Centella Asiatica for Hair Growth! What the hell is Centella Asiatica, now?

A small human trial from Taiwan caught lots of attention. The team tested a daily scalp serum built around Centella asiatica. The formula also included caffeine and two growth-factor proteins. Results looked strong for a short, 56-day study.

Hair density rose about 23.9 % versus baseline in the combo group. Average hair thickness improved more than placebo. That is quick for hair biology. And yes, these were real people, not just lab cells. Still, it is a first step, not a final answer. The study is a preprint, not yet peer reviewed. But it is promising. MedRxiv

What is Centella asiatica?

Centella asiatica is a small creeping herb. Many call it gotu kola or “cica.” It grows across tropical Asia. It has a long history in traditional medicine. People used it for wound healing, skin repair, and scars. Modern skincare uses it for soothing and barrier support.

The active molecules are triterpenes. Think asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid. These compounds reduce inflammation. They also support collagen and microcirculation. That is why Centella shows up in lots of “calming” creams today. PMC

Why might Centella asiatica help hair?

Two reasons stand out. First, scalp health. Low-grade inflammation and a stressed barrier can worsen shedding. Centella’s triterpenes calm that. Second, blood supply.

Hair follicles need oxygen and nutrients. Centella compounds may boost factors like VEGF that support microcirculation. Lab work on human dermal papilla cells suggests Centella extracts can upregulate hair-supportive signals. It is not proof by itself, but it is consistent. Thai Science

The Taiwan study, explained simply

Let’s unpack the new data in plain English.

Design. It was randomized and double-blinded. There was a placebo. Duration was 56 days. Sixty adults joined. They used 1 mL nightly. Imaging and measurements tracked changes in density, thickness, length, sebum, and scalp markers. MedRxiv

Formula. The “full” test formula stacked four ideas:

1. a mild cosmetic base with caffeine and panthenol
2. Centella asiatica extracellular vesicles (EVs)
3. IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1)
4. FGF-7 (also called KGF)

Each arm added components stepwise to see synergy. The combo arm performed best. Earth.com

Results. The headline number was hair density. The combo group improved roughly 23.9 % over 56 days and beat placebo by a meaningful margin. Hair shaft thickness also improved more than placebo. Scalp “yellow dots,” a marker linked to inflammation, fell. That aligns with Centella’s anti-inflammatory profile. Keep in mind, 8 weeks is short in hair time. But the signal was clear for a cosmetic trial. MedRxiv

Caveats. It is a medRxiv preprint. Not yet peer reviewed. The study was company-funded and used company-made materials. That does not invalidate the data, but transparency matters. Also, participants were healthy adults, not necessarily diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia. We need longer studies, more diverse subjects, and head-to-head trials versus minoxidil or finasteride. MedRxiv

What are extracellular vesicles from Centella?

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny lipid “bubbles” that cells release. They carry proteins, lipids, and small RNAs. Plants make them too. EVs can help deliver actives across the skin surface. That is attractive for large molecules like growth factors. Recent lab work and a skin model suggest Centella EVs reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. They also support skin barrier genes. That supports the scalp-health angle. It also hints at better delivery for actives. MDPI

What about the two proteins in the formula?

IGF-1. This is a growth signal that affects hair cycling. In simple terms, it supports the anagen (growth) phase. It also boosts microcirculation by increasing VEGF. A 2025 review summarizes how IGF-1 helps follicle cells survive and proliferate. It also notes anti-apoptotic effects that keep follicles active longer. PMC

FGF-7 (KGF). This growth factor acts on keratinocytes. Those are the cells that build hair shafts. FGF-7 can push follicles toward active growth. It is plausible that pairing IGF-1 with FGF-7 compounds the signal. The Taiwan preprint saw stepwise gains when these proteins were added. That suggests synergy with Centella EVs and caffeine. MedRxiv

What does the broader research say?

There is a clear thread. Centella helps skin recover. It reduces inflammatory mediators. It supports collagen and blood vessels. Hair follicles live inside skin. Healthier scalp, better odds for growth. In vitro and small model studies point the same way.

One older paper suggested Centella extracts enhance VEGF in dermal papilla cells. That can promote hair growth conditions. Another 3D dermal papilla cell study found titrated Centella extract improved hair-inductive properties in vitro. These are not clinical endpoints, but they tell a coherent story. Thai Science

On EVs, a 2025 paper characterized Centella EVs from tissue culture. It reported antioxidant, anti-melanin, and anti-inflammatory activity. In a UVB-injury mouse model, a Centella-EV gel improved histology after a week. Again, this supports the scalp-health pathway rather than a direct cure. MDPI

Finally, the Taiwan hair study adds the key element: human data with imaging and controls. It is short. It is early. But it moves the evidence beyond petri dishes. MedRxiv

How does this compare to minoxidil and finasteride?

Apples and oranges for now. Minoxidil and finasteride have large, peer-reviewed datasets. Doctors know typical timelines and effect sizes. The new Centella-EV + IGF-1 + FGF-7 serum shows fast signals in 8 weeks.

That is exciting, but we lack long-term data and replication. The right next step is a 6- to 12-month randomized trial in people with pattern hair loss. Ideally with a minoxidil arm, a finasteride arm, and a combination arm. That would show where this fits. MedRxiv

When will a product be commercially available?

Short answer: cosmetic versions may appear regionally before any medicine is approved. The study’s team is Schweitzer Biotech Company (SBC) in Taiwan. Their site lists business lines but no public consumer hair product page yet.

That suggests a B2B or licensing route first. A clinical listing updated in late September 2025 describes a “Hair Growth and Scalp Health Serum” study, which points to ongoing development. Also, retailers and blogs have begun promoting “Cica” hair serums that reference the 56-day data, but those are commercial claims, not drug approvals.

