Centella asiatica

Centella asiatica is a perennial herb in the Apiaceae family, known for its use in traditional medicine across Asia and Africa for wound healing, skin disorders, and cognitive enhancement. Its pharmacological effects are attributed to compounds such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, triterpenes, carotenoids, and flavonoids. The plant is consumed both as a culinary ingredient and as an herbal remedy, found in a wide range of topical and oral preparations. Although widely used, it is not considered a canonical molecular target for drug development but a source of bioactive phytochemicals. In summary, Centella asiatica is a medicinal plant and not a molecule or receptor, and thus does not meet the criteria for a canonical therapeutic target. For target-specific information, isolate one of its active compounds (e.g., asiaticoside) rather than the plant name.

Other names

Indian pennywortAsiatic pennywortgotu kolaspadeleafcoinwortHydrocotyle asiatica (synonym)Brahmi (Hindi)Tiger Grass

Compounds such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, and triterpene saponins act through collagen synthesis, anti-inflammatory pathways, neuroprotection, and immune modulation.