Researchers wanted to test whether an extract from Centella asiatica, a plant commonly used in skincare, might harm human skin cells grown in a laboratory dish. Understanding if this extract is safe is important before using it to help heal oral tissues. Scientists grew human skin cells in a controlled environment and exposed them to various amounts of the plant extract, ranging from very low to quite high doses. They then measured how many cells survived using a standard laboratory test. The results were reassuring: the extract did not damage the cells at any dose tested, even at the highest concentration.
The harm didn’t increase with higher doses either. In contrast, a known toxic chemical used as a comparison clearly killed many cells, proving the test was working properly. This study suggests that Centella asiatica extract appears to be completely safe for human skin cells and unlikely to cause damage. These findings support moving forward with further research into whether this plant extract could help heal wounds and damaged oral tissues. (Source: J Craniofac Surg, via PubMed.)
Source: PubMed — read the full article