Centella Asiatica
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Centella Asiatica (Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola)) is a dietary supplement with 10 published peer-reviewed studies involving 711 participants, researched for Cognitive Function, Wound Healing & Skin Health, Anxiety & Venous Health.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Cognitive Function
ModerateWound Healing & Skin Health
ModerateAnxiety & Venous Health
StrongResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Cognitive Function
Effects of Centella asiatica on cognitive function and mood-related outcomes
Study Type
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Purpose
Effects of Centella asiatica on cognitive function and mood-related outcomes
Dose
250-1000mg/day extracts
Participants
Meta-analysis of multiple RCTs
Duration
Various
Results
Significant improvements in working memory, attention, and reduced anxiety versus placebo across included studies. Meta-analysis confirms beneficial effects on cognitive function and mood.
How They Measured It
Cognitive assessments, working memory, mood scales across RCTs
Centella asiatica extract on cognitive performance in healthy older adults
Study Type
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled
Purpose
Centella asiatica extract on cognitive performance in healthy older adults
Dose
250, 500, or 750mg extract daily
Participants
28 healthy adults aged 60-70
Duration
2 months
Results
750mg/day significantly improved working memory and sustained attention. Dose-dependent improvements in cognitive domain scores and mood at higher doses.
How They Measured It
Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Digit Span, Trail Making Test
Centella asiatica on memory and cognitive function in post-stroke patients
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Centella asiatica on memory and cognitive function in post-stroke patients
Dose
750mg/day
Participants
48 post-stroke patients
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Significantly improved MMSE scores and memory recall in post-stroke patients versus controls. Cognitive recovery accelerated in treatment group.
How They Measured It
MMSE, cognitive battery
Wound Healing & Skin Health
Effect of Centella asiatica on wound healing outcomes
Study Type
Systematic review of RCTs
Purpose
Effect of Centella asiatica on wound healing outcomes
Dose
Topical and oral formulations
Participants
Systematic review of 8 RCTs
Duration
4-12 weeks
Results
Significantly improved wound healing. Enhanced collagen synthesis and fibroblast activity. All included studies showed low risk of bias in randomisation and allocation concealment.
How They Measured It
Wound closure rate, collagen synthesis, scar assessment scales
Recent insights into Centella asiatica mechanisms in wound healing
Study Type
Wound healing mechanism review
Purpose
Recent insights into Centella asiatica mechanisms in wound healing
Dose
Various preparations
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Triterpenoids (asiaticoside, asiatic acid, madecassoside) stimulate collagen and GAG synthesis, modulate TGF-beta, and accelerate re-epithelialisation. Supports use in post-surgical wound care.
How They Measured It
Collagen synthesis, TGF-beta, angiogenesis, re-epithelialisation markers
Topical Centella cream for hypertrophic scar prevention after surgery
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Topical Centella cream for hypertrophic scar prevention after surgery
Dose
Madecassoside 0.1% cream twice daily
Participants
68 post-surgical patients
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Significantly reduced scar vascularity, pigmentation, pliability, and height scores. Hypertrophic scar formation significantly reduced in treated group.
How They Measured It
Vancouver Scar Scale, POSAS
Anxiety & Venous Health
Centella asiatica effects on acoustic startle response and anxiety in healthy volunteers
Study Type
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled
Purpose
Centella asiatica effects on acoustic startle response and anxiety in healthy volunteers
Dose
12g dried herb extract
Participants
40 healthy volunteers
Duration
Single dose
Results
Single dose significantly reduced acoustic startle response indicating anxiolytic properties without sedation. Consistent with GABA-ergic mechanisms.
How They Measured It
Acoustic startle response (ASR), anxiety scales, mood assessment
Centella asiatica on chronic venous insufficiency and leg oedema
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
Centella asiatica on chronic venous insufficiency and leg oedema
Dose
120mg triterpenoid fraction 3x/day
Participants
94 venous insufficiency patients
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significantly reduced ankle oedema, improved venous pressure, alleviated heaviness, pain, and itching versus placebo.
How They Measured It
Leg oedema, venous pressure, symptom scores
Therapeutic potential of Centella asiatica triterpenes
Study Type
Review
Purpose
Therapeutic potential of Centella asiatica triterpenes
Dose
Various
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Strong evidence for wound healing, venous insufficiency, and cognitive benefits. Emerging evidence for neuroprotection and anti-anxiety. Generally well tolerated at recommended doses.
How They Measured It
Review of clinical and preclinical data
Centella asiatica for generalised anxiety in adults
Study Type
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled
Purpose
Centella asiatica for generalised anxiety in adults
Dose
500mg twice daily
Participants
33 adults with generalised anxiety
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Significant reductions in HAMA and STAI scores. Improvements in anxiety and daily functioning with good tolerability.
How They Measured It
HAMA, STAI
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Centella Asiatica research
There are currently 10 peer-reviewed studies on Centella Asiatica (Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola)), involving 711 total participants. Research covers Cognitive function & memory, Wound healing & skin health, Anxiety & mood and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (6 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Centella Asiatica has been researched for: Cognitive function & memory, Wound healing & skin health, Anxiety & mood, Venous insufficiency & circulation. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 6 out of 10 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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