Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract: A Natural Ally for Fuller Hair
on June 16, 2025

Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract: A Natural Ally for Fuller Hair

Why are more people concerned about hair volume?

Hair follows a natural cycle of:

  • Anagen (growth)
  • Catagen (regression)
  • Telogen (rest)

When the proportion of follicles in anagen decreases and telogen increases, thinning becomes more visible. Supporting a healthier rhythm helps maintain the appearance of volume.

 

Why focus on Centella asiatica?

Also known as Gotu kola, Centella asiatica is a widely studied botanical. Its main compounds are pentacyclic triterpenes:

  • Asiaticoside
  • Madecassoside
  • Asiatic acid
  • Madecassic acid

Across model systems, these triterpenes have demonstrated:

  • Anti-inflammatory activity
  • Antioxidant activity

Together, they provide a biological rationale for potential roles in scalp skin and the follicular micro-environment.

 

Mechanistic evidence: dermal papilla (DP)–focused inductivity

Mechanistic findings were reported using Centella asiatica extracts in cell models (not INCI naming).

In 3D spheroid cultures of human dermal papilla (HDP/DP) cells, titrated Centella asiatica extract (TECA) showed:

  • JAK/STAT pathway inhibition: reduced STAT reporter activity and down-regulation of SOCS1/3;
  • Up-regulation of hair-inductive signature genes: ALP, VCAN, BMP2, and NOG (Noggin);
  • Larger spheroid diameter and higher viability, suggesting enhanced inductive potential of DP cells.

These findings suggest Centella asiatica extract may help modulate signaling and signature genes associated with the growth phase.

 

Animal topical direction: hair length, density, and anagen phase

In a classic shaved-rat model, topical polyherbal formulations containing Centella asiatica were observed to:

  • Increase hair length and density compared to vehicle;
  • Suggest anagen phase prolongation on histology;
  • Use 2% minoxidil as the positive control.

Note: This is preclinical animal evidence with a multi-herb formula—not a human clinical trial of Centella asiatica alone.

 

Daily care tips

  • Consider products formulated with Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract as potential support for the scalp skin and follicle micro-environment, based on cell and animal evidence.
  • Stick to fundamentals: gentle cleansing, avoiding excessive heat or harsh chemical treatments, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
  • Set scientific expectations: current evidence is mechanistic and preclinical; specific human outcomes and usage guidance require further higher-level studies.

 

Conclusion

1. Anchored in its triterpene actives, Centella asiatica demonstrates:

  • STAT pathway inhibition
  • Up-regulation of signature genes
  • Animal model readouts: hair length, density, and anagen support

2. These findings provide mechanistic and preclinical rationale for potential roles in scalp and follicle care.

3. In consumer products, leaf-derived materials appear as Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract (INCI). The evidence summarized above reflects cell and animal models of Centella asiatica.

 

FAQ

Q: Is Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract the same as Centella asiatica?

  • Yes. Both come from the same plant (Centella asiatica, also known as Gotu kola).
  • In scientific literature, Centella asiatica usually refers to the whole plant or standardized extracts.
  • On ingredient lists (INCI naming), it appears as Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, indicating that the extract is derived specifically from the leaves.
  • Both refer to the same botanical source, but the naming reflects different contexts.


References

1. Bae, S., Lee, E. J., Lee, H. J., Park, J. S., & Joo, S. H. (2017). Titrated extract of Centella asiatica increases hair inductive property through inhibition of STAT signaling pathway in three-dimensional spheroid cultured human dermal papilla cells. Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, 81(5), 1007–1014. https://doi.org/10.1080/09168451.2017.1281728

2. Jain, P. K., Khurana, N., Pounikar, Y., Gajbhiye, A., & Jain, S. (2015). Evaluating hair growth potential of some traditional herbs. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research, 8(6), 153–157.

3. Liu, T., Zhang, M., Guo, Y., Guo, L., & Yu, J. (2020). Therapeutic potential of Centella asiatica and its triterpenes: A review. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11, 568032. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.568032

This content is for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.