Product Description
Targeting topical skin-care formulations, skin barrier-repair cosmetic products, and dietary supplements for vein comfort and normal microcirculation support. We supply Centella Asiatica (Whole Herb) Extract in standardised ratios – 10:1 and 20:1 – as well as asiaticoside standardized grades, with 10% and 20% asiaticoside content quantified via validated HPLC testing methods.
Basic Information
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. (Apiaceae) |
| Part Used | Whole Herb (Aerial Parts) |
| Plant Origin | A creeping herb native to humid regions of Asia. Grown widely in southern China (Guangxi, Yunnan, Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang). Also sourced from India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. Both domestic and imported raw material are available. |
| Solvent | Water / food-grade aqueous ethanol |
| Standardisation | Asiaticoside and madecassoside (HPLC); Total triterpenes (UV); Total polyphenols (UV) |
| Specifications | Standardised extract ratios: 10:1, 20:1. Single-compound grades: 10% and 20% asiaticoside (HPLC). High-purity asiaticoside available for reference use. |
| Appearance | Light yellow to brown fine powder; Off-white to beige fine powder |
| Odour | Slight, characteristic herbal odour |
| Taste | Slightly bitter |
| Moisture | ≤ 6.0% (LoD) |
| Ash | ≤ 5.0% (Total ash) |
| Heavy Metals | Pb ≤ 2 ppm; As ≤ 1 ppm; Hg ≤ 0.1 ppm; Cd ≤ 0.3 ppm |
| Residual Solvents | Ethanol ≤ 2,000 ppm (Ph. Eur. 2.4.24) |
| Microbiological | Total aerobic count ≤ 10^3/g; Yeast & mould ≤ 10^2/g; E. coli negative; Salmonella negative |
| Particle Size | 95% pass 80 mesh (180 μm) |
| Shelf Life | 24 months (store below 25°C, protected from light and moisture) |
| Target Market | Cosmetics and personal care (serums, creams, sheet masks), dietary supplements, topical formulations, traditional herbal formulations (China, EU, USA, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia) |
| Core Application Areas | Skin barrier support and soothing; anti-ageing and repair cosmetics; wound-support topical products; vein comfort and microcirculation; traditional cooling and detox formulas |
Product Description
Centella Asiatica Extract (Also known as Gotu Kola Extract, Cica Extract) is obtained from the whole herb of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.
The plant is a creeping herb of the Apiaceae family, grown in humid Asia.
In China it is called Jixuecao. In folk tradition it is also known as Leigonggen.
In Ayurveda it is one of the names behind “Brahmi”. It is a different plant from Bacopa monnieri.
Its characteristic actives are triterpene glycosides: asiaticoside and madecassoside.
The aglycones asiatic acid and madecassic acid are also present.
The herb is listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition).
Centella is a flagship soothing ingredient in Asian skincare, and its INCI name is widely registered.
Active Constituents
The bioactive profile is defined by its triterpenes, supported by polyphenol verification.
Primary Markers
| Compound | CAS | Molecular Formula | Molecular Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asiaticoside | – | C48H78O21 | 959.1 | Triterpene glycoside; main skin-repair marker |
| Madecassoside | – | C48H78O22 | 991.1 | Triterpene glycoside; soothing and barrier support |
| Asiatic acid | – | C30H48O6 | 480.7 | Triterpene aglycone |
| Total polyphenols | – | – | – | Verification indicator (Folin-Ciocalteu) |
COA Standard Specifications
| Item | Specification | Method | Result Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asiaticoside | Varies by grade (10% / 20%) | HPLC | Per specification |
| Madecassoside | Reported per batch | HPLC | Per batch COA |
| Total polyphenols (10:1 / 20:1) | ≥ 5.0% (typical) | Folin-Ciocalteu | Per batch COA |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 6.0% | LoD 105°C | – |
| Total ash | ≤ 5.0% | Char at 600°C | – |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 2 ppm | ICP-MS | – |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1 ppm | ICP-MS | – |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 0.1 ppm | ICP-MS | – |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤ 0.3 ppm | ICP-MS | – |
| Total aerobic count | ≤ 10^3/g | Ph. Eur. 2.6.12 | – |
| Yeast and mould | ≤ 10^2/g | Ph. Eur. 2.6.12 | – |
| E. coli | Negative | Ph. Eur. 2.6.12 | – |
| Salmonella | Negative | Ph. Eur. 2.6.12 | – |
Mechanism of Action
Collagen and Skin Repair
Asiaticoside has been reported to support collagen synthesis in skin cell studies.
