Search Results (91)

Medicago sativa is one of the world’s most important forage plants, possessing strong nitrogen-fixing and regrowth capabilities. Promoting its growth not only enhances stress resistance but also reduces the use of chemical fertilizers. The value of Centella asiatica is primarily reflected in its medicinal properties. Currently, endophytic fungal resources of C. asiatica are scarce, and their potential to promote medicinal components and the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. This study employed DNA extraction techniques to isolate and identify endophytic fungi from different parts of C. asiatica. We systematically analyzed the plant growth-promoting traits of endophytic fungi. After screening for the optimal strain and inoculating it into Medicago sativa, we elucidated the mechanisms underlying its growth-promoting effect using metabolomic sequencing. Research findings: A total of 18 endophytic fungal strains were isolated, belonging to 12 genera. Among them, five indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) strains were identified, with strain J4 demonstrating the highest IAA production (17.157 mg·L⁻¹). The J4 strain has iron-transporting carrier activity, while 15 strains exhibit nitrogen-fixing activity. Inoculation with the Plectosphaerella plurivora strain significantly increases M. sativa’s germination rate, fresh weight, dry weight, and plant height. Metabolomic analysis indicates that P. plurivora may promote anthocyanin and jasmonic acid accumulation by regulating pathways such as flavonoid biosynthesis and pyrimidine metabolism, thereby promoting growth. This study reveals the mechanism by which endophytic fungi enhance M. sativa growth at the metabolomic level. This study reveals the growth-promoting mechanism of endophytic fungi in M. sativa from a metabolomic perspective, providing a theoretical basis for increasing forage yield and offering new insights into sustainable agricultural development. Full article

Obesity is well-known as a major risk factor for metabolic disorders, and natural compounds are being explored as alternatives to conventional therapies. While Centella asiatica is well known for its medicinal and dietary benefits, the biological activities of Giant Centella asiatica (GCA), especially when extracted with mineral-rich lava seawater, remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-adipogenic and lipid-metabolism-regulating effects of a novel GCA extract (GCA-LS-90) and its ability to stimulate GLP-1 secretion in vitro. GCA-LS-90 significantly inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by up to 24.3% at 200 µg/mL (p < 0.001). It downregulated adipogenic transcription factors (C/EBPβ, C/EBPα, PPARγ) and lipogenic regulators (SREBP1c, FAS, G6PD, ME), while upregulating KLF2 (all p < 0.001). Western blotting confirmed reduced SREBP1c and SREBP2 protein expression, increased phosphorylation of AMPKα/ACC, and enhanced HSL activity (p < 0.05–0.001). In STC-1 cells, GCA-LS-90 increased GLP-1 secretion (53.5 pmol/L at 90 µg/mL vs. 41.3 pmol/L in control, p < 0.001). The major compounds, 3,5- and 4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acids, reproduced these effects. In conclusion, GCA-LS-90 modulated adipogenesis-, lipid-metabolism-, and GLP-1 secretion-related pathways in vitro, suggesting its potential as a functional ingredient for obesity management. Further in vivo studies are needed to confirm efficacy and translational relevance. Full article

Centella asiatica has emerged as a strategic biomass for the sustainable production of high-value biochemicals at the interface of traditional medicine and modern biotechnology. This review consolidates the current knowledge on its phytochemical diversity, emphasizing triterpenoid saponins—asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid—as core bioactive molecules relevant to pharmaceutical, dermatological, nutraceutical, and functional-ingredient applications. Advances in green extraction technologies, including ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted, ohmic-heating, and supercritical CO₂ systems, have demonstrated superior efficiency in recovering high-purity biochemicals while significantly reducing solvent use, energy demand, and environmental impact compared with conventional methods. Complementary analytical and standardization platforms, such as HPLC, UPLC, and GC–MS, enable rigorous quality control across the entire value chain, supporting the development of reproducible and regulatory-compliant biochemical extracts. From a biomass valorization and biorefinery perspective, C. asiatica offers multiple metabolite streams that align with circular economy and field-to-market sustainability principles. Key challenges remain, including agronomic variability, scaling up green extraction, and supply chain resilience. However, emerging solutions, such as Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) guided cultivation, plant tissue culture, metabolic engineering, and integrated biorefinery frameworks, show strong potential for establishing a reliable and environmentally responsible production system. Collectively, C. asiatica represents a model species for sustainable biochemical production, combining scientific efficacy with industrial, economic, and ecological relevance. Full article

