Search Results (49)

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

Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy, used for treating skin diseases, can induce skin aging, cause inflammation, and reduce cell viability due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. To mitigate these adverse effects, a multi-target polyherbal mixture for topical application was developed. This study investigated the effects of a polyherbal combination comprising Zingiber officinale (ZH), Garcinia mangostana (GE), and Centella asiatica (CAEw) extracts against NB-UVB-induced damage in HaCaT cells. Extracts were prepared to obtain high levels of specific biomarkers (compound D, α-mangostin, and asiaticoside). They were characterized for total phenolic and total flavonoid content, antioxidant properties, and anti-collagenase activity. The ability to enhance HaCaT cell viability after NB-UVB exposure was evaluated to determine the optimal polyherbal mixture ratios. Both the individual extracts and polyherbal formulations significantly improved irradiated HaCaT cell viability. Subsequent treatment with 100 µg/mL of the polyherbal mixture ZH:GE:CAEw (1:1:1) increased cell viability from 62.3% to 80.1% and decreased intracellular ROS (63.6%) without reducing cell apoptosis. It also downregulated the gene expression of cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), and MMP-9, allowing their expression to reach the normal level of the non-irradiated cells. In conclusion, the polyherbal mixture effectively attenuated NB-UVB-induced damage and premature aging in HaCaT keratinocytes. Full article

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Targeted therapies with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) represent a significant advance in the management of lung cancer. However, their long-term efficacy is often limited by acquired resistance, particularly due to the T790M mutation, highlighting the need for novel EGFR-TKIs. Although compounds derived from Centella asiatica have demonstrated anticancer potential, their role in EGFR inhibition has not yet been reported. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory activity of two primary constituents, asiaticoside and asiatic acid, against wild-type and double-mutant (L858R/T790M) EGFR, as well as the anticancer effects of the more potent compound in lung cancer cells. A kinase activity assay revealed that asiatic acid potently inhibited both wild-type and double-mutant EGFR, whereas asiaticoside showed minimal inhibitory activity. Molecular docking demonstrated that asiatic acid bound to the ATP-binding pocket of both EGFR forms with binding energies superior to those of erlotinib and osimertinib. Treatment with asiatic acid significantly (i) reduced viability of A549 and H1975 cells while remaining non-toxic to BEAS-2B normal lung cells, (ii) enhanced cancer cell apoptosis, (iii) suppressed extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathways, and (iv) inhibited EGFR activation in A549 and H1975 cells. These results suggest that asiatic acid is a promising lead compound for anticancer drug development. Full article

This study examined how far-red (FR) light supplementation influences triterpene glycoside accumulation in Centella asiatica grown under different light intensities (50–200 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹) over 5 weeks. Four major compounds—madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and asiatic acid—were quantified. Results from three-way ANOVA showed that light intensity and time significantly affected the accumulation of all compounds, with FR light selectively enhancing glycoside levels but not triterpene acids. Although total glycoside content declined over time, plants under 200FR conditions retained the highest levels by week 5. Principal component analysis suggested that FR light modulates resource allocation between growth and secondary metabolism. These findings advance our understanding of light-mediated regulation in phytochemical biosynthesis and offer a basis for optimizing cultivation strategies in controlled environments. Notably, the compound-specific responses to FR suggest differential regulation within the triterpene biosynthetic pathway, opening avenues for targeted enhancement of medicinally important compounds. Full article

The review explores the potential of asiaticoside-loaded bioscaffolds to improve the management of hyperglycemic wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Asiaticoside, sourced from Centella asiatica, possesses properties that address DFUs’ healing challenges: insufficient angiogenesis, persistent inflammation, and delayed tissue regeneration. By incorporating asiaticoside into bioscaffold 3D designs including hydrogels, microneedle arrays, and nanofibrous meshes, therapeutic efficacy is optimized. This review examines the mechanisms of asiaticoside in wound healing (collagen production, angiogenesis modulation, inflammation reduction, and cell migration and proliferation) based on in vitro and in vivo studies. Asiaticoside also demonstrates synergistic abilities with other biomaterials, creating the possibility of more effective therapies. While preclinical research is promising, clinical trials are crucial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of asiaticoside-loaded bioscaffolds in patients with DFUs. Asiaticoside-loaded bioscaffolds are a significant development in wound healing and may aid in treating hyperglycemic wound complications. Their ability to offer individualized treatment plans has the potential to enhance the quality of life of those who suffer from diabetes. This review is based on a thorough literature search (2019–2024) across multiple databases, excluding secondary literature and non-English articles. Full article

