Mandukaparni

Description

Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica Linn.) is a common weed found throughout India, particularly in moist regions. It is an annual prostrate herb with a branched tap root and slender creeping stolons that root at the nodes. The stem is weak, herbaceous, fistular, and green. Leaves are simple, arising in clusters from the nodes, long-petioled, stipulate, glabrous, orbicular or reniform, crenate or lobed, and shining, with unicostate reticulate venation. The inflorescence is a simple racemose umbel bearing 3–6 small flowers. Flowers are pedicellate, bracteate, actinomorphic, bisexual, epigynous, regular, and complete, with 5 gamosepalous sepals, 5 free petals, 5 stamens alternating with petals, and a bicarpellary inferior ovary. The fruit is a laterally compressed cremocarp that splits into two mericarps, each containing one seed. Genuine drug samples consist of reniform or orbicular leaves up to 3.5 cm long and 2 cm broad, with crenate or lobulate margins and a broadly cordate base, greenish-brown upper surface, grayish-green lower surface, and palmately veined pattern; they are borne on long wiry petioles, possessing a strong odour and bitter taste. The fresh herb has long, slender, slightly succulent creeping stems. The name “Mandukaparni” is derived from its frog-like leaf shape and creeping growth pattern that resembles the movement of a frog.

Useful Parts

Leaf, whole herb

Benefits

Wound healing: The herb promotes collagen synthesis and the growth of new blood vessels, helping to heal cuts, burns, and other wounds more quickly. It can also increase the skin's tensile strength. Anti-aging: By boosting collagen production, it can improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its antioxidant properties also protect against free radical damage caused by environmental factors like pollution and UV rays. Anti-inflammatory: It effectively calms and reduces inflammation, redness, and irritation. This makes it beneficial for managing conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Acne treatment: Its antimicrobial properties help fight acne-causing bacteria, while its soothing effects can reduce inflammation and prevent scarring and hyperpigmentation. Skin barrier repair: By strengthening the skin's protective barrier, C. asiatica helps it retain moisture and protects against damage. Hydration: It contains humectant properties that attract and hold moisture, keeping skin hydrated, soft, and supple. Memory and cognitive function: Studies have shown that extracts of C. asiatica can improve memory and executive function, particularly in aged subjects. Neuroprotection: It helps protect against neurodegeneration and cognitive decline by combating oxidative stress and inflammation. Antioxidant activity: The herb's strong antioxidant properties can reduce oxidative stress in the brain. Anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects: Pre-clinical studies suggest that some of its active compounds may have anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects

Pharmacological Action

Cardiotonic Antidysentric Diuretic Memory enhancer Anti-inflammatory CNS depressant Sedative Hypotensive Hepatoprotective

Rasapancakam

Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya, Madhura

Guna: Laghu, Sara

Virya: Sita

Vipaka: Madhura

Dosha Karma: Tridosha shamaka