Introduction
In Sanskrit texts, this plant was called Brahmi and Mandukaparni.
According to Ainslie the leaves were used for pediatric complaints
in bowel problems, fever and applied externally for blows and
bruises in the Coromandel Coast. In Java, , Brahmi was considered
diuretic and on the Malabar Coast, the plant is one of the remedies
for leprosy. GOTU KOLA (Centella Asiatica) is also a very popular
herb in India for longevity and mental function. It is used
to decrease fatigue and depression, and to stimulate the sex
drive. It energizes the central nervous system, and aids the
circulatory system, soothes and minimizes varicose veins and
helps to minimize scarring. It is also useful in repairing skin
and connective tissues and smoothing out cellulite.
Origin
It found in swampy areas of India, commonly found as a weed
in crop fields and other waste places throughout India up to
an altitude of 600 m.
Chemical
composition / key active constituents
Samples of the Indian plants collected from
different places showed the presence of the following glycosides:
indocentelloside, brahmoside, brahminoside, asiaticoside, thankuniside
and isothankuniside. The corresponding triterpene acids obtained
on hydrolysis of the glycosides are indocentoic, brahmic, asiatic,
thankunic and isothankunic. These acids, except the last two,
are also present in free form in the plant apart from isobrahmic
and betulic acids. The presence of mesoinositol, a new oligosaccharide,
‘centellose’, kaempferol, quercetin and stigmasterol,
have also been reported.
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Pharmacology
The main active ingredients in Brahmi are Bacoside
A and B. Bacoside A assists in release of nitric oxide that allows
the relaxation of the aorta and veins, to allow the blood to flow
more freely through the body. Therefore Brahmi is revered for
strenghtening the immune system, improving vitality and performance
and promoting longevity.
Bacoside B is a protein valued for nourishing
the brain cells, as a result Brahmi improves mental clarity, confidence,
intelligence and memory recall. It has been widely used by students
and older people alike.
Asiaticosides stimulate the reticuloendothelial
system where new blood cells are formed and old ones destroyed,
fatty materials are stored, iron is metabolized, and immune responses
and inflammation occur or begin. The primary mode of action of
Centella appears to be on the various phases of connective tissue
development, which are part of the healing process. Centella also
increases keratinization, the process of building more skin in
areas of infection such as sores and ulcers. Asiaticosides also
stimulate the synthesis of lipids and proteins necessary for healthy
skin. Finally centella strengthens veins by repairing the connective
tissues surrounding veins and decreasing capillary fragility.
Remedies
For
The plant is valued in indigenous medicine for treatment of
leprosy and skin diseases and also to improve memory. A cold
poultice of the fresh herb is used as an external application
in rheumatism, elephantiasis and hydrocele. For treating leprosy
and other skin diseases it is given as an ointment or dusting
powder. Internally it has been valued as a tonic and is used
in bronchitis, asthma, gastric catarahh, leucorrhoea, kidney
troubles, urethritis and dropsy. A decoction of very young shoots
is given for haemorrhoids. It is used for Blood Conditions,
Brain and Nervous System Conditions, Cardiovascular Conditions
Gastrointestinal Conditions, Glandular Conditions, Immune System
Conditions, cough problems, Liver Conditions, Respiratory Tract
Conditions, and Tissue Development.
Dosage
Generally,
everybody can use HCA in the amount of 1000 mg./3 times a day
and about 1
hour before meal.
References:
1.
Phytochemistry, 1978,17:287
2. J.Res.Ayurveda & Siddha 1980, 1,133
3. Sharma, R. et al. (1987) J.Res. Edu. Ind. Med. 1-10
4. Singh, R.H.,Singh, L.J.(1980)J.Res.Ayur.Siddha. 1:133-148
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