1. A Brief Description of Indian Pennywort and Its Global
Distribution
Indian Pennywort, which scientific name is Centella asiatica, also called a "miracle herb,"
is a tiny, herbaceous, perennial plant of the family Apiaceae. The frost-tender
plant has slender, creeper that are green to reddish-green,
uniting individual plants. Its leaves are fan-shaped, long-stalked, and green
with palmately netted veins and smooth textures. The plant has small, pinkish
to white flowers in rounded umbels close to the ground and small, oval fruits. Indian Pennywort grows in wet, swampy conditions and is therefore suited to
wetlands and tropical or subtropical habitats. Indian Pennywort has a
pan-tropical distribution worldwide, naturally occurring in areas of Asia
(India, Sri Lanka, China, Indonesia, Malaysia), Africa (South Africa,
Madagascar), Australia, and portions of Oceania. It is also native to the
southeastern United States, Central America, South America, and Pacific
islands. The ability of the plant to thrive in varied conditions, ranging from
rice paddies to rocky hilltops, to a height of 1,800 meters in India makes it
common. Its commonality has rendered it a basal part of food and medicine in
cross-cultural use
2. Scientific Name and Vernacular Names
Scientific Name: Centella
asiatica (L.) Urb. (Family- Family: Apiaceae)
English Names: Indian Pennywort;
Spade leaf; Gotu Kola
Sanskrit Names: मण्डूकपर्णी (Mandukaparni);
मण्डूकी (Manduki); सरस्वती (Sarasvati);
भाण्डि (Bhandi; भण्डीरी;
(Bhandiri); भेकी (Bheki)
Indian Language Names
Assamese: বৰ মানিমুনি (Bar Manimuni)
Bengali: থানকুনি (Thankuni), ব্রাহ্মী (Brahmi)
Gujarati: બ્રાહ્મી (Brahmi), ખડબ્રાહ્મી (Khadbrahmi)
Hindi : ब्राह्मी (Brahmi), मण्डूकपर्णी (Mandukaparni), भेकी (Bheki)
Kannada: ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಿ ಸೊಪ್ಪು (Brahmi Soppu), ಒಂದೆಲಗ (Ondelaga)
Konkani: एकपानी (Ekpani), उंदरी (Umdri)
Malayalam: കുടകം (Kutakam), മുത്തിൾ (Muththil), കൊടങ്ങല് (Kodangal)
Manipuri : ꯄꯦꯔꯨꯛ (Peruk)
Marathi: ब्राह्मी (Brahmi), एकपानी (Ekpani), कारिवणा (Karivana)
Mizo: Hnah-bial,
Lambak
Nepali: ब्रह्मबुटि (Brahmabuti), घोड टाप्रे (Ghod Tapre)
Odia: ମଣ୍ଡୂକପର୍ଣ୍ଣୀ (Mandukaparnni), ସରସ୍ବ
Tamil: வல்லாரை (Vallarai),
பிண்டீரி (Pintiri), கசப்பி (Kacappi)
Telugu: మండూకపర్ణి (Mandukaparni),
సరస్వతీ ఆకు (Sarasvati
Aku)
3. Centella asiatica in Ayurveda and Indian Ancient
Manuscripts
Centella asiatica has a sacred position in Indian
traditional medicine, especially Ayurveda, as a "Medhya Rasayana", a
herb that is supposed to improve intellect, memory, and longevity. Ancient
Ayurvedic manuscripts, like the
"Sushruta Samhita" and "Charaka Samhita", refer to a
plant known as "Mandukaparni," which is commonly thought to be
Centella asiatica. These texts define it as a powerful herb for rejuvenating
the nervous system, enhancing cognitive abilities, and curing a variety of
diseases. Other Texts: The 'Bhavaprakasha" and "Ashtanga
Hridaya" also record its application for wound healing, relieving anxiety,
and as a general tonic for vigor. Indian Pennywort was historically
administered as a decoction, paste, or eaten fresh as leafy vegetable with
curries or salads, particularly in Assam and West Bengal. Its significance in
Ayurveda speaks volumes about its position as a holistic herb for body and mind
wellness.
4. Medicinal Uses of Indian Pennywort for Human Wellness
Centella asiatica possesses a wide range of medicinal uses,
supported by traditional knowledge as well as scientific evidence. The
following is a comprehensive summary of its traditional uses, suggested doses,
duration, and limitations for individual conditions:
4.1. Neurological & Cognitive Disorders
Anxiety and Stress
Use: Historically used as a psychotropic drug to reduce
anxiety : Form: Powdered whole plant ; Dosage: 0.5-1 gram per day ; Duration: 6
weeks; Precautions: Observe for sedation signs; refer to a healthcare
practitioner if symptoms continue.
4.2. Memory Enhancement and Cognitive Function :
Use: Improves cognitive and memory functions;; Form: Leaf
powder with milk ; Dosage: 0.5-1 gram daily ; Duration: Up to 12 months;
Precautions: It should be monitored for long-term use by a medical
practitioner.
