A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Assessing the Effects of Oral Centella asiatica Extract on Skin Aging-Related Parameters in Middle-Aged Korean Women.

2026-05-08
Nutrients 18(10)
- Nayon Hur
- Youngha Seo
- Jaewoo Bae
- Young Jun Kim
- Eun Ji Kim
- Yean Jung Choi

PubMed: 42196964
DOI: 10.3390/nu18101505

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size: n = 112
Population: 112 middle-aged women
Methods: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study; 200 mg/day Centella asiatica extract or placebo for 12 weeks; skin wrinkle parameters assessed using three-dimensional skin imaging system (PRIMOS); skin hydration, TEWL, elasticity, and skin color measured using validated non-invasive instruments; efficacy analyses in per-protocol population
Blinding: Double-blind
Duration: 12 weeks
Funding: Unclear

Large Human Trial
Rigorous Journal

Background

Centella asiatica has been widely recognized for its dermatological benefits; however, clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of oral supplementation for improving skin aging parameters remains limited. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of oral Centella asiatica extract on skin wrinkles and related skin parameters in middle-aged women.

Methods

A total of 112 participants were randomized to receive either Centella asiatica extract (200 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Skin wrinkle parameters were quantitatively assessed using a three-dimensional skin imaging system (PRIMOS^®). Skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), elasticity, and skin color (brightness and redness) were additionally measured using validated non-invasive instruments. Efficacy analyses were performed in the per-protocol population.

Results

After 12 weeks of supplementation, the Centella asiatica extract group demonstrated significant improvements in multiple wrinkle parameters compared with the baseline. Average wrinkle depth decreased by 11.1%, and the mean depth of the largest wrinkle decreased by 14.4%. Maximum wrinkle depth and total wrinkle volume were reduced by 13.3% and 13.7%, respectively, while surface roughness (Ra) decreased by 10.4%. In contrast, the placebo group showed minimal or inconsistent changes. Epidermal hydration at the cheek site significantly increased, while transepidermal water loss decreased, indicating improved skin barrier function. However, the magnitude of changes in epidermal hydration (2.7%), skin elasticity (R2; 0.7%), and skin brightness (L*; 0.7%) were relatively small. Skin elasticity and skin brightness showed statistically significant differences compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05), but these changes should be interpreted as modest improvements. No serious adverse events were reported, and all hematological and biochemical safety markers remained within normal reference ranges during the 12-week intervention period.

Conclusions

Oral supplementation with Centella asiatica extract for 12 weeks was associated with improvements in wrinkle-related parameters and TEWL, while changes in skin hydration, elasticity, and brightness were modest and of limited magnitude. These findings suggest a potential role for short-term supplementation; however, further studies are required to confirm long-term efficacy and broader applicability.

Research Insights

Gotu Kola→Improved Skin Brightness
Skin elasticity and skin brightness showed statistically significant differences compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gotu Kola→Improved Skin Brightness Level
skin brightness (L*; 0.7%) were relatively small … showed statistically significant differences compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05), but these changes should be interpreted as modest improvements
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gotu Kola→Improved Skin Elasticity
skin elasticity (R2; 0.7%) … showed statistically significant differences compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05), but these changes should be interpreted as modest improvements
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gotu Kola→Improved Skin Hydration
Epidermal hydration at the cheek site significantly increased, while transepidermal water loss decreased
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gotu Kola→Increased Skin Hydration Level
Epidermal hydration at the cheek site significantly increased
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gotu Kola→Reduced Largest Wrinkle Depth
the mean depth of the largest wrinkle decreased by 14.4%
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gotu Kola→Reduced Maximum Wrinkle Depth
Maximum wrinkle depth and total wrinkle volume were reduced by 13.3% and 13.7%, respectively
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
200 mg/day
Gotu Kola→Reduced Skin Surface Roughness
surface roughness (Ra) decreased by 10.4%
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gotu Kola→Reduced Transepidermal Water Loss
transepidermal water loss decreased, indicating improved skin barrier function
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gotu Kola→Reduced Wrinkle Depth
Maximum wrinkle depth … reduced by 13.3%
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day
Gotu Kola→Reduced Wrinkle Volume
total wrinkle volume were reduced by … 13.7%
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
200 mg/day

Adverse Events Reported

Gotu Kola→Overall tolerability
No serious adverse events were reported, and all hematological and biochemical safety markers remained within normal reference ranges during the 12-week intervention period.
Finding
Reported