| Most Common Name: | Hydrocotyle | | Botanical
Name: | Centella Asiatica | | Also
Known As (other names): | Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort,
Marsh Penny, White Rot, Sheep rot, Water Pennywort |
Indigenous to Asia and Southern Africa it was originally believed that this
small creeper was the reason why elephants lived as long as they do. In Sri
Lanka the leaves were taken to promote longevity. This herb has been widely used
by Ayurvedic physicians to promote longevity and skin diseases. Today it
is mostly used for the treatment of wounds, other skin diseases and
inflammations.
It is
used for, or in treatment of: | | Leprosy | Wounds | Rheumatism | | Diuretic | Fever | Inflammation | | Headaches | Psoriasis | Varicose
veins |
Constituents: | | Below
we list reported constituents of this herb. This may not be complete as
continuous research constantly discovers new constituents. Where possible we
also provide information about constituents and their application, effect and
side effects, if any. We do not provide information on the interaction between
constituents. | |
Asiaticoside: Aids in the healing of wounds, accelerates healing
of burns and minimises scarring |
Madecassiocide: Anti-inflammatory properties | |
Flavonoids: Flavonoids occur (as white and yellow plant pigments
found almost as commonly as chlorophyll) as Glycosides or in a free state. In
plants it is essential for protecting plant tissue from UV radiation and acts as
antioxidants. As pigments it is also responsible for Autumn colors in leaves and
yellow/red pigmentation in flowers. Laboratory experiments have been
conducted on the beneficiary effect of Flavonoids on the heart and circulatory
system. Flavonoids are also used to mitigate stress, especially environmental
stress. Flavonoids are often used for their antioxidant effect against free
radicals. There are also strong indications that they have antiviral,
anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive properties but dosage has not been
determined which will obviously have a profound effect on their efficacy as a
component of this herb. |
Triterpenes: Phytosterols. Essential components of the cell
membrane, Phytosterols have a beneficial influence in the inhibition of tumour
growth and help regulate cholesterol in the blood by stimulating thyroid
function. | |
Saponins: Wound healing, anti-scarring. Saponins occur as
glycosides with aglycone structures that are steroidal or terpenoid. Saponins can cause the
destruction of red blood cells if injected causing anaemia or worse. Ingested
saponins are poorly absorbed in the digestive system reducing the risk of
poisoning but care must be taken on dosage as Saponins are mucus membrane
irritants.
Many herbs containing saponins have been identified as
"adaptogens" also referred to as harmony remedies (see: The Root of
being: Ginseng and the Pharmacology of Harmony - Stephen Fulder 1980).
Instead of being purely remedial herbs these adaptogens improves and energizes
vitality and resistance thereby keeping ailments at bay. It is claimed that
these adaptogens can improve mental functions like learning speed, awareness and
alertness as well as help with emotional and intellectual stress. As a tonic
they will also reduce the risk of infections by stimulating the immune system. Saponins are also expectorant, anti-inflammatory,
hepaprotective, combats cholesterol build up and antifungal. | Volatile
oil |
Contraindications,
do not use if: | | | | | | | | | | We
at Beneforce are certainly not experts in the use of every herb. In our studies
and research we do come across warnings that a herb should not be used in
certain circumstances or for certain conditions and ailments. Where possible we
will reflect these on our pages but cannot guarantee that for any herb our list
of contraindications are complete or valid. We urge that you consult an
appropriate and knowledgeable practitioner before treatment. |
Administered
as/Available in: | | Ointment | Infusion | Compress | | Powdered
leaf | Decoction | |
* Statements made
have not been evaluated by American Food and Drug Authority or similar board
or authority of any other country.
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stopping a treatment of any suspected or diagnosed medical condition or self
improvement plan. |
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