Madecassic acid assay

Madecassic acid (CAS 18449-41-7) is a pentacyclic triterpene derived from the Centella asiatica , also known as Gotu Kola. This natural compound, with recognized pharmacological properties, is particularly valued in the cosmetic, nutraceutical, and dermatological fields for its healing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-repairing effects. It is often found alongside other active compounds such as asiaticoside or asiatic acid in standardized Centella extracts.

Why measure madecassic acid?

The measurement of madecassic acid is essential in several industrial contexts:

• Quality control of plant extracts based on Centella asiatica
• Verification of the active concentration in dermocosmetic formulations (creams, gels, repairing serums)
• Standardization of food supplements to guarantee a minimum content of active triterpenes
• Regulatory or marketing control in the context of health or skin claims

Madecassic acid content is often considered an indicator of therapeutic performance in healing, soothing, or anti-aging products.

Analytical methods used

YesWeLab offers madecassic acid analysis using high-precision techniques, adapted to complex matrices:

• HPLC-DAD: High-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection, for reliable quantification of triterpenes.
• LC-MS/MS: liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, recommended for matrices with low content or strong interference (cosmetics, oil complexes…).

The methods applied are validated and comply with good analytical practices (GLP).

Matrices involved

Analyses can be performed on a wide variety of media:

• Standardized extracts of Centella asiatica
• Dried or powdered plant-based raw materials
• Formulated cosmetic products (creams, balms, serums)
• Dietary supplements (powders, capsules, tablets, oral solutions)
• Complex pharmaceutical preparations based on phytocomplexes or associated active ingredients

Related analyses in the YesWeLab catalog

Madecassic acid analysis is often part of a broader analytical strategy for Centella extracts or restorative products. YesWeLab offers several complementary services, among the most frequently requested being:

• Asiaticoside assay
  → Bioactive triterpenic saponin, used as a quality marker in hydrophilic extracts of Centella.
• HPLC profile of total triterpenes
  → Allows a complete mapping of the triterpenic compounds present in the extract, useful for formulation or research laboratories.
• Total polyphenol assay
  → Useful for characterizing complementary antioxidant activity in plant extracts used for cutaneous or anti-aging purposes.

These analyses can be integrated into comprehensive quality control plans, according to your regulatory requirements (ISO, EFSA, COSMOS) or your marketing objectives (active claims, clean beauty claims, etc.).

YesWeLab, your partner in phytochemical analysis

As an expert platform for laboratory analyses, YesWeLab centralizes a network of partner laboratories highly specialized in phytoconstituents for you. Our laboratories are selected for their technical rigor, responsiveness, and accreditations (ISO 17025, COFRAC, etc.).

Thanks to our digital platform, you benefit from personalized support, simplified sample tracking, and complete traceability of your analyses. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, cosmetic formulators, and nutraceutical companies have trusted us to guarantee the quality, compliance, and efficacy of their plant extracts.

Contact us for your analysis project

Are you developing an extract based on Centella asiatica? Do you want to validate the concentration of madecassic acid in a finished product or raw material? Describe your needs to us – our scientific team will offer you a reliable, fast analytical solution tailored to your specifications.