Centella asiatica in traditional and modern phytomedicine - A pharmacological and clinical profile - Part II: Pharmacological and therapeutical profile, conclusions

Centella asiatica is a medicinal plant that has been in use since prehistor ic times. Its active constituents include pentacyclic triterpene derivative s. Studies have been conducted in particular to investigate the madecassoid es and asiaticosides. In common with most traditional phytotherapeutic agen ts, Centella asiatica is used in folk medicine to treat a wide range of ind ications. In contrast to of her medicinal plants, however, Centella asiatic a has been subjected to quite extensive experimental and clinical investiga tions. Studies done in accordance with standardised scientific criteria hav e shown it to have a positive effect in the treatment of venous insufficien cy and striae gravidarum, Centella asiatica also appears to be effective in the treatment of wound healing disturbances. At the present time, clinical studies aimed at investigating the sedative, analgesic, antidepressive, an timicrobial, antiviral and immunomodulatory effects that have been demonstr ated experimentally, are still, lacking. However, the therapeutic potential of this plant in terms of its efficacy and versatility is such that furthe r detailed research would appear worthwhile.