Gotu Kola Extract, the main active ingredients of the whole plant of Centella Asiatica (Centella asiatica (L.) Urban) include asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassoside. Centella asiatica has long been used as a brain medicine, diuretic and auxiliary medicine for leprosy, ulcer and skin disease. Modern studies have shown that Gotu Kola Extract can promote the growth of skin fibroblasts, promote skin collagen synthesis, inhibit inflammation, and inhibit the activity of matrix metalloproteinases. Therefore, Gotu Kola Extract has the effects of repairing skin damage, slowing down skin ulcers, removing scars, promoting regeneration of aging skin, and removing stretch marks.
Studies have pointed out that Gotu kola extracts have shown broad-spectrum biological activities for a long time. The most important ones are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-cancer activities. In dermatology, Centella asiatica extract is used to treat small wounds, value-added scars, burns, psoriasis. It can stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts and activate the SMAD signaling pathway, so it can increase the production of type I collagen and reduce the formation of stretch marks and inflammation.
Skin Health Benefits of Gotu Kola Extract
Anti-aging of Gotu Kola Extract
Gotu kola extract can promote the synthesis of collagen I and III. It can also promote the secretion of mucopolysaccharides (such as the synthesis of sodium hyaluronate). It can increase the water retention of the skin and activate and renew skin cells. Centella asiatica extract also has the effect of activating fibroblast genes. It can enhance the vitality of skin basal cells, maintain skin elasticity and firmness, and smooth small wrinkles on the face.
Anti-inflammatory
The terpenoids in Centella asiatica extract can significantly increase the content of collagen and cell laminin (fibronectin is widely involved in cell migration, adhesion, proliferation, hemostasis, and skin tissue repair processes). Moreover, it can stimulate the production of type I collagen, which promotes the maturation of scars, and reduce the production of inflammatory reactions. In addition, Centella asiatica can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1, MMP-1), improve and repair the skin’s own barrier function.
Moisturizing Activity
Gotu kola extract can significantly increase the degree of hydration of the stratum corneum. This is mainly related to the triterpene saponins in Gotu kola. Centella asiatica triterpene saponins are hydrophilic sugar chains, mainly glucose and rhamnose. It can combine with water in the occlusion layer, improve the barrier capacity of the epidermis, and enhance skin moisture.
Applications of Gotu Kola Extract
Gotu kola extract is a fully water-soluble natural active ingredient. Its main function in cosmetics and skin care products is whitening and removing freckles, skin conditioners, and antioxidants. It has a low risk factor and is relatively safe. Gotu kola has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects and can be used in scar repair and anti-acne cosmetics. It has the effect of keeping skin moisture, and can be used as a supplement to treat dry and sensitive skin and used in moisturizing cosmetic formulations.
Asiaticoside,the main component of Gotu kola extract, can promote the vitality of scar fibroblasts, so it has the effect of removing scars. It has a good polymerization effect with phospholipids, and has obvious effect on eliminating acne. It has an inhibitory effect on glucuronidase. In addition, it has antibacterial properties and has a good effect on inhibiting body odor. It has a good promoting effect on the growth of hair, which is related to its promotion of cell viability. Thus it can be used as a hair growth product. Asiaticoside is derived from natural plant extracts, commonly known as “plant collagen”. It is very suitable for the treatment of damaged skin.
Other Applications
Centella Asiatica has great potential not only in the field of cosmetics. At the same time, clinical studies have confirmed that Gotu kola extract has great potential for medical applications in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. It can also maintain cardiovascular health and enhance memory.