4.3. Skin diseases:
Eczema and Psoriasis ; Use: Treats chronic skin conditions ;
Form: Leaf juice or powder ; Dosage: 1-2 teaspoons of juice daily or apply
powder topically; Duration: Until symptoms improve; Precautions: Perform a
patch test before topical application to check for allergic reactions.
4.4. Wound Healing and Ulcers
Use: Facilitates healing of chronic wounds and ulcers ;
Form: Fresh leaf paste; Dosage: Apply on affected area twice a day ;Duration:
Until healing is noticed; Precautions: Clean the area before applying to avoid
infection.
4.5.Reproductive Health
Female Infertility: Use: Conventionally used to treat female sterility; Form:
Powdered combination of Centella asiatica with sugar candy;
Dosage: 2-3 grams twice a day with cow's milk; Duration: 3 consecutive days after
menses; Precautions: Not advisable for women with dysmenorrhea, leukorrhea, or
obesity.
4.6. Elephantiasis
Use: Relieves swelling of elephantiasis ; Form: Fresh leaf
juice or poultice ; Dosage: Apply to the affected areas once daily; Duration:
Until such time as improvement is observed; Precautions: Apply under medical
supervision.
4.7 Other Health Conditions
Dysentery in Children : Use: Treats initial stages of
dysentery; Form: Leaves consumed with cumin and sugar; paste on the navel ;
Dosage: 3–4 leaves/dose ; Duration: Until they are cured; Precautions:
4.8. Constipation
Use: Alleviates constipation; Form: Taken along with food
(e.g., in soups or chapatis) ; Dosage: Add to daily diet; Duration: As
required. Precautions: Observe for any undesirable digestive side effects.
5.⚠️ General Precautions
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Avoid due to possible dangers.
Liver Disorders: Use cautiously; possible hepatotoxicity.
Drug Interactions: Can interact with drugs metabolized by
the liver.
Duration of Administration: Maximum recommended dose of 6
weeks followed by a break of 2 weeks before re-dosing.
6. Phytochemicals Present in Centella asiatica and Their
Effects
Centella asiatica contains abundant bioactive components,
notably triterpenoid saponins, that contribute to its drug action. As many as
124 chemical substances have been identified, with the following being of
greatest importance:
Asiaticoside : It
enhances wound repair, collagen biosynthesis, and neuroprotection.
Madecassoside : Inhibits inflammation, decreases colitis,
and protects the skin.
Asiatic Acid : Antioxidant, neuroprotection, and
anti-diabetic activity.
Madecassic Acid : Prevents anti-colitis, enhances cognitive
activity, and minimizes oxidative stress.
- Brahmoside and Brahmic Acid : Preserve nervous system
health and alleviate anxiety.
Centellose and Centelloside : Prevent antimicrobial and
antioxidant activities.
- Flavonoids : Offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
action.
- Caffeoylquinic Acids : Enhance liver function and minimize
oxidative damage.
Carotenoids and
Vitamins (B, C) : Increase nutritional content and immunity.
All these phytochemicals act synergistically to ensure
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective action,
making Centella asiatica a medicinal herb of multi-potential use
7. Published Research Papers on Centella asiatica
i. Gray, N. E., et al. (2018). "Centella asiatica –
Phytochemistry and mechanisms of neuroprotection and cognitive
enhancement." Phytochemistry Reviews, 17(1), 161–194. Discusses the
phytochemical profile and neurological effects, including Alzheimer's disease
models.
ii. Gohil, K. J., et al. (2010) "Pharmacological Review
on Centella asiatica: A Potential Herbal Cure-all." Indian Journal of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, 72(5), 546-556.Extensive review of pharmacology, clinical trials, and
safety.
iii. Orhan, I. E. (2012). "Centella asiatica (L.)
Urban: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine with Neuroprotective
Potential." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Emphasizes neuroprotective mechanisms and traditional
iii. Chong, N. J., & Aziz, Z. (2013). "A systematic
review of the efficacy of Centella asiatica for improvement of chronic venous
insufficiency." Evidence-Based
Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Assesses clinical trials on venous
health benefits.
5. Shukla, A., et al.
(1999). "In vitro and in vivo wound healing activity of asiaticoside
isolated from "Centella asiatica."
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 65(1), 1–11.
- Illustrates asiaticoside's function in wound healing.
8. Conclusion
Centella asiatica is an extraordinary herb that brings
ancient knowledge and contemporary science together. From its origin in
Ayurvedic literature to its proven advantages in cognition, skin healing, and
heart health, the plant provides a holistic approach to well-being. Its dense
phytochemical content, specifically triterpenoids, forms the foundation for its
adaptability, while wise usage guarantees safety. As studies continue to reveal
its potential, Centella asiatica continues to be a shining example of natural
healing, worthy of inclusion in both ancient and modern medicine.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog post regarding the historical use of medicinal plants is derived from personal experiences over a long period of time and is acquired from authentic online resources. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement of professional medical guidance.
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