The Cladia aggregata group of lichen-forming fungi comprises multiple species that are difficult to differentiate based on phenotypic characters. It has a wide distribution across several continents, but is most diverse in Australasia. We aimed to delimit the species complex further, investigate the relatedness of the lineages, and examine their distributional ranges and phenotypic traits. We used Restriction Site Associated DNA Sequencing (RAD-seq) to compare thousands of loci across 91 individuals from the Americas, Asia, and Australasia. All Asian samples formed a distinct, monophyletic clade in all phylogenetic trees, while the American samples divided into two clades, one comprising South American samples and another comprising Caribbean samples, with the latter representing C. aggregata sensu stricto, as the type specimen was collected in Jamaica. Further population-genomic analyses support the conclusion that the Asian samples are genetically distinct and are here described as a new species. The new species, Cladia asiatica, accommodates the Asian samples previously included in C. aggregata. Our analysis highlights the potential of next-generation sequencing to reveal hidden diversity and resolve the phylogeny of this species complex and lichen-forming fungi in general. Full article

Centella asiatica exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and dermal-regenerative activities, yet the in vivo efficacy of an orally administered, dose-standardized extract against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced photoaging has not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the protective effects of a chemically standardized C. asiatica extract (sCAE; 70 mg/g asiaticoside) in UVB-irradiated Skh:HR-1 hairless mice. Animals received oral sCAE (40 or 80 mg/kg/day) for eight weeks during repeated UVB exposure. Comprehensive assessments—including skin biophysical measurements, histological analysis, ELISA, and gene expression profiling—were performed to characterize dose-dependent responses. sCAE significantly reduced wrinkle formation, transepidermal water loss, malondialdehyde accumulation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, while enhancing skin hydration, elasticity, antioxidant enzyme activities, and collagen expression. It also restored hyaluronic acid, ceramide, and their biosynthetic genes, and suppressed matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -9. Notably, the higher dose (80 mg/kg) consistently shifted key parameters toward normal levels, demonstrating a clear dose–response effect. These findings provide the first integrative in vivo evidence that orally administered, asiaticoside-standardized C. asiatica extract mitigates UVB-induced photoaging by concurrently improving barrier lipids, extracellular matrix integrity, inflammation, and oxidative stress, supporting its potential as a nutricosmetic agent for skin health. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia worldwide, is characterized by progressive neuronal loss, amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation, tau hyperphosphorylation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, cholinergic dysfunction, and gut–brain axis dysregulation. Despite advances in anti-amyloid therapeutics, current interventions provide only modest symptomatic relief and face limitations in accessibility, cost, and long-term efficacy. Plant-derived bioactive compounds, rooted in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, have gained increasing attention as multi-target therapeutic agents due to their pleiotropic actions, relative safety, and ability to cross the blood–brain barrier. This review synthesizes mechanistic and translational evidence on major phytochemicals, including withanolides (Withania somnifera), curcumin (Curcuma longa), ginkgolides and bilobalide (Ginkgo biloba), bacosides (Bacopa monnieri), ginsenosides (Panax ginseng), crocin/safranal (Crocus sativus), epigallocatechin-3-gallate (Camellia sinensis), rosmarinic acid (Salvia officinalis, Melissa officinalis), and asiaticosides (Centella asiatica). These compounds exert neuroprotective effects by inhibiting Aβ aggregation, reducing tau phosphorylation, scavenging reactive oxygen species, attenuating NF-κB-mediated inflammation, modulating cholinergic signaling, enhancing synaptic plasticity via brain-derived neurotrophic factor/cAMP response element-binding protein (BDNF/CREB) activation, and regulating gut microbiota. Multi-target approach analyses underscore their synergistic potential in targeting interconnected AD pathways. However, translation remains hindered by poor oral bioavailability, rapid metabolism, and variability in clinical outcomes. Advances in delivery platforms, including liposomes, bilosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanostructured lipid carriers, are improving stability, blood–brain penetration, and therapeutic efficacy in preclinical models. Collectively, plant-derived phytochemicals serve as promising, affordable, and multi-modal candidates for reshaping AD management, bridging traditional knowledge with modern therapeutic innovation. Full article

