development Manager-Personal Care at Indena, tells NutritionInsight. 

The plant’s active compounds promote the synthesis of collagen, regulate inflammation by normalizing the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and are additionally able to restore the natural homeostasis of the epidermis. 

The report also found that the plant’s extract can promote cardiovascular health by preventing thrombotic or embolic complications by increasing the density and stability of atherosclerotic echolucent plaques in patients with atherosclerosis.

Centella AsiaticaAdditionally, the study found the extract’s potential applications on neurological issues as it is effective in preserving memory and promoting cognitive functions, as well as preventing neuronal degeneration, especially beta-amyloid. The extract also appears to have a neuroprotective effect on stroke-induced cognitive impairment due to Parkinson’s disease and the reduction of neurological damage induced by diabetic hyperglycemia.

“We’ve been studying Centella asiatica for many years to meet the needs of several conditions and we’ll keep developing new products to take advantage of this medicinal plant’s amazing potential,” says Maramaldi. 

The potential of the plant’s extract on skin health was also noted in the report as the findings showed that it can effectively treat stretch marks appearing during or after pregnancy as well as weight fluctuations. A pilot study, aiming to assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a Centella asiatica containing cream applied in the postpartum period, shows that topical treatment with the cream may improve the appearance stretch marks.

Moreover, the extract’s sourcing touts a transparent supply chain and its cultivation is in line with environmental practices, according to Indena.