Triterpenes influence fibroblast activity and wound-tissue remodelling.
Soothing and Barrier Support
Madecassoside is associated with calming responses in irritated skin models.
This explains Centella’s popularity in barrier-repair cosmetics.
Microcirculation and Vein Tone
Oral Centella preparations have been studied for comfort in heavy, tired legs.
The effect is linked to support of small-vessel function.
Antioxidant Support
Phenolic compounds contribute free-radical scavenging activity.
Traditional and Modern Use
Historical Use
The herb has long been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practice.
Chinese tradition valued it for “clearing damp-heat” and supporting skin recovery.
Folk medicine in Southeast Asia applied fresh leaves to minor wounds.
Modern Applications
Centella is a core soothing ingredient in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese skincare.
Asiaticoside-based tablets are approved medicines in China for skin repair indications.
A 2014 review summarised its cosmetology and dermatology applications.
Regulatory Status
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| China | Pharmacopoeia-listed herb; cosmetic ingredient | Centella asiatica is listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition, Part 1). It is not in the medicine-food homology catalogue. Centella extracts and INCI ingredients are widely registered for cosmetics use. Asiaticoside tablets are approved medicines. |
| European Union | Cosmetic ingredient; food status to check | Centella asiatica extract is a listed cosmetic ingredient. As a food it is not a conventional EU ingredient. Check the EU Novel Food Catalogue (Regulation (EU) 2015/2283) before food marketing. |
| United Kingdom | Cosmetic and supplement ingredient | Used in cosmetics and food supplements. No authorised UK health claim exists. |
| United States (FDA) | DSHEA / cosmetic ingredient | Marketed as a dietary supplement ingredient under DSHEA and used in cosmetics. The FDA has not evaluated specific health claims. |
| Korea / Japan | Cosmetic and traditional use | A recognised skincare ingredient in K-beauty; used in traditional preparations under local rules. |
| India / Southeast Asia | Traditional Ayurvedic herb | Classical Ayurvedic medicinal plant, also consumed as a leaf vegetable in some regions. |
Recommended Usage
Dosage guidance is based on traditional use and commercial practice. For general reference only.
Formulation Guidance by Grade
Cosmetic leave-on products: typical active levels are set by the formulator per safety assessment.
10:1 / 20:1 extract: 400-800 mg per day in oral supplement formulations.
Asiaticoside 10% / 20% grades: 200-400 mg per day for vein-comfort and skin-support blends.
Traditional herb infusion: 3-6 g per day of dried herb.
For oral products, take with meals.
Precautions for Centella Asiatica Extract
At regular doses, Centella Asiatica extract shows good tolerance, but the usage and dosage must be strictly controlled, and contraindicated groups and drug combination risks should be avoided.
Usage Guidelines for Topical Application
Before first use, perform a patch test on the inner arm, and wait 24 hours for no redness or itching before regular application.
Do not apply it directly to large open wounds, to avoid irritating the wound surface and causing discomfort.
People with sensitive skin and thin stratum corneum should prefer low-purity compound formulas to reduce direct irritation from single high-concentration extracts.
Usage Guidelines for Oral Intake
The recommended daily intake for general population is controlled within 200-600mg of standardized extract, do not take excessive doses.
Continuous intake is not recommended to exceed 8 weeks, long-term excessive intake will increase the metabolic burden on liver and kidney.
Take it with meals after eating, which can effectively reduce the irritation of triterpenoid components to gastrointestinal mucosa and lower the probability of nausea and bloating.
