Compound Monograph
Asiatic acid
Asiatic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid found in gotu kola, one of the herb's characteristic active constituents.
Classification
Asiatic acid is a triterpenoid (pentacyclic), part of the terpenoids class. The largest class of plant compounds, built from five-carbon isoprene units — the essential-oil aromatics, resins, bitter principles, saponins, and plant sterols.
Where Does It Come From? (1)
Asiatic acid is a naturally occurring triterpenoid (pentacyclic), found in Gotu kola. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Asiatic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid and one of the signature constituents of gotu kola (Centella asiatica), occurring alongside the related triterpene madecassic acid and the glycoside asiaticoside. These triterpenes are the compounds usually credited with gotu kola’s traditional reputation for supporting wound healing and skin and connective-tissue health, and asiatic acid has been studied in the laboratory for effects on collagen and inflammation.
Toxicity & Safety
As a constituent of gotu kola, a herb with a long history of food and medicinal use, asiatic acid is regarded as low in toxicity at the levels supplied by normal use. The main practical cautions relate to the whole herb rather than the isolated compound.