Madecassoside
A purified triterpene glycoside from Centella asiatica that is the primary anti-inflammatory and wound-healing compound in the 'cica' family. While Centella asiatica extracts contain a mix of four triterpenes, isolated madecassoside provides the most potent soothing and barrier-repair effects. It is particularly effective for post-procedure recovery, sensitive skin, and skin exposed to environmental stressors like pollution and UV.
Concentration & Usage
Concentrations: 0.01-1% as an isolated compound. Products with pure madecassoside are common in K-beauty and French pharmacy brands (La Roche-Posay Cicaplast). Apply morning and night. Excellent as a recovery treatment post-retinoid or post-procedure.
Application
Topical (serum, cream, balm). Apply to clean skin. Compatible with all active ingredients.
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99%+ purity · third-party lab tested
Mechanism of Action
Madecassoside (triterpene glycoside from Centella asiatica) inhibits NF-kappa B nuclear translocation by preventing I-kappa B alpha degradation, suppressing transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6) and COX-2. Activates Nrf2, upregulating antioxidant enzymes (heme oxygenase-1, NQO1, glutathione peroxidase). Stimulates collagen type I synthesis through TGF-beta/Smad3 signaling in fibroblasts, upregulating COL1A1. Promotes keratinocyte migration (wound closure) by enhancing integrin expression and matrix metalloproteinase activity. Inhibits hyaluronidase, preserving skin hyaluronic acid. Reduces VEGF expression, inhibits MMP-1. Comprehensive: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, pro-collagen, wound-healing. Used in pharmaceutical wound care (Madecassol) and K-beauty. Ideal for post-procedure recovery, retinoid irritation, sensitive skin.
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient. Available OTC worldwide. Used in pharmaceutical wound care (Madecassol).
Risks & Safety
Common
Essentially none — extremely well-tolerated.
Serious
None documented.
Rare
Very rare allergic reaction.
Compare Madecassoside With
Research Papers
10Published: March 7, 2023
AI Summary
The major bioactive constituents of C. asiatica are the pentacyclic triterpenoid glycosides, asiaticoside and madecassoside, and their corresponding aglycones, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Besides medicinal applications, these phytocompounds are considered cosmetically beneficial for their role in anti-ageing, skin hydration, collagen synth...
Published: July 11, 2025
AI Summary
We found that madecassoside reduced the release of the inflammatory factor IL-1β and the lytic cell death marker lactate dehydrogenase and repaired PM2.5-induced gasdermin D-mediated cell membrane damage. Therefore, madecassoside possesses anti-PM2.
Published: November 19, 2021
AI Summary
In particular, a significant body of scientific research exists on the therapeutic properties of preparations of C. asiatica or its triterpenes in the treatment of skin diseases. The present study is aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the beneficial effects of C. asiatica on skin diseases.
Published: July 15, 2025
AI Summary
Here, using fully differentiated keratinocyte-like HaCaT cell monolayers as an in vitro model, we found that Madecassoside enhanced wound healing and protected against UVB-induced keratinocyte apoptosis and reduction of cell viability.
Published: March 18, 2019
AI Summary
Madecassoside significantly inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, TLR2 and nuclear translocation of NF-κB in P. acnes stimulated THP-1 human monocytic cells. In addition, madecasssoside exhibited significant effects on enhancement of skin hydration through increasing the key moisturizing contributors of aquaporin-3, loricrin...
Published: February 19, 2013
AI Summary
Centella asiatica is effective in improving treatment of small wounds, hypertrophic wounds as well as burns, psoriasis and scleroderma. Research results indicate that it can be used in the treatment of photoaging skin, cellulite and striae.
Published: February 4, 2020
AI Summary
Interestingly, the CA-treated groups exhibited considerably decreased mast cell infiltration in the ear tissue. In addition, the expression of IL-6 in mast cells, as well as the expression of various pathogenic cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, iNOS, COX-2, and CXCL9, was reduced in both AD+CA-80 and AD+CA-200 groups.
Published: September 25, 2024
AI Summary
Recent research has provided new insights into its efficacy, particularly through topical applications. Advances in formulation and delivery will continue to enhance the plant's therapeutic potential, offering promising solutions for effective wound management.
Published: January 27, 2026
AI Summary
UVB exposure induces oxidative damage and accelerates skin photoaging. Madecassoside (MA), a triterpenoid saponin from Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its role in ferroptosis remains unclear.
Published: March 19, 2026
AI Summary
Platinum-based materials exhibit diverse biological activities, but their application in skincare is limited by poor targeting and low efficacy in treating inflammation and sensory irritation. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Pt-MAD liposomes as a targeted and effective strategy for managing sensitive skin, offering rapid re...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Madecassoside used for?
A purified triterpene glycoside from Centella asiatica that is the primary anti-inflammatory and wound-healing compound in the 'cica' family. While Centella asiatica extracts contain a mix of four triterpenes, isolated madecassoside provides the most potent soothing and barrier-repair effects. It is particularly effective for post-procedure recovery, sensitive skin, and skin exposed to environmental stressors like pollution and UV.
What are the side effects of Madecassoside?
Common: Essentially none — extremely well-tolerated. Serious: None documented. Rare: Very rare allergic reaction.
How is Madecassoside administered?
Madecassoside is administered via topical (serum, cream, balm). apply to clean skin. compatible with all active ingredients..
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