Centella asiatica in Modern Medicine: Phytochemistry, Therapeutic Mechanisms, and Advances in Formulations

Abstract

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, a perennial herb widely utilized in traditional medicine across Asia, Africa and the Pacific, has emerged as a pharmacologically significant plant with broad therapeutic potential, particularly in wound healing. This review consolidates current advances in botanical characterization, cultivation practices and phytochemical profiling, with a focus on pentacyclic triterpenoids such as asiaticoside, madecassoside and their corresponding aglycones as the primary bioactive constituents. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that C. asiatica promotes collagen synthesis, angiogenesis and immunomodulation, largely mediated via TGF-β/Smad, VEGF and pro-inflammatory cytokine pathways. Clinical evidence substantiates its efficacy in accelerating wound closure, enhancing tissue regeneration and minimizing scarring, with a favourable safety profile. Furthermore, novel formulation strategies—including nanoemulsions, hydrogels and electrospun scaffolds—have been developed to improve bioavailability and therapeutic outcomes. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in standardization of extracts, optimization of pharmacokinetics and regulatory harmonization. This review highlights the importance of developing standardized phytopharmaceutical formulations, scalable delivery platforms, and robust multicenter clinical trials to firmly validate the therapeutic potential of C. asiatica in wound healing and other medical applications.

This review examines the phytochemical composition, pharmacological effects, and clinical significance of Centella asiatica, focussing particularly on its contribution to wound healing and the most recent formulation strategies.