The search for multifunctional wound dressings that combine structural integrity with biological activity remains an important challenge in modern biomedicine. In this study, electrospun chitosan/polyethylene oxide (CS/PEO) nanofibers incorporating Centella asiatica extract were developed and evaluated in vitro as potential wound-healing materials. Nanofibers were fabricated using various CS/PEO ratios, and the 1:2 w/w composition loaded with 1% extract was selected as the optimal formulation based on morphological homogeneity and processing efficiency. Comprehensive characterization demonstrated that the nanofiber matrix provided sustained release of asiaticosides over several days, fitting best with Hixson–Crowell and Higuchi kinetic models, suggesting a combined diffusion–erosion mechanism. Biological assays confirmed that the optimized formulation displayed strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, with synergistic effects observed between chitosan and C. asiatica. Moreover, chitosan contributed intrinsic antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, while the extract provided additional antioxidant and regenerative potential. Biocompatibility studies in human fibroblasts showed no cytotoxic effects, and scratch assays confirmed that extract-loaded nanofibers significantly accelerated wound closure compared to the control and CS/PEO base. Taken together, the results highlight the potential of CS/PEO nanofibers with C. asiatica extract as multifunctional wound dressings that integrate structural support, controlled release, antimicrobial protection, and regenerative bioactivity. Future work should address in vivo evaluation, scale-up of electrospinning, and potential incorporation of synergistic antimicrobial agents to further enhance clinical applicability. This approach underlines the value of combining natural product pharmacology with biopolymer engineering in the design of next-generation wound-healing biomaterials. Full article

Hair loss and scalp dysfunction are prevalent concerns with limited non-medicinal long-term solutions. Growth factors and plant-derived extracellular vesicle (EV) represent promising regenerative approaches. In this exploratory randomized controlled trial, 60 healthy adults (18–60 years) were randomly assigned into five groups: (A) placebo; (B) base formula with 0.1% caffeine and panthenol; (C) base + recombinant Fc-fusion long-acting insulin-like growth factor-1 (rIGF-1) and fibroblast growth factor-7 (rFGF-7); (D) base + Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) EV; and (E) base + rIGF-1, rFGF-7, and C. asiatica EV. Participants applied their assigned product once daily for 56 days. Scalp and hair parameters, including sebum content, hair length, thickness, density, and hair loss, were assessed at baseline and Days 14, 28, 42, and 56. The combination of C. asiatica EV with rIGF-1 and rFGF-7 (Group E) showed the greatest improvements across all endpoints, including significant increases in hair thickness, density, and length, and a reduction in sebum content and hair loss by Day 56 compared with placebo. The results support further study of topical use of C. asiatica-derived EV with recombinant long-acting growth factors as a novel, naturally derived, cosmetic intervention for scalp and hair care. Full article