Centella asiatica (CA), known for its health-promoting properties, is rich in bioactive compounds. This study optimised ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) parameters to maximise total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) using the response surface methodology (RSM). Ethanol concentration and solvent volume significantly influenced TPC and TFC yields (p < 0.0001), while ultrasonic power had nonsignificant effects (p < 0.05). Time showed no significant effect on TPC (p > 0.05) but influenced TFC due to flavonoids’ sensitivity to degradation (p < 0.05). Variable interactions were negligible (p > 0.05). The relationship between responses (TPC and TFC) and independent parameters could be expressed as the quadratic models fitted with a Predicted R² of 0.8263 for TPC and 0.9006 for TFC. Based on RSM, the optimal conditions—75% ethanol concentration, 87.5 W ultrasonic power, 30 min extraction time, and 20 mL solvent volume—yielded TPC and TFC values of 52.29 ± 1.65 mg/g and 43.71 ± 1.92 mg/g, closely aligning with model predictions at 95% confidence. Additionally, the optimal UAE condition provided asiaticoside of 37.56 ± 4.25 mg/g and madecassoside of 16.91 ± 1.28 mg/g. This study offers valuable insights into the factors influencing UAE efficiency, sustainability, and scalability for recovering bioactive compounds, underscoring its potential as a sustainable method for developing functional food ingredients from CA. Full article

Centella asiatica L. extract is a promising natural agent for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. It significantly reduces inflammation due to its immunomodulatory properties, mainly attributed to the presence of pentacyclic triterpenes, namely madecassoside and asiaticoside. Their incorporation into sustainable cold-processed topical formulations, such as emollient-rich emulsions and cosmetic gel containing natural hydrophilic polymers, should inhibit inflammation in atopic skin. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the controlled release of madecassoside and asiaticoside isolated from Centella asiatica L., loaded into topical formulations, namely emollient-rich O/W and W/O emulsions and cosmetic gel, which could support the treatment of atopic dermatitis. The carriers of active substances have been prepared with sustainable emulsifiers, active substances, and emollients obtained by green technologies from food industry wastes. Low-energy methods during the carrier emulsification process were applied to reduce carbon footprints and preserve the valuable properties of the raw materials used. The influence of the Centella asiatica L. extract on the physicochemical properties of the formulations was studied, showing a satisfactory degree of stability of the formulations obtained. Moreover, factors that may influence the mechanism and kinetics of the release of madecassoside and asiaticoside, such as the concentration of the active substance, the pH of the dissolution medium, and the type of the carrier, have been tested and widely discussed. Full article

Centella asiatica, widely known as Gotu kola, is a traditional herb celebrated for its benefits in skin health and wound healing. Recent research has provided new insights into its efficacy, particularly through topical applications. This review highlights the plant’s mechanisms, focusing on its active compounds such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, which enhance collagen synthesis, modulate inflammation, and offer antioxidant protection. Clinical trials have been collected and summarized that innovative delivery systems, such as hydrogels, nanostructures or microneedles, can accelerate wound healing, reduce wound size, and improve recovery times in various wound types, including diabetic ulcers and burns. Future research will likely refine these technologies and explore new applications, reinforcing the role of C. asiatica in contemporary wound care. Advances in formulation and delivery will continue to enhance the plant’s therapeutic potential, offering promising solutions for effective wound management. Full article

Centella asiatica, a traditional herb, is widely recognized for its pharmacologically active components, such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid. These components render it a highly sought-after ingredient in various industries, including cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This study aimed to enhance the production and activity of these pharmacological constituents of C. asiatica using the plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium Priestia megaterium HyangYak-01 during its cultivation. To achieve this goal, the researchers conducted field experiments, which revealed an increase in the production of pharmacologically active compounds in C. asiatica cultivated with a P. megaterium HyangYak-01 culture solution. Additionally, quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF MS) confirmed that the composition ratios of the C. asiatica extract treated with the P. megaterium HyangYak-01 culture solution differed from those of the untreated control and type strain-treated groups. Skin cell experiments indicated that the C. asiatica extract treated with the P. megaterium HyangYak-01 culture solution exhibited greater skin barrier improvement and less pronounced inflammatory responses than those from plants grown without the bacterial culture solution. This study demonstrates that microbial treatment during plant cultivation can beneficially influence the production of pharmacological constituents, suggesting a valuable approach toward enhancing the therapeutic properties of plants. Full article

