Abstract

EFFICACY OF CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CRACKED FEET: IN VITRO AND CLINICAL EVIDENCE

Muhammed Majeed, Priti Vaidyanathan, Lakshmi Mundkur, Shaheen Majeed, Pratiksha Sable and Kian Kumar Vuppala

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a formulation, Centellin® CG foot care cream (CCFC) containing 2% Centella asiatica leaf extract, in the management of cracked heels through cell culture and human clinical studies. METHODS: Human dermal fibroblast (adult) primary cell line and mouse macrophage cell line J774 were used to evaluate cell proliferation, collagen enhancement and wound healing ability of CCFC. For the clinical study, 24 female subjects suffering from cracked heels were enrolled to topically receive CCFC, twice daily for 4 weeks (28 days). Subjects underwent evaluation of efficacy parameters such as assessment of cracked heels, effect of skin moisturizing and photographs before and at the end of the treatment. Subjects revisited the study site on day 7, 14, 21 and 28 for testing of efficacy parameters. RESULTS: CCFC has a beneficial effect on cell proliferation, collagen synthesis and significantly improves wound healing in the fibroblast scratch wound model. A significant reduction in number of cracks was seen at the end of the study. There was significant increase in skin moisturizing and visually acceptable changes in the treatment photographs were recorded. Acceptability and compliance to the use of the formulation was good. No adverse events were reported during the study. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate that CCFC helps in healing of cracks, reducing scaling and pain. None of the volunteers experienced any hypersensitivity reactions. Cell culture data demonstrates that CCFC facilitates wound healing process by stimulating cell proliferation and collagen synthesis. Therefore, it may be concluded that the CCFC is safe and efficacious in management of foot cracks.

Keywords: Cell culture, Centella asiatica, cracked heels, skin barrier, skin physiology, wound healing.