From traditional healing to contemporary therapeutics: phytochemistry, pharmacology, and herbal formulations of centella asiatica

Centella asiatica is a herbaceous plant of the Apiaceae family has been extensively used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a wide range of illnesses. C. asiatica shows many pharmacological effects, such as antibacterial, anticancer, wound healing, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties. Phytochemicals like triterpenes and their glycosides, such as triterpenoid saponins, triterpene acids, and triterpenoid steroids, are the primary constituents of C. asiatica. Because of its many health advantages, C. asiatica is currently sold as an oral supplement and a cosmetic ingredient. The current review discusses the pharmacological properties of bioactive substances and the phytochemical analysis of plant extracts based on the literature to comprehend the mechanisms underlying the compounds' therapeutic potential. The article also describes the formulations of pharmaceutical products, their traditional uses, interactions, safety issues. This review critically evaluates current evidence and highlights research gaps and future potential applications in medicine.