Herbal Drug a Versatile Treatment for Wound Healing Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola)

Mohammad Aabid, Mohd Zaid Abdul Kaleem*, Momin Fatema Zohra Mohd Ateequr Rehman

Royal College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research. Syne Khurd Malegaon.

Email Id: mominmohdzaid8600@gmail.com ; MOB.NO.: +91 8600745254

INTRODUCTION.[1]

The botanical entity recognized as Gotu Kola, Asiatic pennywort, Indian pennywort, or Spadeleaf falls within the Umbelliferae/Apiaceae botanical family. In regions such as China, Southeast Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Oceania, and Africa, this flora has been traditionally employed as a culinary ingredient. Within Southeast Asia, it has customary applications in addressing a diverse range of conditions like dermatological issues, rheumatism, inflammation, syphilis, mental disorders, epilepsy, hysteria, dehydration, and diarrhea. Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) finds application in Indian traditional medicine to augment cognitive function and manage skin-related ailments and nervous disorders. The medicinal attributes of the plant have been harnessed by the inhabitants of Java and Indonesia for an extended period. In Chinese tradition, it is referred to as Gotu kola, and historical records from over two millennia ago identify it as one of the documented "elixirs of life". Herbal remedies may function as adaptogens; these plant-derived remedies either mitigate stress responses during the alarm phase or offer a certain level of protection against prolonged stress. C. asiatica (Umbelliferae), also known as Hydrocotyle asiatica, is enlisted in treating diverse maladies throughout India, encompassing bodily discomfort, headaches, mental disorders, asthma, leprosy, ulcers, eczemas, and wound healing. To identify novel compounds with therapeutic potential, it is imperative to scrutinize medicinal plants.

MORPHOLOGY: [5]

Centella asiatica is a sprawling, subtly fragrant, stoloniferous, perennial creeper herb that reaches a height of up to 15cm (6 inches). The stem is smooth, marked with lines, and takes root at the nodes. The leaves, numbering 1-3 from each stem node, possess lengthy petioles, measuring 2-6cm in length and 1.5-5cm in width. The flowers are arranged in fascicled umbels, with each umbel comprising 3-4 white to purple or pink flowers, and flowering typically occurs between April and June. Fruits are produced throughout the growing season, approximately 2 inches in length, oblong, globular in shape. The seeds contain pendent embryos that are laterally compressed.

VERNACULAR NAME OF CENTELLA ASIATICA:[6]

Table 1. Vernacular Name of Centella

GEIOGROPHICAL SOURCE:

Ø  Southeast Asian Countries

Ø  India, Sri Lanka

Ø  China

Ø  Indonesia, Malaysia

Ø  South Africa

Ø  Madagascar

BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICAION OF CENTELLA ASIATICA:

Table 2. Biological Classification of Centella Asiatica

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENT: [6]

CULTIVATION AND COLLECTION: [7]

Land Preparation and Fertilizer Application:

Adequate field preparation involves one ploughing and two harrowing before planting. During field preparation, thoroughly mix 20 t/ha of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) with the soil. Apply NPK fertilizers at the rate of 100:50:50 kg/ha in four split doses.

Transplanting and Optimum Spacing:

The recommended time for planting is February-March, with a spacing of 45X45 cm, and irrigation is essential as it is a crop that requires watering.

Intercropping System:

In orchards with Mango and other trees, the plant can be cultivated either as a pure crop or in combination.

Interculture and Maintenance Practices:

Beds tend to have a significant weed growth, necessitating constant hoeing and weeding. During the monsoon months, it is crucial to prevent waterlogging in the beds.

Irrigation Practices:

Fortnightly irrigation is essential during dry months, and proper drainage measures are necessary in the rainy season.

Disease and Pest Control:

No instances of diseases, pests, or physiological disorders were observed in the experimental plantation.

HARVEST MANAGEMENT:[8]. [10]

Crop Maturation and Harvesting:

The crop reaches maturity within a 90-day period after planting. Harvesting is done through manual cutting at the fully grown leaf stage, and the leaves are collected in sunny weather to expedite the drying process.

Post-harvest Handling:

Prior to drying the harvested material in the shade, any unwanted material is separated from the crop. Chemical Components: Thankuniside, centellose, brahmic acid, madecassic acid, asiatic acid, and Asiatic acid are present in the leaves. Roughly 1.0% of the content of the leaves is made up of the total triterpenoids.
Yield and Cultivation Costs: Three harvests a year, or 10–12 t/ha, are produced when grown as a solitary crop. After the second year, the output tends to decline and new planting is required. One hectare of agriculture costs Rs. 40,000.