Contraindicated and Cautious Groups
People allergic to Centella asiatica triterpenoids are contraindicated, which may cause rash, itching or even dyspnea.
People with deficient cold in spleen and stomach who often have abdominal pain and loose stools should use it with caution. The extract is cold in nature and may easily aggravate the deficient cold discomfort.
Pregnant women, lactating women and infants are not recommended to take it orally on their own, as there is insufficient long-term safety data for support.
People with impaired liver and kidney function or receiving chronic disease treatment must consult a doctor for evaluation before use.
Core Drug Combination Contraindications
People taking anticoagulants should not combine it without medical advice, as it may slightly enhance the drug effect and raise bleeding risk.
People taking sedative and hypnotic drugs must consult a doctor first, to avoid superimposed central inhibitory reactions such as drowsiness and fatigue.
Discontinue oral Centella Asiatica extract 2 weeks before surgery, to reduce the potential risk of intraoperative bleeding or post-anesthesia drowsiness.
Why Choose Nutralighting
Need triterpene content you can verify?
Every batch is HPLC-tested for asiaticoside and madecassoside. Method details ship with the COA.
Looking for custom strength grades?
Our R&D group develops tailored ratios and asiaticoside levels beyond 10% and 20%. Contact us to discuss your target.
Seeking samples before production?
We ship samples with batch COA for your pilot testing. Evaluation results guide the final specification together.
References
Bylka W, Znajdek-Awiżeń P, Studzińska-Sroka E, Brzezińska M. (2014). “Centella asiatica in cosmetology and dermatology.” Postepy Higieny i Medycyny Doświadczalnej (Online). 68:49-59. PMID 25098539.
Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, 2020 edition, Part 1: monograph Herba Centellae.
PubChem. “Asiaticoside” and “Madecassoside” compound records. NIH, Bethesda, MD.
European Commission. Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods, and the EU Novel Food Catalogue. EUR-Lex.
Commercial supplier catalogues and COAs (ChemicalBook, 11467, chem960). Centella extract specifications: 10:1, 20:1, 10% and 20% asiaticoside by HPLC.
Yao, Y., et al. Gelatin-polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers loaded with Centella asiatica extract for enhanced dermal wound healing. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, 2022, 33(11): 92. DOI: 10.1007/s10856-022-06712-9.
Mancuso, C., et al. Safety assessment of Centella asiatica-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 2023, 42(Suppl 1): 35S-52S. DOI: 10.1177/10915818221149678.
Kim, M. J., et al. Glucose uptake stimulatory polyacetylenes from adventitious root cultures of Centella asiatica. Journal of Natural Medicines, 2024, 78(2): 345-354. DOI: 10.1007/s11418-023-01789-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer multiple standards including 10% asiaticoside, 20%, 40%, up to 98% asiaticoside, as well as madecassoside 1%-50%. Custom standardization is available based on your formulation needs.
Yes, a full Certificate of Analysis (COA) is provided with every batch. Additional documentation such as MSDS, organic certificates, and Halal/Kosher certificates can be supplied upon request.
Our MOQ is 1 kg for sample orders and 25 kg for bulk orders. Smaller quantities may be discussed on a case-by-case basis.
Absolutely. We offer full OEM/ODM support including custom blending, packaging, and formulation consultation tailored to your product specifications.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Ship in sealed original packaging. For international orders, we offer FOB, CIF, and DDP shipping terms.
Packaging & Shipping
Standard Packaging
- 25 kg cardboard drum with double inner polyethylene bags.
- Custom packaging available (1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg options).
- Food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade packaging compliant with international standards.
Shipping Terms
- Supported Incoterms: FOB, CIF, DDP, EXW.
- Lead time: 7-15 working days after payment confirmation.
- Shipped via express (DHL, FedEx, UPS), air freight, or sea freight depending on order size.
- Sample orders shipped within 3-5 working days.
Shelf Life & Storage
- Store in a cool, dry place below 25°C.
- Keep container tightly sealed when not in use.
- Protect from light, moisture, and strong odors.
- Shelf life: 24 months from date of manufacture under proper storage conditions.
