Scoping Review Of Tuberculosis And Centella Asiatica: Current Evidence And Future Directions

Abstract

The emergence of drug-resistant strains and prolonged treatment duration associated with standard tuberculosis (TB) regimens have necessitated the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Traditional medicinal plants have attracted increasing attention as potential complementary treatments for TB because of their diverse bioactive compounds and extensive history of use in various cultures. Recent scientific investigations have begun to explore the potential of Centella asiatica in the context of TB management to leverage its multifaceted pharmacological properties to address the complexities of TB infection and treatment. This scoping review examined the current evidence and future directions for utilizing Centella asiatica as a complementary treatment for TB. A systematic search of scientific databases identified six relevant studies published between 2015 and 2025. Key findings indicate that Centella asiatica demonstrates potential benefits in TB management through multiple mechanisms, including antimycobacterial activity against drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, enhancement of the immune response, hepatoprotective effects against isoniazid-induced liver toxicity, and reduction of oxidative stress associated with TB infection and treatment. While preclinical studies show promise, further clinical research is required to fully elucidate the efficacy, optimal dosing, and potential interactions of Centella asiatica with standard TB medications.