Centella Asiatica Research Articles

Potential of Selected Underutilized Leafy Vegetables Against CCL4 Induced Oxidative Stress on Wistar Rats

Nutritional immunology might become even more important in prevention of disease. Underutilized leafy vegetables are the richest source of many bioactive compounds especially phenolic compounds with excellent antioxidant properties. Increased consumption of diets containing leafy vegetables may give positive results to human health. The underutilized leafy vegetables which includes Indian pennywort, Sessile joyweed, Red amaranth, Red spinach, Asiatic day flower, Indian sorrel, Roselle leaves are quantified for its phenols, flavonoids and vitamins contents by HPLC-LC MS method. The phenols, flavonoids and vitamins ranged from 0.186 – 12014 µg/g, 0.018 – 785.25 µg/g and 0.361 – 18466.56 ng/g in the underutilized leafy vegetables. Based on the bioactive compounds present, herbal preparations are developed and evaluated for hepatoprotective property against CCL4 induced intoxication in wistar rat model. Biochemical estimation in blood serum (AST/SGOT, ALT/SGPT, ALP, Total bilirubin) and antioxidant enzyme estimation in liver homogenate (SOD, GOD, LPO) showed positive results to reduce hepatotoxicity in CCL4 intoxicated wistar rat model. This exploration can helps in addressing importance of bioactive components present in underutilized leafy vegetables in combating various degenerative diseases and also proved the nutraceutical potential of leafy vegetables. Further which can be used for development of functional foods with the present pre-clinical data.

RG-I-containing sugar domains from Centella Asiatica bind strongly to galectin-3 to inhibit cell–cell interactions

BackgroundCentella Asiatica has been shown to have beneficial value for the treatment of tumors. However, its active ingredients and molecular mechanisms of action have not been fully elucidated. Pectic polysaccharides are the primary active components from medicinal plants. Moreover, these polysaccharides are regarded as potential inhibitors of galectins, such as galectin-1, -3, -7, that generally promote tumor growth. Nevertheless, detailed structural analysis of pectic polysaccharides from Centella Asiatica is sorely lacking, as is knowledge of their interactions with galectins.MethodsWater-soluble pectic polysaccharides (WCAP) isolated from Centella Asiatica were purified into two homogeneous fractions (WCAP-A2b and WCAP-A5b) by a combination of anion-exchange and gel-permeation chromatography. Monosaccharide composition, FT-IR, NMR and enzymatic analyses were used to characterize their structural features. Furthermore, the interactions between galectin-1, -3, -7 and a series of these polysaccharides, including two pectin fractions and their structural domains produced by enzymatic hydrolysis, were evaluated by using hemagglutination and biolayer interferometry.ResultsWCAP-A2b and WCAP-A5b have weight averaged molecular weights of 30.0 kDa and 34.0 kDa, respectively, and both polysaccharides consist of rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I), rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) and homogalacturonan (HG) domains, with mass ratios of 1.3: 1.0: 1.4 and 1.1: 1.0: 2.4, respectively. Their RG-I domains contain arabinan, galactan, and/or arabinogalactan, along with neutral sugar side chains that are more prevalent in WCAP-A2b than in WCAP-A5b. Hemagglutination and biolayer interferometry binding assays indicate that galectin-3 vis-à-vis galectin-1 and -7, binds strongly to the RG-I domain (likely via its neutral side chains) in WCAP-A5b, thereby inhibiting galectin-3-mediated cell–cell interactions.ConclusionsOur study provides structural information on pectin polysaccharides from Centella Asiatica. Results suggest that RG-I domains from WCAP-A5b and WCAP-A2b may be developed as potential inhibitors of galectin-3-mediated cell–cell adhesion and tumor growth.Graphical

Exploring the Mechanism of Asiatic Acid against Atherosclerosis Based on Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics, and Experimental Verification.

