Centella is a prostrate, perennial herb found in waterlogged places throughout India, up to an altitude of 600 m. Its stem is glabrous, pink and striated. The leaves are fleshy, orbicular-reniform, crenate, base cordate and often lobed and long-petioled. The fruits are oblong, dull brown and laterally compressed.
In
Sanskrit, this plant is called Brahmi or Mandukaparni. Centella has alterative, tonic, diuretic and stimulant properties. It is useful in boosting memory, wound healing and increasing concentration. It is used in almost all hair oils.
It is also known as Indian Pennywort and Gotu Kola.
