Review: antibacterial, antioxidant and chemical profile of centella asiatica

Abstract

Plants have been used since ancient times whether as foods/seasoning or medicinal purposes. The used of plants for medicinal purposes can be found almost every parts of the world; from Africa to Europe. Nowadays, there are increasing trends of using natural products. From the discovery that effective life span of any antibiotic is limited. Scientists try to discover alternatives. One of the sources is from plants. As they have an almost limitless ability to synthesize aromatic substances especially plant secondary metabolites. Most of plant secondary metabolites serve as plant defense mechanisms against predation by microorganisms, insects, and herbivores. Thus this is where the hypothesis of using plants as alternative antimicrobial agents. Not only that, plant also contains phenolic compounds that can be served as natural antioxidants. Interestingly herbs are considered to be one of the alternatives consumers choose to use. In Thailand, Centella asiatica can be found in local market and locally called Buabok. C. asiatica is famous in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of leprosy, insanity, asthma, ulcers, eczema, skin tuberculosis, wounds, stomach aches, arthritis, varicose veins and high blood pressure. By that, gathered information of antibacterial, antioxidant and chemical profile of C. asiatica could serve as stepping stone.