Centella Asiatica, more commonly known as Gotu Kola, is a tropical plant commonly found throughout Southeast Asia and South Africa. It is a prolific plant that grows in damp, shady locations along waterways or in swampy environments. This plant has been used for centuries in Eastern skincare products and offers powerful antioxidant properties while also supplying essential amino acids.
The uses of Centella Asiatic extract include the treatment of common skin conditions, including skin inflammation, eczema, and age-related skin damage. The compounds in the herb help to hydrate and soothe the skin and to rebuild or rejuvenate the protective barrier of the skin.
Whilst there are different formulations, the titrated extract of Centella Asiatica in powdered form is the most common for use in pharmaceutical and beauty products.
Producing Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica
To produce a titrated extract of Centella Asiatica (TECA), laboratories follow a specific process that preserves the triterpenic compounds of the plant, which provide the therapeutic benefits of this ingredient.
Once extracted, the TECA is then dehydrated to produce the powdered form. This form is stable and easy to store. There are different grades of TECA with different percentages of the triterpene derivatives. This information should be provided as calculated on a dried basis for increased accuracy for use in formulations.
It is essential to choose a provider of TECA that offers quality control throughout the manufacturing process. The quality control information should include detailed specifications on the TECA, including if the product meets USP standards.
