Centella asiatica - Pokok Pegaga

Centella asiatica - Pokok Pegaga
Pegaga botanical name Centella asiatica is a tender creeping perennial herb of South Asia and Southeast Asia. It is also found in Madagascar and the southeastern United States. Centella asiatica has been utilized as a medicine since prehistoric times in India. Fresh extracts of the plant seem to have been used for medicinal purposes by the people of Malay Peninsular for many years as both typical and internal agents for healing of wounds and relief from leprosy.

Other name for Pegaga is gotu kola. Gotu kola contains a variety of organic acids, triterpenes and flavonoids. It also contains and essential oil with an unidentified terpene acetate.

Centella asiatica is employed in many cultures in Asia. Malay beliefs and use for healing many skin afflictions, including burns, wounds and ulcers. It too reduces the formation of scar tissue and prevents cellulite from forming.

It also helps to prevent varicose veins and reduce high blood pressure. The clinical studies show that Centella asiatica strengthens the veins and capillaries and improves the flow of blood. Malay is also belief that Centella asiatica can give longevity.
Centella asiatica - Pokok Daun Pegaga