As of November, 2025, there is no FDA-approved drug based on this mix. Expect cosmetic launches in select markets first, with labeling focused on “appearance,” thickness look, and scalp health. Drug claims will require formal approvals later. Schweitzer Biotech Company

How would someone use a Centella-based scalp serum?

The study used 1 mL nightly over the whole scalp. Massage gently. Keep it on. Be consistent. Shampoo as usual. Give it at least 8 to 12 weeks to judge early signals, then 6 months for durable trends. Track with photos and part-width measurements.

If you already use minoxidil, ask a clinician before layering. Most cosmetic serums play well with minoxidil, but check for irritation. MedRxiv

Side effects and safety

Centella has a good topical safety record in cosmetics. Patch test if your skin is sensitive. Rarely, people get contact dermatitis from plant extracts. Essential oils or fragrance in a formula can raise that risk.

For oral products, some users report GI upset or headaches. Quality matters there. For growth factors, the key is topical delivery with minimal systemic absorption. The study did not flag serious adverse events over 56 days, but longer tracking is still needed.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Be cautious and talk to a clinician first. If you have a history of keloids or active scalp disease, get advice before starting. cir-safety.org

Practical buying guide

If you shop for “cica” hair products today, you will find three types:

1. Cica shampoos/tonics with Centella extract or “cica peptide.” These target scalp comfort and breakage. Evidence is mainly cosmetic-level. ksecret.com
2. Serums citing EVs (extracellular vesicles). Some brands reference “cica exosomes” or “plant EVs.” Check if they cite the medRxiv trial and specify IGF-1/FGF-7. Claims vary, and many posts are marketing. Azarish
3. The SBC-linked combo from the preprint. That exact formula is not widely available as a drug. If a product claims to be “the same,” verify ingredients, concentrations, and study backing. Ask for batch data or white papers. MedRxiv

Who might be a good candidate?

People with early thinning. Those who cannot tolerate minoxidil itch. Anyone optimizing scalp health as a foundation. It might also be a bridge for postpartum shedding or seasonal shedding. People with advanced bald patches should temper expectations.

Follicles that have miniaturized for years may need more than a cosmetic push. Combination therapy with a clinician may serve better there. MedRxiv

Simple routine to try (if and when you can get it)

• Gentle wash. Keep the scalp clean and calm.
• Nightly 1 mL serum. Full scalp, focus on thin areas.
• Soft massage for 60 seconds.
• Combine with proven basics. Sleep, protein, iron sufficiency, vitamin D, and stress care matter.
• Track monthly. Same lighting, same angle.

If you are already on minoxidil, consider alternating morning and night applications. If you use finasteride or dutasteride, keep that plan steady and add cosmetic scalp care on top. Share your routine with your dermatologist. MedRxiv

Conclusion

Centella asiatica is not just a “skin soother.” It has anti-inflammatory and pro-repair actions that make sense for scalp care. The Taiwan study brings human data to the table.

The combo of Centella EVs, IGF-1, FGF-7, and caffeine moved density and thickness in 8 weeks. That is rare in hair trials. But we need longer, independent studies and direct comparisons with minoxidil and finasteride. In the near term, expect cosmetic launches and white papers. Medical claims will take time.

If you choose to try a Centella-based serum, do it consistently, photograph your progress, and keep expectations grounded. The signal is real, but the story is still being written. MedRxiv

References

• Chang TM et al. “A 56-Day Randomized, Double-Blinded, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study of a Scalp Essence with Centella asiatica Extracellular Vesicles plus IGF-1 and FGF-7.” medRxiv preprint, September 12, 2025. (Details include 23.9 % density gain and thickness improvement.) MedRxiv
• Hsieh WJ et al. “Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) in Hair Regeneration.” 2025 review with SBC affiliation. Summarizes IGF-1 pathways and hair cycling support. PMC
• Chang TM et al. “In Vitro Characterization of Centella asiatica Extracellular Vesicles and Their Skin Repair Effects in a UVB-Irradiated Mouse Model.” Int J Mol Sci. 2025. Shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions and skin histology benefits. MDPI
• ClinicalTrials.gov. “A Clinical Study to Evaluate the Safety, Effectiveness and In-Use Tolerability of Hair Growth and Scalp Health Serum…” Updated September 26, 2025. Indicates ongoing development. clinicaltrials.gov
• European Medicines Agency. “Assessment report on Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., herba.” March 30, 2022. Background on constituents, quality, and safety. European Medicines Agency (EMA)
• Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). “Safety Assessment of Centella asiatica-derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics.” July 10, 2015. Topical safety context. cir-safety.org
• Saansoomchai P et al. “Enhanced VEGF Expression in Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells by Centella asiatica Extract.” CMU Journal. VEGF link for hair support. Thai Science
• 3D dermal papilla cell work on titrated Centella extract (TECA) suggesting hair-inductive effects in vitro. Early mechanistic clue. ResearchGate
• Background reading on Centella for skin and side effects, Medical News Today overview. Medical News Today
• Coverage of the 56-day human data in consumer media and retail postings. Useful for context, not primary evidence. Earth.com

Quick FAQ

Is this a cure?
No. It is encouraging, not definitive. More trials are needed. MedRxiv

Can I buy it now?
You may find “cica” hair serums already. Some cite EVs. The exact trial formula is not an approved drug. Expect cosmetics first, and regional rollouts. Azarish

Can I stack it with minoxidil?
Often yes, but watch for irritation. Ask your clinician, especially if you use other actives. MedRxiv

Any red flags?
Patch test first. Stop if you get a rash. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before using growth-factor products. cir-safety.org

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