Leaves: Centella Asiatica Extract

Question 1

What is CICA?

Answer 1

• colloquial term for herb centella asiatica, popular ingredient in skincare
• known as gotu kola, indian pennywort, tiger grass
• used as culinary vegetable and medicinal herb to treat small wounds, scratches, burns, scars and eczema
• rich source of natural bioactive substances used in cosmetics

Question 2

What are the key bioactives in CICA and what are their key benefits?

Answer 2

• contains triterpene compounds: asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid
• antioxidant
• anti-inflammatory
• anti-aging
• targets cellulite
• anti-acne

Question 3

How does CICA fight inflammation?

Answer 3

• anti-inflammatory properties related to its saponins, i.e. asiaticoside
• research shows that asiaticoside inhibits proinflammatory cytokines
• reduces inflammation in skin

Question 4

How does CICA fight eczema / skin sensitivity?

Answer 4

• calming effect
• reduces sensitivity to irritants
• reduced skin redness
• improves skin barrier function: decreased TEWL/ pH

Question 5

How does CICA fight acne?

Answer 5

study shows madecassoside reduced inflammation in human skin cells stimulated with P. acnes bacterium

Question 6

How does CICA fight aging / wrinkles?

Answer 6

• study involving 27 women applying asiaticoside cream to one eye, and a control cream to the other eye twice a day for 12 weeks
• significant improvement in wrinkle depth in asiaticocide cream group compared to control group
• reduce eye wrinkles
• asiaticoside can induce type I collagen synthesis