Centella asiatica, a widely used medicinal herb in Oriental and increasingly Western medicine, is applied for wound healing, dermatological disorders, and gastrointestinal illness. We investigated the effects of fermented C. asiatica extract (FCAE), prepared with Lactobacillus, on airway inflammation in a murine model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). CSE/LPS stimulation caused marked immune cell infiltration in airways. FCAE (100 and 200 mg/kg) reduced neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) by 26.03% and 70.11%, respectively, and decreased activated T cells and B cells in the lung, mediastinal lymph nodes, and Peyer’s patches, while inhibiting collagen fibrosis. FCAE significantly reduced IL-1α (32.51%), CXCL1 (47.63%), CXCL2 (45.37%), and TNF-α (39.51%) levels in the BALF compared with the control group. It also downregulated the expression of muc5ac (58.39%), CXCL1 (67.32%), CXCL2 (57.60%), and TNF-α (54.61%) and suppressed p-STAT3 activation by 50.22%. Furthermore, FCAE enhanced tracheal phenol red secretion by 229.62%, indicating expectorant activity. UPLC analysis identified nine components, which, together with FCAE, inhibited RANTES, TNF-α, and IL-6 in inflammation-induced BEAS-2B cells. Overall, FCAE attenuates immune activation and airway inflammation, supporting its potential as a candidate therapy or functional food for respiratory diseases. Full article

Background/objectives: A water extract of the plant Centella asiatica (CAW) has been shown to improve cognitive deficits in aged mice when administered for 5 weeks in drinking water. However, the contribution of the constituent compounds within CAW to the beneficial effects of the extract remains unelucidated. This study evaluated the effects of triterpene (TT) and caffeoylquinic acids (CQA) found within CAW, on learning, cognitive flexibility, memory, and anxiety-like behaviors in aged C57BL6 mice. Methods: Eighteen-month-old male and female C57BL6 mice were administered either TT, CQA, or the combination (TT+CQA) in their drinking water for a total of 5 weeks, at concentrations corresponding to their presence in CAW. During the final two weeks of treatment learning, executive function, memory, and anxiety were assessed. Results: Aged mice of both sexes showed significant improvement in learning when treated with TT and CQA separately and in combination. Treatment with TT also improved cognitive flexibility in aged mice of both sexes, but CQA and the combination of TT+CQA did not alter cognitive flexibility in aged male mice. There was no effect on recognition memory or anxiety in any of the treatment groups (TT, CQA, TT+CQA) relative to mice treated with the vehicle control although there was a trend towards improved recognition memory with TT treatment. Conclusions: These results suggest that the TT and CQA present in CAW likely contribute to its previously reported amelioration of age-related cognitive changes, especially in learning and cognitive flexibility, while other constituents may be responsible for CAW’s anxiolytic effects. Full article

This study characterized extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from medicinal herb Centella asiatica tissue culture and investigated their therapeutic properties using in vitro assays and a ultraviolet (UV)-induced damage mouse model. EVs were isolated from C. asiatica tissue culture and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, and cytotoxicity, antioxidant, anti-melanin, and anti-inflammation properties were evaluated by in vitro assays. C. asiatica EVs were found to contain high levels of polyphenols and mitigate hydrogen peroxide-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The EVs were further able to reduce intracellular melanin content and tyrosinase activity. They exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, COX2, as well as nitric oxide production. In the UV-induced photodamage mouse model, gels with or without EVs were applied to the UV-damaged site, skin appearance was observed daily, and skin histopathology was analyzed on day 7. In mice with UV-induced skin damage, the daily application of C. asiatica EV gel reduced skin epidermis thickness and inflammation compared to UV-only or blank gel at seven days after UV irradiation. The beneficial effects of C. asiatica EVs on skin quality warrant further studies as promising agents in skin care applications. Full article

The giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) has economic significance in the aquatic industry, but production is impacted by infectious diseases induced by various pathogens. Herein, we investigated the impact of adding feed additives to the diet of M. rosenbergii to promote health. Diets were formulated to contain different levels of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. crude extracts (1, 5, and 10 g kg⁻¹), with growth performance and innate immune parameters assessed after 28 days of feeding. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of serine proteinase inhibitor (SPI) and alpha-2 macroglobulin (Mr-2α2M) from 12 h to 28 days of feeding. Prawns feeding at 5 and 10 g kg⁻¹ showed statistically significant differences in specific growth rate, lysozyme assay, and phenoloxidase activity. The expression levels of all the immune-related genes studied were significantly upregulated in prawns fed with supplemented diets compared to the control group. Findings revealed that the observed upregulations varied in response to alterations in feeding time and concentration. Furthermore, 16S rRNA analysis showed that the supplemented diets at 10 g kg⁻¹ supplementation increased beneficial bacteria (Lactococcus sp.) and reduced pathogenic taxa (e.g., Candidatus Hepatoplasma, Flavobacteriaceae, Weeksellaceae, Thiothrix sp.). Full article

