Pharmacological effects of pentacyclic triterpenoids isolated from Centella asiatica

Abstract

Centella asiatica (CA) is one of the most popular traditional herbal medicines worldwide. It has been used for centuries in many countries, especially for curing skin damage, and is now applied to treat various human diseases. There are various types of triterpenoids from Centella asiatica, with four pentacyclic triterpenoids with the main properties being shown by four pentacyclic triterpenoids: asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid. These terpenoids have similar structures, however each has a slightly different properties. Asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid are synthesized through the isoprenoid pathway known as mevalonate pathway to produce hydrophobic triterpenoid structures (aglycone) which contain hydrophilic sugar chains (glycone). Furthermore, asiaticoside and madecassoside are distinguished by a glycone, and asiatic acid and madecassic acid are distinguished by a aglycone. These pentacyclic triterpenoids have a wide spectrum of beneficial effects and have been used as anti-inflammatories, skin wound treatments, scar treatments, and cosmetics agents. This review aimed to provide a description of the four compounds, of their structure, pharmacological properties, applications in the treatment of various diseases, known mechanisms of action, and commentary on industrial applications.