Centella Asiatica

Centella asiatica is a wild plants that normally grow in plantations, the road, embankment or on the farm fields rather wet. This plant is commonly found in red and green. In Indonesia, this plant is also often referred to as Pegagan, daun Kaki Kuda and Antanan.

“Centella asiatica is a kind of herb or spice plant with many benefits,” said researcher of medicinal plants from the Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB), Prof. Dr. Ir Latifah K Darusman MS.

That said, the herbal plants growing in Indonesia is widely used for health care for local residents. “It’s a lot of people who know that this herb can be used in addition to cooking, also for health,” said Latifah, who also serves as head of IPB Biofarmaka Study Center.

Efficacy of Centella asiatica

Empirically, commonly used as a tonic, anti-infective, antirematik, tranquilizers, accelerate wound healing, and diuretics. Various studies have been done to support the empirical benefits.

For example, referring to research Centella asiatica as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, or to improve memory (central nervous system), eczema (an open wound), and hepatitis. It relates to the content of Centella asiatica owned compounds, namely asiaticiside, thankuniside, medecassoside, brahmoside, brahminoside, madastic acid, vitamins B1, B2, and B6.

From various studies in vitro of Centella asiatica found its ability to destroy the bacteria that cause infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherechia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and the like. While in the form of infusion or extract ethanol, this plant is believed to inhibit bacterial growth.

Laorpuksa A. and his colleagues in the study in 1988 proved, can estrak Centella asiatica water against bacteria that cause respiratory infections. Meanwhile, Herbert D. and friends of the Tuberculosis Research Center in India to try the effect of Centella asiatica on tuberculosis H37Rv bacteria in vitro. Result, the indirect effect of Centella asiatica on tuberculosis bacteria. However, Herbert recommends further research on active compounds asiaticoside.

Feeling Herbert proven true. Based on further research, the active compound named Mycobakterium that was able to against tuberculosis and Bacillus leprae (Oliver-Bever, 1986). Subsequent research carried out Walter H. Lewis also states, including Centella asiatica plant groups that produce substances such as antibiotics and asiaticoside.

Efficacy Test Centella asiatica

Efficacy of Centella asiatica has also been tested by Boeteau P. and friends, who menginokulasi animal experiment with guinea pig tuberculosis bacillus bacteria for 15 days. Injection of 0.5 ml of 4% asiaticoside given to hamsters, is proven to reduce the number of tuberkular lesions in the lungs, liver, and spleen. Centella asiatica asiaticoside compounds made not only inhibits the growth of TB bacteria, but also potentially as imunomodulator – immune enhancers.

Empirically, the use of Centella asiatica to eradicate lung tuberculosis can be performed based on the following recipe. Wash 30 to 60 g fresh Centella asiatica, then boiled in 3 cups of water until the remaining 1 cup, and drink 3 times a day. For TB skin, mash Centella asiatica, and stick to the affected part.

Reference: Khasiat Pegagan, dari penumpas TBC sampai peningkat daya ingat. www.depkes.go.id