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of AS632 and AS633, two topical formulations composed of natural plant-derived ingredients, for potential use in arthritis therapy. Methods: AS632 and AS633 were formulated with natural plant extracts—including Punica granatum seed oil, Gaultheria procumbens essential oil, Centella asiatica extract, and Camellia sinensis extract—and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). AS632 additionally contained a peptide-based component, Peptiskin^®. Both formulations were tested in THP-1-derived macrophages, HaCaT keratinocytes, and C28/I2 chondrocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or pro-inflammatory cytokines. Results: Both formulations significantly reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13) expression, and ROS level, with AS632 showing greater suppression of TNF-α in macrophages compared to AS633. In addition, both formulations demonstrated cytoprotective effects against cytokine-induced damage in chondrocytes. Conclusions: AS632 and AS633 are promising topical candidates for managing arthritis and chronic inflammatory skin or joint disorders. Full article

Background: Centella asiatica, a medicinally important species that is rich in bioactive compounds, lacks a characterized mitochondrial genome, despite nuclear and chloroplast assemblies. We sequenced and annotated its mitochondrial genome to elucidate its genetic foundations and evolutionary mechanisms. Methods: Assembly using Illumina short-reads and Nanopore long-reads was used to characterize the mitochondrial genome. Analyses included structural characterization, codon usage bias, repetitive sequences, horizontal gene transfer (HGT), collinearity, and phylogeny. The resulting tissue-specific (root, stem, and leaf) long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) profiles identified RNA editing sites. Results: The complete mitochondrial genome (249,777 bp, 45.5% GC) comprises three circular contigs encoding 51 genes (33 protein-coding, 15 tRNA, and 3 rRNA). Comparative genomics revealed synteny with the Apiaceae family of plants and evidence of HGT. Phylogenetic analysis resolved taxonomic relationships within Apiales. We predicted that 547 RNA editing sites would be identified in its protein-coding genes. Tissue profiling identified 725 (root), 711 (stem), and 668 (leaf) editing sites, with >71% concordance to predictions. RNA editing-generated cryptic promoters/terminators occur in mitochondrial core function genes (e.g., ATP synthase, cytochrome c reductase/oxidase, ribosome large subunit, and cytochrome c biogenesis), exhibiting a lower frequency in the leaves compared to the roots and stems. Conclusions: We provide the first complete mitochondrial genome assembly for C. asiatica, delineating its complex structure, tissue-modulated RNA editing, and evolutionary trajectory. This high-quality genomic resource establishes a foundation for molecular evolutionary studies and enhances the genomic toolkit for this pharmacologically significant species. Full article

Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) has attracted significant scientific interest due to its extensive medicinal properties and long-established use in traditional medicine. This review synthesizes recent advances in the technological exploitation of C. asiatica, covering the extraction of bioactive constituents to product development. Modern extraction techniques such as supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) have substantially improved the yield, selectivity, and preservation of key phytochemicals, particularly triterpenoids, saponins, and flavonoids. These compounds are now routinely characterized using advanced analytical platforms, ensuring product quality, consistency, and standardization. Moreover, the use of innovative formulation technologies and advanced delivery systems has facilitated the development of C. asiatica-based products tailored for various therapeutic areas, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals targeting neuroprotection, wound healing, skin aging, and stress modulation. Alongside these developments, stringent quality control protocols, toxicological evaluations, and adherence to evolving regulatory standards enhance the safety and efficacy of C. asiatica-derived interventions. This review highlights the integration of traditional knowledge with modern science across the domains of extraction, analysis, formulation, and regulation. It serves as a comprehensive resource for researchers, formulators, and regulatory stakeholders aiming to develop high-quality, evidence-based C. asiatica products with improved bioavailability and therapeutic value. Full article