Cica (Centella Asiatica)

What is it?

Cica, derived from Centella asiatica (also known as gotu kola or tiger grass), is a medicinal herb used for centuries in traditional Asian and Ayurvedic medicine for wound healing and skin repair. The plant's therapeutic properties come from four key triterpene compounds: asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid — collectively known as centelloids. These active compounds stimulate type I collagen synthesis in fibroblasts, promote glycosaminoglycan production, enhance angiogenesis, and exert significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Centella asiatica extract also inhibits hypertrophic scar formation by downregulating TGF-β1 signaling and reducing excess collagen deposition, making it valuable for both wound healing and scar management. In Korean skincare (K-beauty), cica became one of the most popular ingredients of the 2020s, featured in everything from cleansers to moisturizers to sheet masks. Its primary appeal is soothing sensitized, irritated, or barrier-compromised skin while simultaneously supporting the skin's structural repair processes. Cica is exceptionally well-tolerated, rarely causes irritation or sensitization, and is suitable for all skin types including the most reactive and rosacea-prone skin.

How It Works

1. 1

   Triterpene Compounds Absorb

   Asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid penetrate the epidermis.

2. 2

   Activate Smad Signaling

   Directly upregulate collagen I gene transcription via the TGF-β receptor pathway.

3. 3

   Calm Inflammation

   Block MAPK and NF-κB pathways — parallel to PDRN's A2A pathway, for compounded calming.

4. 4

   Modulate Scar Formation

   Suppress hypertrophic scar formation by regulating TGF-β1 after injury or injection.

Role in PDRN

Cica and PDRN share a core therapeutic philosophy — both are regenerative ingredients that promote tissue repair from within rather than merely masking symptoms. The combination is particularly powerful because they stimulate collagen synthesis through entirely different molecular pathways. PDRN activates the adenosine A2A receptor to elevate intracellular cAMP and trigger the PKA-CREB cascade, while cica's triterpene compounds (particularly asiatic acid and madecassic acid) directly activate Smad signaling downstream of TGF-β receptors to upregulate collagen gene transcription. This dual-pathway stimulation can produce a greater collagen response than either ingredient alone. Both ingredients also share anti-inflammatory properties: PDRN suppresses NF-κB through A2A receptor signaling, while cica's madecassoside inhibits MAPK and NF-κB pathways independently. This makes the PDRN + cica combination ideal for sensitized, post-procedure, or inflammation-prone skin where both calming and repair are needed. In post-treatment recovery protocols (after PDRN injections, microneedling, or laser), cica-based creams are frequently recommended as the soothing step that protects and supports the PDRN-initiated regeneration process.

Clinical Data

Centella asiatica has a substantial body of clinical evidence spanning wound healing, scar management, and skin anti-aging. A 2013 study in the International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds showed that topical Centella asiatica extract significantly accelerated wound healing and improved tensile strength of healed tissue. A 2016 RCT demonstrated that a cream containing Centella asiatica triterpenes improved the appearance of hypertrophic scars by 42% compared to vehicle after 6 months. For anti-aging, a 2017 double-blind clinical trial showed that 0.1% madecassoside applied for 3 months significantly increased collagen synthesis (measured by procollagen type I C-peptide levels) and improved skin elasticity. Cica's anti-inflammatory efficacy has been confirmed in multiple studies showing reduced IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α expression in treated skin. When combined with PDRN, cica provides complementary collagen stimulation and enhanced anti-inflammatory support. Post-PDRN injection recovery protocols that include cica-based aftercare show reduced erythema duration and improved patient comfort scores compared to standard post-treatment care.

Product Formats in the Wild

Common ways this ingredient is delivered in clinical and consumer products.