Compound Monograph
Asiaticoside
Asiaticoside is a triterpenoid saponin glycoside from gotu kola, one of the herb's principal active constituents.
Classification
Asiaticoside is a triterpenoid saponin (glycoside), 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)
Asiaticoside is a naturally occurring triterpenoid saponin (glycoside), found in Gotu kola. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Asiaticoside is a triterpenoid saponin and one of the principal active glycosides of gotu kola (Centella asiatica); it is the glycoside form related to asiatic acid. It is among the constituents most associated with gotu kola’s traditional use for wound healing and connective-tissue support, and standardised Centella extracts are often characterised by their asiaticoside content. Laboratory work has examined its effects on collagen synthesis and skin repair.
Toxicity & Safety
Asiaticoside is a constituent of gotu kola, a herb with a long record of culinary and medicinal use, and is considered low in toxicity at usual intake levels. Safety considerations generally pertain to the whole herb rather than to the isolated saponin.