# Aindri (Centella asiatica)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/aindri
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 8 / 10
**Category:** Ayurveda
**Also Known As:** Centella asiatica, Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort, Brahmi, Mandukparni, Asiatic Pennywort, Tiger Grass, Thankuni

## Overview

Aindri (Centella asiatica) is an Ayurvedic herb containing triterpenoid saponins like asiaticoside and madecassoside as primary bioactive compounds. These compounds may modulate [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) and [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s, though human clinical evidence remains limited.

## Health Benefits

• No clinical health benefits can be reported - the research dossier lacks human clinical trials or RCTs
• The research focuses only on extraction methods rather than therapeutic outcomes
• Traditional use suggests potential benefits but no evidence quality can be assigned
• Active compounds (asiaticoside, madecassoside) have been identified but not clinically tested
• Further clinical research is needed to establish evidence-based health claims

## Mechanism of Action

Asiaticoside and madecassoside in Aindri may stimulate [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) through enhanced fibroblast proliferation and increased collagen gene expression. These triterpenoid saponins potentially modulate inflammatory responses by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathways and reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production.

## Clinical Summary

Current research on Aindri focuses primarily on extraction methods and compound identification rather than therapeutic outcomes. No high-quality randomized controlled trials in humans have been conducted to validate traditional uses. Available studies are limited to in vitro and animal models, preventing reliable conclusions about clinical efficacy. The evidence quality for human health benefits remains insufficient for definitive therapeutic recommendations.

## Nutritional Profile

Centella asiatica (Aindri) contains a distinct profile of bioactive triterpenoid saponins as its primary constituents, with limited macronutrient significance as it is consumed in medicinal rather than dietary quantities. Key bioactive compounds include: asiaticoside (0.1–8% dry weight), madecassoside (0.3–2.7% dry weight), asiatic acid (0.5–1.5% dry weight), and madecassic acid (0.3–1.0% dry weight). These four pentacyclic triterpenoids collectively referred to as 'total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica (TTFCA)' constitute the pharmacologically active core. Flavonoids present include quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin at trace concentrations (approximately 0.1–0.5% dry weight). Polyacetylene compounds (centellin, centellicin) are identified in minor quantities. The herb contains essential oils (0.1% approximately) including beta-caryophyllene, farnesol, and elemicine. Mineral content includes calcium (~171 mg/100g fresh leaf), potassium (~391 mg/100g), iron (~3.1 mg/100g), and magnesium (~18 mg/100g) based on fresh leaf analysis. Vitamin content includes vitamin C (~48 mg/100g fresh weight), vitamin A precursors (beta-carotene ~6.9 mg/100g), and vitamin B2 (riboflavin ~0.19 mg/100g). Crude fiber constitutes approximately 2.3g/100g fresh weight; protein approximately 2.8g/100g fresh weight; carbohydrates approximately 6.0g/100g fresh weight. Bioavailability note: asiaticoside undergoes hydrolysis in the gut to release asiatic acid, which is the primary absorbed form; lipid-based delivery formulations have been shown in in vitro studies to enhance triterpenoid absorption compared to aqueous extracts. Chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid derivatives are present as minor phenolic contributors.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available in the research dossier. The sources focus on extraction processes without providing therapeutic dosing data or standardization details. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for Aindri supplementation in humans is limited due to lack of clinical trials. Traditional use suggests general tolerability, but potential side effects, optimal dosing, and drug interactions remain undefined. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data. Individuals taking medications should consult healthcare providers before use given unknown interaction potential.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier contains no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for Centella asiatica. All provided sources focus on extraction methodologies and compound identification rather than clinical efficacy or therapeutic outcomes.

## Historical & Cultural Context

While the research mentions Centella asiatica is categorized under Ayurveda where it's known as Aindri, no specific historical context, traditional indications, or duration of use are detailed in the provided sources.

## Synergistic Combinations

Insufficient data - no synergistic ingredients identified in research

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does Aindri help with anxiety or stress?

There is currently no human clinical trial evidence from available research to support Aindri (Centella asiatica) as a treatment for anxiety or stress. While the herb has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine as a nervine tonic, the existing research dossier focuses on extraction methods and compound identification rather than therapeutic outcomes. The active triterpenoids asiaticoside and madecassoside have been identified, but their effects on mood or stress have not been clinically validated. Consult a healthcare provider before using Aindri for mental wellness purposes.

