There are more benefits of centella asiatica other than for youthfulness. Researches were done to find out the effects of this herb in the treatment of leprosy or Hansen's disease. The researchers found that gotu kola contains an active component called asiaticoside that was able to make the immune system dissolve the bacteria known as mycobacterium leprae.
Besides asiaticoside, centella asiatica contains asiatic acid and madecassic acid that have antioxidant effects. These triterpenes assist in the synthesis of collagen and support tissue regeneration. Centella asiatica extract is able to maintain healthy blood supply to affected areas and reduce infections, healing time and scarring.
History also revealed that this herb was used to treat respiratory problems such as asthma. It was also the traditional medicine in the treatment of diarrhea, epilepsy, hepatitis, stomach ulcers and syphilis.
Another interesting finding was that centella asiatica is beneficial for the nervous system and can help improve brain function by supporting cerebral blood flow and circulation. A study conducted in the 1980s found that the plant compounds allow blood that is rich in oxygen to penetrated deep in the brain.
A controlled study found that centella asiatica helped in treating scleroderma which is the hardening of the skin that cause joint pains and reduced joint movements such as the fingers.
You can get this herb extract as dried herbs in teas. They are also available in capsules, ointments, powder tinctures and tablets.
