Asiaticoside (Ursane Triterpene Saponin · Wound Healing · Collagen · Venous Insufficiency)
| Compound | Asiaticoside |
| Chemical class | Terpenoid — Pentacyclic Triterpene Saponin (Ursane skeleton) |
| CAS | 16830-15-2 |
| Primary source | Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola / Pennywort / Mandukaparni) |
| Key applications | Wound healing, collagen synthesis, cognitive function, anxiety, venous insufficiency |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Typical form | Centella asiatica extract standardised to total triterpenoids (TECA: asiaticoside + madecassoside + asiatic acid + madecassic acid) |
| Buy from Herbuno |
Name origin: From Asiatica (the species epithet of Centella asiatica). Asiaticoside is the primary triterpene saponin of Centella asiatica — a glycoside of asiatic acid (ursane-type triterpenoid). It is the primary standardisation marker and most extensively studied constituent of Gotu Kola, alongside madecassoside. Traditional use: Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola; Mandukaparni in Ayurveda; “brahmi” in some regional Indian traditions — though botanically distinct from Bacopa monnieri Brahmi) has been used for over 3,000 years in Ayurveda, TCM (Ji Xue Cao), and Southeast Asian traditional medicine for wound healing, cognitive enhancement, anti-ageing, venous circulation, and as a general nervine tonic. It is one of the most important plants in Sri Lankan and Indonesian traditional medicine. Research trajectory: Centella asiatica extract (TECA — Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica) has multiple human RCTs and regulatory approval (EU phytomedicine status) for chronic venous insufficiency. Cognitive and anxiolytic applications are supported by additional RCTs. Asiaticoside is the primary bioactive for wound healing (collagen synthesis stimulation) and cognitive effects. Commercial source: Pennywort/Centella asiatica Extract Powder and Gotu Kola Liquid Extract from Herbuno. See sourcing options below.
Evidence for Asiaticoside Applications
Wound healing and collagen synthesis: Asiaticoside and the TECA complex stimulate collagen type I and III synthesis via TGF-β1 pathway activation, promote fibroblast proliferation, and accelerate re-epithelialisation. Human clinical trials of topical TECA for wound healing, post-surgical scar management, and stretch mark reduction show significant improvements versus controls. Topical Centella preparations have European phytomedicine approval for skin wound care. Claim strength: Moderate.
Chronic venous insufficiency: Multiple human RCTs with TECA (60–120 mg/day total triterpenoids orally) demonstrate significant reduction in leg swelling, pain, and heaviness in chronic venous insufficiency. One systematic review confirmed TECA as a phytomedicine for venous insufficiency with comparable efficacy to other botanical venotonics. Claim strength: Moderate.
Cognitive function and anxiolytic: Human RCTs with Centella asiatica extract show improvements in memory, attention, and working memory in healthy adults (Bradwejn et al. 2000; Wattanathorn et al. 2008). Anxiolytic effects via GABA-A modulation and antioxidant neuroprotection are documented. Relevant for stress-cognitive combined supplement positioning. Claim strength: Moderate.
Neuroprotective: Asiaticoside reduces amyloid-beta toxicity in neuronal models, reduces neuroinflammation (NF-κB inhibition), and activates Nrf2. Relevant for cognitive health and neuroprotection formulation positioning. Claim strength: Moderate.
Browse Standardised Extract Powders →
Dosage & Formulator Specification
Venous insufficiency clinical dose: 60–120 mg/day TECA (total triterpenoids) orally, standardised as: asiaticoside 40% + madecassoside 30% + asiatic acid 20% + madecassic acid 10%. This TECA specification is the European phytomedicine standard for Centella asiatica. For cognitive and anxiolytic applications, Centella extract at 250–750 mg/day (standardised to total asiaticoside + madecassoside) is the range from cognitive RCTs. Topical wound healing: 1% TECA cream, applied twice daily.
Pennywort Extract Powder and Gotu Kola Liquid Extract (water-soluble) are commercially available — request HPLC-verified total triterpenoid content and individual asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid percentages on CoA for TECA-equivalent specification. For wound care and venous formulations, the complete TECA quaternity (all four triterpenoids) is clinically important — not just asiaticoside alone.
Frequently Asked Questions — Asiaticoside
Is Gotu Kola the same as Brahmi?
No — though they are often confused. In some Indian regional dialects, “Brahmi” refers to Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola). In Ayurvedic botanical taxonomy, Brahmi specifically refers to Bacopa monnieri (Jalabrahmi) while Centella asiatica is Mandukaparni. They are entirely different plants with different primary bioactives (bacosides vs asiaticoside/madecassoside) and somewhat overlapping but distinct indications. Both are cognitive tonics in Ayurveda, but Bacopa has the stronger memory RCT evidence and Centella has the stronger wound healing and venous insufficiency evidence.
What is TECA and why is it the standard for Centella asiatica?
TECA (Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica) is the standardised preparation that has been used in European phytomedicine research since the 1970s. It comprises a defined ratio of the four principal Centella triterpenoids: asiaticoside (40%), madecassoside (30%), asiatic acid (20%), and madecassic acid (10%). This specific combination has been shown to have superior wound healing activity compared to individual components, and the clinical trial evidence base for TECA is more extensive than for isolated asiaticoside. TECA is the preferred specification for serious venous and wound healing formulations.
Can Centella asiatica extract be used in a skincare formulation?
Yes — this is one of the most commercially established applications. “Cica” (from Centella asiatica) is a dominant trend in Korean skincare (K-beauty) for skin repair, soothing, and anti-inflammatory applications. Topical Centella preparations are backed by clinical evidence for wound healing and scar reduction. In cosmetic formulations, Centella extract at 0.5–5% in the finished product delivers relevant triterpenoid activity. Asiaticoside stimulates collagen synthesis; madecassoside is the primary anti-inflammatory constituent for skin soothing.
Is Centella asiatica safe during pregnancy?
Centella asiatica has traditionally been used during pregnancy in some Asian traditions, but modern clinical guidance recommends caution. Some animal data suggest potential uterotonic effects at high doses. Standard pregnancy and breastfeeding advisory language applies — topical use at normal cosmetic concentrations is generally considered lower risk than high-dose oral supplementation. Consult healthcare provider before use during pregnancy.
Related compounds: Madecassoside, Centelloside, Bacoside A, Ursolic Acid
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.
← HerbIQ Compound Index · HerbIQ P02: Extraction · HerbIQ P03: Delivery