Compound Monograph
Madecassic Acid
Madecassic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid acid and one of the active constituents of gotu kola (Centella asiatica).
Classification
Madecassic Acid is a triterpenoid (ursane-type acid), 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)
Madecassic Acid is a naturally occurring triterpenoid (ursane-type acid), found in Gotu kola. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Madecassic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid acid and one of the characteristic constituents of gotu kola (Centella asiatica), alongside asiatic acid, asiaticoside and madecassoside. These triterpenes are the compounds most associated with gotu kola’s traditional use for wound healing and skin conditions, and standardised Centella extracts containing them have been studied for effects on connective tissue and microcirculation. Most of the evidence concerns the extract or the triterpene fraction as a whole rather than madecassic acid in isolation.
Toxicity & Safety
As a constituent of a herb with extensive traditional and topical use, madecassic acid is generally regarded as low in toxicity at the levels found in Centella preparations. Its isolated safety profile has not been characterised in detail.