Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for treating various skin conditions including dermatitis. Modern scientific research has begun to validate some of these traditional uses, particularly due to the plant’s bioactive compounds, such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, and asiatic acid. These triterpenoids have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties in both in vitro and in vivo studies.

Several studies have shown that topical formulations containing gotu kola extracts can improve symptoms associated with dermatitis, such as inflammation, itching, and skin barrier dysfunction. For example, a 2017 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences highlighted Centella asiatica’s potential to modulate inflammatory cytokines and promote collagen synthesis, both of which are relevant to dermatitis management. Clinical trials are limited but promising: small-scale studies show improvement in symptoms of atopic dermatitis and eczema when using creams or ointments with gotu kola extracts, often in combination with other herbal ingredients.

While the evidence is not yet robust enough for universal clinical recommendation (hence a moderate evidence score), the available data, combined with a favorable safety profile in topical use, support the use of gotu kola as a complementary approach for managing dermatitis symptoms. Larger, well-designed human trials are needed for more definitive conclusions.

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