CENTELLA ASIATICA: A CONCISE DRUG REVIEW WITH PROBABLE CLINICAL USES

Abstract

Centella asiatica (Gotu kola) is an imperative herb in Ayurvedic medicine, often mentioned in combination with the related European marsh pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris). About 20 species recounted to Gotu kola cultivate in most parts of the tropic or wet pantropical areas such as rice paddies and also in rocky and higher elevations. Centella asiatica (Gotu kola) is known as longevity herb and used widely in India and Nepal as part of the traditional Ayurvedic medicine. In Samskrita, it is called 'Mandūkaparnī ' as its leaf appears as a standing frog from its backside. It is also called 'Brahmi the goddess of supreme wisdom and 'Saraswati the goddess knowledge & wisdom. Its roots and leaves are used for medicinal purposes and provide important health benefits related to healthy veins and blood vessels, to treat skin disorders, help with better memory and improve brain function. Key words: Centella asiatica; lipidperoxidation (LPO); oxidative stress