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF CENTELLA ASIATICA: [9]

Centella asiatica has found application as a solution for various health issues in contemporary medicine. A depiction of the advantageous health impacts of this plant is provided in Figure.

Central Nervous System;

Derivatives of asiaticoside diminish or hinder cell death induced by H2O2, decrease intracellular free radical levels, and provide defense against the impacts of beta-amyloid neurotoxicity. Extract from Centella asiatica was observed to elevate GABA levels in the brain.

Memory Enhancing; The memory-enhancing impact of the aqueous extract of Centella asiatica is notable and attributed to the existence of brahminoside, brahmic acid, and brahmoside in the plant. the fresh leaf juice of Centella asiatica enhances spatial learning performance and improves memory retention in neonatal rats.

Antibacterial; It was documented that asiaticoside functioned as an active agent against Bacillus leprae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Entamoeba histolytica. Centella asiatica demonstrated antibacterial activity against three Vibrio species—V. harveyi, V. alginolyticus, and V. parahaemolyticus.

Antioxidant; In a study, it was reported that asiaticoside significantly increased the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, ascorbic acid and vitamin E in excision type cutaneous wounds in rats. The antioxidant activity peaked during the early phases of treatment. It was observed that the unrefined extract of C. asiatica exhibited antioxidant effects in mice with lymphoma.

Cardiovascular: It was stated that in a clinical investigation, extracts from Centella asiatica were effective in treating edoema, foot swelling, ankle swelling, and venous insufficiency. They also improved microcirculatory parameters and capillary filtration rate. Whole plant alcoholic extract shown cardioprotective effect in myocardial infarction induced by ischemia reperfusion.

Neuroprotective effects; Centella asiatica extract guards against monosodium glutamate-triggered neurodegeneration. Aqueous extract of Centella asiatica demonstrated neuroprotective effectiveness against oxidative stress induced by 3-nitropropionic acid in the brains of prepubertal mice, while also enhancing glutathione levels and antioxidant defenses in various brain regions.

Anti-diabetic; triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica is useful in diabetic microangiopathy by improving the microcirculation and decreasing the capillary permeability.
Moreover, a triterpenoid fraction of Centella asiatica guards against the deterioration. Methanolic and ethanolic extracts had shown significant protection and lowered blood glucose levels to normal glucose levels in tolerance test reported the anti-hyperglycemic activity of this plant in type II diabetic.

Gastric ulcer; It was discovered in a laboratory investigation that aqueous extract of CA was useful in preventing stomach lesions brought on by the ingestion of ethanol. The authors came to the conclusion that the CA extract probably reinforced the mucosal barrier lining the stomach and lessened the harmful effects of free radicals. Research on animals revealed that CA extracts prevented rats' stomach ulcers brought on by stress and cold. The H2 agonist famotidine and the antiepileptic or antiseizure drug sodium valproate were compared to the antiulcer activity. by the exception of famotidine's antiulcer activity, both the medications and the herb extract demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in gastrointestinal ulceration, which could be reversed by bicuculline methiodide (a particular GABAA antagonist). It was hypothesised that CAE shielded the rats by raising GABA levels in the brain.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties: In rodent models, the effects of CA on pain (antinociception) and inflammation were documented. The hot-plate method and acetic acid-induced writhing in mice were used to investigate the antinociceptive activity of the aqueous CAE (10, 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), while the prostaglandin E2-induced paw edema in rats was used to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of CA. Significant antinociceptive action, comparable to aspirin but less potent than morphine, and significant anti-inflammatory activity, comparable to mefenamic acid, were both demonstrated by the aqueous CAE in both models.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, Centella asiatica, commonly known as Gotu Kola, stands out as a versatile and effective herbal remedy for wound healing. Numerous studies have highlighted its potent properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and collagen-stimulating effects, all of which contribute to the acceleration of the wound healing process. The active compounds, such as triterpenoids and asiaticoside, play a crucial role in promoting tissue repair and regeneration. Centella asiatica demonstrates the ability to reduce inflammation, minimize scarring, and enhance the overall quality of healed tissue. Its multifaceted approach to wound healing makes it a valuable alternative or complementary treatment to conventional methods. The natural origin of Centella asiatica adds to its appeal, as it is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects.As with any therapeutic intervention, it is essential to consider individual variations in response and consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.

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