The Effects of a Standardized Extract of Centella asiatica on Postlaser Resurfacing Wound Healing on the Face: A Split-Face, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background: Centella asiatica, a medicinal plant, has been used traditionally to promote wound healing. Its efficacy on promoting postlaser resurfacing wound healing is lacking. Methods: Thirty individuals with facial acne scars underwent a treatment with 2940 nm Er:YAG laser. Half side of the face was randomized to receive 0.05% w/w ECa 233 gel, a standardized extract of C. asiatica, and the other half a placebo gel. The gels were applied four times daily for 7 days then twice daily for 3 months. Erythema, melanin, and texture index (TI) from Antera3D,(R) and skin biophysics were obtained at baseline, days 2, 4, and 7, then every 2 weeks for the first month, and every month for 3 months. Three blinded dermatologists assessed the photographs and provided a grading scale of wound appearances. Results: The ECa 233 treated side exhibited significantly less erythema index over total follow-up by 0.03 U (coefficient = -0.03 [95% CI -0.06 to -0.0006]; p = 0.046). In keeping with the physicians' assessment that showed significantly higher improvements in skin erythema at days 2, 4, and 7 (p = 0.009, 0.0061, 0.012), crusting at days 2 (p = 0.02), and general wound appearance at days 2, 4, and 7 (p = 0.008, 0.001, 0.044), TI showed a trend toward better outcome in the ECa 233 group. Skin biophysics did not differ between the two groups. Conclusion: ECa 233 might be an option for postlaser treatment to improve wound appearance.