Centella asiatica Linn.(Bua Bok)

Medicinal Plants in Thailand.

Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urban
APIACEAE
Asiatic Pennywort, Tiger Herbal
Thai name : Bua Bok

Perennial creeping herb. Leaf simple, alternate, kidney-shaped, 2-5 cm in diameter. Inflorescence in axillary umbel; flowers small, violet. Fruit dry, dehiscent.
Fresh leaf: treatment of sore throat, thirst; antipy­retic, diuretic, antidiarrheal; externally used for burns and wounds. Preparation: grind 1 handful of well-cleaned fresh leaves with small amount of water, put on the affected area or squeeze and use only watery juice. Active constituents are madecassic acid, asiatic acid and asiaticoside, which are astringent and stimulate tissue repairmen! at affected area, lower the probability of keloid formation, inhibits growth of Staphylococcus spp., possess antifungal activity against tinea versicolor and reduce inflammation. Commercialized product as anti-inflammatory cream for surgical wounds.


By: Medicinal Plants in Thailand
Volume 1