Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Centella asiatica contains triterpenoid saponins including asiaticoside and madecassoside that enhance neuronal growth and collagen synthesis. These compounds cross the blood-brain barrier to stimulate nerve growth factor production while strengthening vascular integrity.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Pegagan, known scientifically as Centella asiatica, is a perennial plant native to wetlands in Asia. It is commonly found in Indonesia and is a staple in the traditional Indonesian medicine system known as Jamu. The plant is harvested for its leaves, which are used in various forms such as teas, extracts, and topical applications.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Centella asiatica has been the subject of various scientific studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, which suggest potential benefits for cognitive function and wound healing. However, more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Pegagan is a low-calorie herb with modest macronutrient content: approximately 2-3g protein, 1-2g fat, and 6-8g carbohydrates per 100g fresh weight, with roughly 2g dietary fiber. Key micronutrients include Vitamin C (~30mg/100g), Vitamin B1 (thiamine ~0.15mg/100g), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin ~0.18mg/100g), calcium (~170mg/100g), phosphorus (~30mg/100g), and iron (~5.6mg/100g). The primary bioactive compounds are triterpenoid saponins — asiaticoside (~1-8% dry weight), madecassoside (~1-3%), asiatic acid, and madecassic acid — which are responsible for most therapeutic effects. Phenolic compounds include quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin at trace concentrations (~0.1-0.5mg/g dry weight). Volatile oils including β-caryophyllene and trans-β-farnesene are present in small amounts (~0.3% essential oil yield). Bioavailability note: asiaticoside undergoes intestinal hydrolysis to asiatic acid before absorption; lipid co-administration significantly improves triterpenoid bioavailability by 30-40%. Aqueous extracts retain water-soluble glycosides better than ethanol extracts for madecassoside.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Centella asiatica's primary bioactives asiaticoside, madecassoside, and asiatic acid modulate GABA neurotransmission to reduce anxiety while stimulating nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. These compounds also activate collagen synthesis pathways by increasing hydroxyproline content in fibroblasts. The triterpenoids enhance nitric oxide production for improved circulation while reducing inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1β.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Human studies using 250-500mg daily doses show 15-20% improvements in cognitive tests measuring memory and attention within 2 months. A 6-week randomized trial (n=40) found significant reductions in anxiety scores compared to placebo. Topical formulations containing 1% centella extract demonstrated 25% faster wound healing in controlled studies. However, most research involves small sample sizes and short durations, requiring larger long-term trials for definitive efficacy confirmation.
Also Known As
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