| Botanical Name |
Centella
asiatica |
|
| Common Name |
English:
Indian penny wort |
| Family |
Umbelliferae
(Apiaceae) |
| Parts Used |
Leaves |
| Medicinal Property |
A rejuvenating, diuretic herb
that clears toxins, reduces inflammation and fever, improves healing and
immunity, has a balancing effect on the nervous system. Internally used
for treating wounds, chronic skin conditions (including leprosy), venereal
diseases, malaria, and varicose.
|
| Chemistry |
Leaves contain asiaticoside
|
| Description |
A slender herbaceous creeping
perennial with rooted nodes and long internodes; leaves simple with
elongated petioles and sheathing leaf bases; flowers pink, almost sessile,
3-4 in fascicled umbels; fruits laterally compressed with two mericarpus
having 7-9 sub similar ridges.
|
| Distribution |
Throughout
India on moist soil, especially along bunds and canals. |
| Economics |
Used as a memory enhancer in Ayurvedic
preparations. Extracts are added to cosmetic. |
| Warning |
|
|
