Prof (Dr.) Vikas Sharma, Komal Sudan
Centella asiatica, commonly known as thalkudi, gotu kola, or Indian Pennywort, is a member of the Apiaceae family. This herb is predominantly used for treating skin conditions, promoting wound healing, and rejuvenating nerve and brain cells, which is why it is often referred to as a “Brain food” in India. Centella asiatica thrives in various tropical and subtropical regions across India, up to altitudes of 600 m. Its distribution extends throughout South East Asia, Sri Lanka, China, the Western South Sea Islands, Madagascar, South Africa, the USA, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, and other parts of South America. Thalkudi is recognized as a potent herb with diverse health benefits, supported by scientific evidence highlighting its neuroprotective properties and its role in enhancing brain function. The leaves of the thalkudi plant are beneficial for digestive issues and possess anti-ulcer and anti-diarrheal benefits. Additionally, it is rich in vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, niacin, carotene, and vitamin A, along with essential minerals such as chloride, sulfate, phosphate, iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium.
In traditional Chinese medicine, thalkudi is associated with brain health and is used for its anti-stress and anti-depressant qualities. It is known to invigorate the brain, fortifying the central nervous system, while the micronutrients in the extract may slow aging of the brain, improve concentration, and rejuvenate cognitive function. Historically, it has been utilized for a range of ailments, including rheumatism, inflammation, syphilis, mental disorders, epilepsy, hysteria, dehydration, and diarrhea. Potential therapeutic applications of Centella include the treatment of open wounds, burns, psoriasis, scleroderma, reduction of keloid and hypertrophic scar tissue, cellulite management, and combating photoaging.
Within traditional medicine, thalkudi is valued for asiaticoside, a glycoside extracted from the plant, used in treating leprosy and tuberculosis. Centella asiatica is naturally rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and carbohydrates, indicating its ability to alleviate skin dryness and provide anti-aging benefits. Some traditional applications of gotu kola include treating fatigue and anxiety, venereal diseases, menstrual irregularities, and it has been used to slow leprosy’s progression, thereby extending life. Research suggests that thalkudi ointments may be effective in reducing scar formation and managing psoriasis, along with possibly preventing stretch marks during pregnancy.
As an antipyretic and analgesic, it has also been used across various medicinal systems for treating cholera, measles, jaundice, leukorrhea, hematemesis, hepatitis, urethritis, toothache, smallpox, neuralgia, and varices, among others. Centella is well-documented for its ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological effects, targeting numerous health issues due to the active chemicals it contains. The therapeutic properties of thalkudi can potentially address several conditions, including epilepsy, aging, neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, cardiac problems, respiratory illnesses, and more. This herb is an integral component of Ayurvedic medicine.
