Gotu Kola for Skin Health

Research suggests that Centella asiatica, commonly known as gotu kola, may support skin wound healing through several proposed mechanisms, including enhanced collagen production, modulation of inflammatory responses, and antioxidant activity attributed to its active compounds asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid. The available evidence base currently consists of a single 2024 review that synthesized findings from clinical trials examining topical applications, with results generally pointing in a supportive direction for wound healing outcomes such as reduced wound size in conditions including diabetic ulcers and burns. The review also noted that advances in delivery technologies such as hydrogels, nanostructures, and microneedles appear to enhance the plant's effectiveness when applied to skin. That said, the evidence reviewed here is limited to one secondary source, and broader conclusions about gotu kola's role in skin health would benefit from a larger body of independently conducted randomized controlled trials.