An article in The Star 29/7/07 features the herb, Pegaga:-

General:

·         This simple herb plays a significant position in Ayurvedic medicine. 

·         CENTELLA asiatica (also known as Gotu Kola, Pegaga, and Mandukaparni) is a perennial, herbaceous creeper with kidney-shaped leaves found in India,Sri Lanka, Madagascar,South Africa, Australia, China and Japan.

  

·         Centella has been used for centuries in both traditional Indian and Chinese systems of medicine. Its ability to heal wounds, improve mental clarity, and treat skin conditions were important reasons for its extensive use. It also has a reputation for boosting mental activity and for helping a variety of systemic illnesses, such as high blood pressure, rheumatism, fever, and nervous disorders.

  ·         In shallow water, the plant puts forth floating roots and the leaves rest on top of the water. In dry locations, it puts out numerous small roots and the leaves are small, thin, smooth and fan-shaped. It prefers to grow in shady, moist, or marshy areas such as paddy fields, grass areas and riverbanks. Although usually collected from wild, Centella can be cultivated from seed.  

How it is normally used in Malaysia:

·         In Malaysia, Centella, the Malays commonly consumed it as a vegetable or ulam. The leaves are consumed either raw or cooked.

·         It is also blended into a drink and used as a cooling drink. Some use this herb as a brain tonic.

·         The various other uses of this herb in local herbal lore include the decoction of the leaves used to treat rheumatism and leprosy, and the infusion of the leaves used to relieve minor dysentery in children.

·         It is also recommended for mothers during confinement (for preserving youthfulness). 

Pegaga plays the following significant role In Ayurvedic medicine:

·         In Ayurveda, Centella asiatica is called Mandukaparni.

 ·         It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for the purposes of :

·         boosting memory, increasing concentration and alertness,

·         wound healing,

 ·         mild diuresis,

·         anti-anxiety, and

·         anti-stress.

·         It has also been used for centuries in the treatment of liver and kidney problems.   

The many uses of Pegaga or Mandukaparni in Ayurvedic medicine: (a) Mandukaparni for mental health 

Possess antiepileptic, cognitive-enhancing and antioxidant properties. Cognitive impairment in epileptics may be a consequence of the disease process as well as antiepileptic medication.   Experimental study findings suggest the potential of Mandukaparni as an adjuvant to antiepileptic drugs, with the added advantage of preventing cognitive impairment.   Mandukaparni and its formulations are used as a brain tonic in Ayurvedic medicine. It helps to improve memory, and increase concentration and intellectual ability in children. Studies on Mandukaparni have proven that it increases the intelligence quotient in mentally retarded children.   A clinical trial, conducted on 30 mentally retarded children who were free from epilepsy and other neurological conditions, showed significant improvements in both general ability and behavioral patterns when the drug was administered for a short period of 12 weeks. The plant also possesses sedative and antidepressant activity.   

(b) Mandukaparni for wound healing 

Several scientific reports have documented Mandukaparni’s ability to aid wound healing. Experimental studies have shown that asiaticoside, an active principle derived from Mandukaparni, exhibits significant wound healing activity in oral as well as topical applications. Wounds treated with Mandukaparni extracts were found to epithelialise (grow new skin) faster and also the rate of wound contraction was significantly increased.

It also has healing effects on radiation injuries and reactions caused by radiotherapy.    

( c ) Mandukaparni for heart care

Mandukaparni has protective actions on the heart. It restores normalcy of heart in cases of myocardial injury.      

(d) Mandukaparni for gastric ulcers 

Mandukaparni is effective in healing gastric ulcers. It acts by strengthening gastric mucosa and reducing the damaging effects of free radicals.   Studies conducted to evaluate the anti-ulcerogenic activity of Mandukaparni show that the ulcer-protective effect may be due to strengthening of the mucosal defensive factors. The anti-inflammatory activity of Mandukaparni is also responsible for facilitating ulcer healing.    

(e) Mandukaparni for nerve protection 

In Ayurveda, Mandukaparni is one of the chief herbs used for revitalising the nerves and brain cells. Components in Mandukaparni are useful for accelerating repair of damaged neurons. It brings about rapid functional recovery and increased regeneration following nerve damage.   Mandukaparni also protects the brain against age-related oxidative damage on account of its neuro-protective effect and potent antioxidant action.    

(f) Mandukaparni for haemorrhoids and varicose veins 

Haemorrhoids and varicose veins are associated with loss of vascular integrity. Mandukaparni can help prevent and correct venous insufficiency.  In a comparative clinical trial with a placebo, the Mandukaparni extract was found to improve venous disorders of the lower limbs. It enhances blood flow, improves vascular tone, and strengthens the connective tissue.   Studies suggest that oral supplementation with Mandukaparni may prevent time-consuming, painful, and expensive complications of varicose veins and haemorrhoids. In indigenous medicine, a decoction of very young shoots is given for haemorrhoids.  Mandukaparni is credited with a lot of other uses in healthcare. It is valued in indigenous medicine for leprosy, psoriasis and other skin diseases.   Extracts of this plant have shown promise as a topical anti-psoriatic agent by inhibiting hyperproliferation of cells.   A cold poultice of the fresh herb is used as an external application in rheumatism, elephantiasis and hydroceles. Furthermore, it has been valued as a tonic and is used in bronchitis, asthma, leucorrhoea, kidney troubles, and urethritis.