### What are the known side effects of taking Aindri supplements?

Formal safety data from human clinical trials on Aindri (Centella asiatica) supplements is not available in current research. Without robust clinical studies, a comprehensive side effect profile cannot be established. Traditionally, high doses of Centella asiatica preparations have been associated anecdotally with gastrointestinal discomfort and, in rare cases, liver sensitivity. Because no standardised dosing or safety thresholds have been clinically determined for Aindri specifically, individuals with liver conditions, pregnant women, or those on medications should exercise caution and consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.

### Can I take Aindri with other supplements or medications?

No clinical data is currently available to confirm or rule out interactions between Aindri (Centella asiatica) and other supplements or pharmaceutical drugs. The active compounds asiaticoside and madecassoside theoretically modulate inflammatory pathways via NF-κB inhibition, which could potentially interact with anti-inflammatory medications or immunosuppressants. There is also a theoretical concern regarding hepatotoxic combinations. Since no human interaction studies exist in the available research, it is strongly advised to consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist before combining Aindri with any medications or other herbal supplements.

### Is Aindri effective for improving skin collagen and anti-ageing?

Aindri contains asiaticoside and madecassoside, triterpenoid saponins that may stimulate collagen synthesis by enhancing fibroblast proliferation and upregulating collagen gene expression. These mechanisms suggest a plausible role in skin health and anti-ageing. However, the current research on Aindri specifically lacks human clinical trials or randomised controlled trials to confirm these effects in vivo. While the compound-level science is promising, evidence-based claims about Aindri improving skin collagen or reducing visible ageing cannot yet be made. Further clinical research is needed before definitive recommendations can be offered.

### Does Aindri have anti-inflammatory properties?

The active triterpenoid saponins in Aindri, particularly asiaticoside and madecassoside, have been shown in preclinical studies to potentially modulate inflammatory responses by inhibiting NF-κB signalling pathways and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production. These are recognised mechanisms in inflammation management. However, no human clinical trials or RCTs are available in the current research dossier to confirm these anti-inflammatory effects in humans. The preclinical mechanistic evidence is encouraging, but translating laboratory findings to clinical outcomes requires further well-designed human studies before any therapeutic anti-inflammatory claims can be validated.

### What is the difference between Aindri and standardised Centella asiatica extracts sold in Western supplements?

Aindri is the Ayurvedic name for Centella asiatica, so botanically they are the same plant. However, Western supplement products often use standardised extracts specifying a defined percentage of total triterpenoids, asiaticoside, or madecassoside, which allows for more consistent dosing. Aindri preparations in traditional Ayurvedic contexts may be whole-herb powders or decoctions without standardisation. The current research on Aindri focuses on extraction methods and compound identification rather than clinical dosing or standardisation benchmarks. When choosing a supplement, standardised extracts generally offer greater batch-to-batch consistency, though clinical evidence remains limited regardless of the form.

### Is Aindri safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

No human clinical safety data specific to Aindri (Centella asiatica) use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is available in the current research. In the absence of clinical trial evidence establishing safety thresholds or evaluating potential effects on foetal development or milk composition, caution is strongly warranted. Traditional Ayurvedic texts have historically cautioned against unsupervised herbal use during pregnancy. Given the lack of formal evidence and the potential for bioactive triterpenoids to exert biological effects, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should avoid Aindri supplementation unless specifically directed by a qualified healthcare provider.

### How does Aindri support brain or cognitive health?

Aindri (Centella asiatica) has traditionally been regarded in Ayurveda as a medhya rasayana, meaning a herb believed to support cognition and intellect. The proposed mechanism involves the triterpenoid saponins potentially reducing neuroinflammation through NF-κB pathway inhibition and protecting neural tissue. However, the available research dossier for Aindri contains no human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses evaluating cognitive outcomes. While mechanistic hypotheses exist at the preclinical level, there is currently insufficient clinical evidence to make evidence-based claims about Aindri's role in supporting brain or cognitive health. Further clinical investigation is needed.

### What are the active compounds in Aindri?

Aindri contains triterpenoid saponins including asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid. These compounds are considered the primary bioactive constituents responsible for the herb's traditional therapeutic properties.

### How much Aindri should I take daily?

No standardized dosage exists for Aindri due to lack of human clinical trials. Traditional Ayurvedic preparations vary widely in concentration and form. Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider for appropriate dosing guidance.

### Is Aindri the same as Gotu Kola?

Yes, Aindri is the Ayurvedic name for Centella asiatica, commonly known as Gotu Kola in Western herbal medicine. Both refer to the same botanical species with identical active compounds and traditional uses.

### Can Aindri help with wound healing?

Traditional Ayurvedic medicine uses Aindri for wound healing, and its asiaticoside content may stimulate collagen synthesis. However, human clinical trials are lacking, so evidence for wound healing benefits remains limited to traditional use and laboratory studies.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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