A randomised open clinical/laboratory study was performed to evaluate the safety and cosmetic efficacy of facial cosmetics for females during the menopausal period. The cosmetics contain active ingredients of meristem cells derived from the medicinal plants Leontopodium alpinum, Buddeleja davidii, Centella asiatica, and Echinacea angustifolia. Recently, the major bioactive molecules of these medicinal plants (leontopodic acid, verbascoside, asiaticoside, and echinacoside, respectively) have been thoroughly evaluated in vitro for molecular pathways and cellular mechanisms and their preventive/curative effects on human skin cells exposed to factors promoting premature skin ageing and cellular senescence. Nevertheless, clinical data on their safety/efficacy to ageing human skin are scarce. This clinical study enrolled 104 Caucasian females in pre-menopause, menopause, or post-menopause periods. They applied cosmetic serums daily for 1 month. Questionnaires and instrumental and biochemical methods were used to assess dermatological/ophthalmological safety and cosmetic efficacy through changes of the skin physiology markers characteristic of ageing/menopause (elasticity, barrier functions, moisture, sebum, ultrasonic properties, and collagen content and structure). Quantitative microbiological tests were carried out for skin microbiota fluctuations. Data showed that the cosmetics were safe, and they shifted the skin physiology parameters to a younger biological age, enhanced collagen synthesis, inhibited lipid peroxidation, and favoured normal microbiota. Full article

We comparatively evaluated the antioxidant properties of key triterpenes from Centella asiatica, including asiatic acid (AA), asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and madecassoside, in several cell types, including skin fibroblasts, macrophages, hepatocytes, and endothelial cells, under conditions promoting oxidative stress. AA conferred the highest viability on Hs68 cells exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. Triterpene pretreatment attenuated the UVB-induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as the UVB-induced depletion of glutathione (GSH) in skin fibroblasts. AA most potently inhibited UVB-induced MMP generation, resulting in increased intracellular collagen levels. Pretreatment with triterpenes, particularly AA, significantly improved cell viability and attenuated TBHP-induced levels of ROS, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase in HepG2 cells. Triterpenes attenuated ROS levels and reduced MDA and GSH expression in EA.hy926 cells. In RAW264.7 macrophages, production of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 (indicators of LPS-induced oxidative damage) was significantly reduced by treatment with any of the triterpenes. Statistical analyses of triterpene biological activities using principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering revealed that AA exerted the greatest overall influence and showed remarkable activity in Hs68 and HepG2 cells. Full article

Background: Centella asiatica (CA) has been used to address cancer for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Previous studies demonstrated its anti-angiogenesis efficacy, but the underlying mechanism of its action remains to be further clarified. This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of CA and its triterpenes in anti-angiogenesis for cancer therapeutics through network pharmacology and experimental validation. Methods: Cytoscape was used to construct a network of compound–disease targets and protein–protein interactions (PPIs) from which core targets were identified. GO and KEGG analyses were performed using Metascape, and the AutoDock-Vina program was used to realize molecular docking for further verification. Then, VEGF165 was employed to establish an induced angiogenesis model. The anti-angiogenic effects of CA were evaluated through assays measuring cell proliferation, migration, and tubular structure formation. Results: Twenty-five active ingredients in CA had potential targets for anti-angiogenesis including madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, asiatic acid, and asiaticoside B. In total, 138 potential targets for CA were identified, with 19 core targets, including STAT3, SRC, MAPK1, and AKT1. A KEGG analysis showed that CA is implicated in cancer-related pathways, specifically PD-1 and AGE-RAGE. Molecular docking verified that the active components of CA have good binding energy with the first four important targets of angiogenesis. In experimental validation, the extracts and triterpenes of CA improved VEGF165-induced angiogenesis by reducing the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Conclusions: Our results initially demonstrate the effective components and great anti-angiogenic activity of CA. Evidence of the satisfactory anti-angiogenic action of the extracts and triterpenes from CA was verified, suggesting CA’s significant potential as a prospective agent for the therapy of cancer. Full article

Nutrients and light are critical factors for sustained Centella asiatica L. Urban production under a controlled environment. The growth, triterpene glycosides, and antioxidant activities of C. asiatica grown under a controlled environment with different nutrient solution formulations (NFFs) and LED light intensities were investigated. Four different NSFs were tested on plant growth, bioactive compounds, and their activities in a conventional greenhouse. The results showed that the plants grown with Houghland and Arnon solution exhibited better growth performance, whereas the use of Resh’s Tropical Dry Summer solution led to increased bioactive compounds and their activities. Subsequently, Resh’s Tropical Dry Summer solution was selected to evaluate the effect of light intensity in a controlled environment. Plants were grown under three LED light intensities (110, 220, and 330 µmol/m²/s PPFD) compared with fluorescent and natural lights (45 and 326 µmol/m²/s PPFD, respectively). We found that light intensity had the strongest influence on growth, triterpene glycosides, and antioxidant activities. Significantly higher values of the most studied parameters were observed in plants grown under high light intensity compared to those grown under low light intensity. The optimal light intensity was 330 µmol/m²/s PPFD, representing an efficient approach for commercially producing this medicinal plant with a higher yield and medicinal properties in a controlled environment. Full article