Centella asiatica (Apiaceae) Mandukaparni, Brahmi

Centella asiatica (Indian Pennywort)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Scientific name: Centella asiatica

Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)

Genus: Centella

The Apiaceae family is characterized by aromatic plants often rich in essential oils and flavonoids, making them central to digestive, respiratory, and nervous system health in traditional medicine.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Coriandrum sativum (Coriander, Dhanyaka): A fundamental culinary and medicinal herb in Ayurveda. The seeds and leaves are used as a digestive, carminative, and to balance all three doshas, especially Pitta.

• Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain, Yamani): Highly valued for its potent digestive, carminative, and anti-spasmodic properties, primarily used to relieve Vata and Kapha disorders like bloating and indigestion.

• Anethum graveolens (Dill, Shatapushpa): Used as a digestive stimulant, galactagogue, and to treat respiratory conditions. It is known for its calming effect on the nervous system.

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Centella asiatica | English: Indian Pennywort, Gotu Kola | Sanskrit: Mandukaparni, Brahmi (Note: often confused with Bacopa monnieri, which is the primary 'Brahmi' in North India) | Hindi: Brahmi Manduki, Gotu Kola | Tamil: Vallarai (வல்லாரை) | Telugu: Saraswati Aku | Kannada: Ondelaga | Malayalam: Kudangal | Bengali: Thankuni | Sri Lanka: Gotu Kola | Chinese: Jí Xuě Cǎo (积雪草) | German: Asiatisches Wassernabel

3. Medicinal Uses:Medhya Rasayana (Brain Tonic), Nervine Tonic, Anxiolytic, Wound Healing, Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Venotonic (strengthens veins), Adaptogen, Anti-ulcer, Antipyretic.

Medicinal Parts:

The whole aerial plant (leaves, stems) is used medicinally, both fresh and dried.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Triterpenoid Saponins (Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid): These are the primary active constituents. Their key actions are profound Wound Healing and Cicatrizant (promotes scar tissue formation) by stimulating collagen synthesis and angiogenesis. They also exhibit strong Anti-inflammatory and Venotonic effects, improving capillary integrity and blood flow.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Kaempferol): These provide significant Antioxidant protection, scavenging free radicals and supporting the plant's anti-aging and neuroprotective properties.

Alkaloids (Hydrocotyline): Contribute to the Nervine Tonic and mild Diuretic effects.

Vitamins and Minerals (Vitamin C, Magnesium, Calcium): Support its role as a general nutritive tonic and contribute to tissue repair and nerve function.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Medhya Rasayana (Brain Rejuvenator)

Formulation: Fresh leaf juice, powder (churna), or ghrita (medicated ghee).Preparation & Use: Consuming 1-2 teaspoons of fresh leaf juice or 1-3 grams of powder with warm water/ghee daily is prescribed to enhance memory, intelligence (Dhi), concentration (Dhriti), and mental clarity (Smriti).Reasoning: Its Medhya (brain-enhancing) property is believed to balance all three doshas, especially Vata in the nervous system, and nourish the neuronal tissues.

Vrana Ropana (Wound Healing)

Formulation: Poultice of fresh leaves or paste of the powder.Preparation & Use: Cleaned fresh leaves are crushed into a poultice and applied directly to wounds, ulcers, burns, and leprosy sores. It cleanses the wound and promotes rapid granulation and epithelialization.Reasoning: The triterpenoids stimulate collagen production, increase skin strength, and enhance local blood supply, accelerating all phases of wound healing.

Jvara (Fever) & Raktapitta (Bleeding Disorders)

Formulation: Fresh juice or decoction (kwath).Preparation & Use: The juice or a decoction of the leaves is given to help reduce fevers, especially those with a Pitta component. Its cooling and hemostatic properties are also used for conditions like epistaxis (nosebleeds).Reasoning: Its Sheetavirya (cooling potency) and Raktastambhaka (blood-stabilizing) properties help pacify Pitta and cleanse the blood.

Svasa (Asthma) & Anxiety

Formulation: Powder with honey or milk.Preparation & Use: The powder is mixed with honey and given to relieve dyspnea and anxious breathing related to Vata and Kapha. Its calming effect is used for generalized anxiety and insomnia.Reasoning: It helps clear excess Kapha from the lungs while its Vata-pacifying and Sattva-promoting qualities calm the mind.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

Mandukaparni Mental Clarity Juice

Purpose: To boost memory, concentration, and alleviate anxiety.Preparation & Use:

• Take a handful of fresh, clean Vallarai leaves.

• Blend with ½ cup of water and strain.

• Mix 1-2 teaspoons of this juice with 1 teaspoon of honey. Consume every morning on an empty stomach.

Brahmi Ghrita (Medicated Ghee) for Cognition

Purpose: A classic rasayana preparation for nourishing the brain and nervous system.

Preparation & Use: (Simplified home method)

• Gently simmer 1 part Centella powder in 16 parts water and 1 part ghee until only the ghee remains.

• Strain and store.

• Consume ½ to 1 teaspoon daily with warm milk or as directed by a practitioner.

Wound Healing Poultice

Purpose: For minor cuts, abrasions, or insect bites.

Preparation & Use:

• Crush a handful of fresh leaves into a fine paste.

• Apply directly to the cleaned wound and cover with a clean cloth.

• Change twice daily.

Culinary Use – Vallarai Thuvaiyal (Chutney)

Purpose: A tasty way to incorporate the herb daily.

Preparation & Use:

• Blend fresh Vallarai leaves with grated coconut, tamarind, green chili, salt, and a tempering of mustard seeds and urad dal.

• Serve with rice as a side dish. This is a traditional South Indian preparation.

7. Disclaimer

Centella asiatica is generally safe for most adults when used appropriately in food or medicinal amounts. High doses or prolonged use may cause gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, or sedation. Due to its potential sedative effects, caution is advised when operating machinery. It is recommended to avoid during pregnancy unless under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Individuals with a history of liver disease or scheduled for surgery should consult a doctor. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni (Vol. 1)

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita (Classical Texts)

• The Yoga of Herbs by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Bacopa monnieri (Water Hyssop, Brahmi)

• Species: Bacopa monnieri | Family: Plantaginaceae | Genus: Bacopa

• Similarities: Both are premier Medhya Rasayanas (brain tonics) in Ayurveda, used to enhance memory, learning, and cognitive function. They are often used synergistically. While both are called 'Brahmi,' Bacopa is more cooling and heavier, while Centella is lighter and more wound-focused.

2. Convolvulus pluricaulis (Shankhapushpi)

• Species: Convolvulus pluricaulis | Family: Convolvulaceae | Genus: Convolvulus

• Similarities: Another top-tier brain tonic used for intelligence, memory, and as a calming nervine for anxiety and insomnia. Like Centella, it is considered a Sattva-promoting herb that pacifies Vata and Pitta in the mind.

3. Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo)

• Species: Ginkgo biloba | Family: Ginkgoaceae | Genus: Ginkgo

• Similarities: From a modern phytotherapeutic perspective, both Ginkgo and Centella are renowned for improving cerebral blood flow and cognitive function. Both are used to support memory in aging and possess strong antioxidant properties for neurological health.

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