Asiatic acid (AA) is a pentacyclic triterpene derived from the traditional medicine Centella asiatica. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-regulating properties. Though previous studies have suggested its potential therapeutic benefits for atherosclerosis, its pharmacological mechanism is unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of AA in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Therefore, network pharmacology was employed to uncover the mechanism by which AA acts as an anti-atherosclerotic agent. Furthermore, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and in vitro experiments were performed to elucidate the mechanism of AA's anti-atherosclerotic effects. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated a strong affinity between AA and PPARγ. Further MD simulations demonstrated the favorable stability of AA-PPARγ protein complexes. In vitro experiments demonstrated that AA can dose-dependently inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 cells. This effect may be mediated through the PPARγ/NF-κB signaling pathway. This research underscores anti-inflammation as a crucial biological process in AA treatments for atherosclerosis, with PPARγ potentially serving as a key target.

Effect of Centella asiatica ethanol extract on zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio) insomnia model through inhibition of Orexin, ERK, Akt and p38

Background: Insomnia is difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep for at least three nights a week or more and lasting for at least 3 months. One of the molecules that play a role in the circadian rhythm of arousal system is hypocretin/orexin. Orexin activates the p38-MAPK signaling pathway and increases phosphorylated ERK1/2 levels. Centella asiatica (CA) has a role in the signal work of the MAPK/ERK, Akt, and p38 path in many various diseases. Methods: The research method used is true laboratory experimental. The research approach used was randomized control group post-test only. Zebrafish embryos aged 0-7 dpf were used in this study. The treatment group consisted of 5 groups: normal, insomnia, insomnia + 2.5 μg/mL CA, insomnia + 5 μg/mL CA, and insomnia + 10 μg/mL CA. The locomotor motion of zebrafish larvae was observed using Basler cameras on days five-, six- and seven-day post fertilization (dpf), then analyzed by using Western Blot method. Results: The results proved that exposure to CA extract was able to reduce the expression of orexin (91963 ± 9129) and p38 (117425 ± 6398) as an arousal trigger in the sleep-wake cycle, with the most optimal concentration of CA 5 μg/mL. Exposure to CA extract was also able to reduce the expression of ERK (94795 ± 30830) and Akt (60113.5 ± 27833.5) with an optimum concentration of CA 2.5 μg/mL. Conclusion: Exposure to CA extract was able to improve the sleep activity of zebrafish larvae insomnia model by extending the total inactivity time (cumulative duration) and shortening the duration of first sleep (latency to first) in light and dark phases through inhibition of orexin, ERK, p38, and Akt.

Comprehensive Allopathic Treatment and Retrospective Ayurvedic Regime Post-snake Bite from Southern Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii) for Wound Healing and Joint Stiffness - A Case Report

Background: In India and other tropical nations, snake bites are a serious public health issue that anti-snake venom may effectively treat. Case Presentation: The case report described here details the antivenom received to neutralize the toxins present in Russell’s viper venom, followed by Ayurveda treatment to remove the surgical wound and reduce joint stiffness by applying Ayurvedic paste prepared by Laportea aestuans (L.). The leaves, garlic, pepper, and lemon juice mixture was applied to the affected area twice daily for 10 days. Another thin paste consisting of Laportea aestuans (L.) leaves, Centella asiatica (L.), garlic, pepper, and lemon juice was applied every 30 minutes for 10 days. A dried medicated paste was prepared by heating coconut oil and dried neem tree peel and applied to the wound. The patient was also given a decoction of Randia dumetorum (Retz.) Poir nut extracted with milk to flush out the venom. Conclusion: The present results suggest combining conventional allopathic treatment to heal the surgical wound and Ayurvedic treatments to manage the symptoms of a juvenile Russell's viper bite as effective.

Manfaat Herbal Pegagan (Centella Asiatica (L.)) dalam Membantu Mencegah Alzheimer

This community service aims to provide information about the role of Gotu kola extract (Centella asiatica) as a neural antioxidant and mitoprotective in the context of helping reduce symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's, a form of dementia common in old age, still has no effective treatment after more than a hundred years of research. Gotu kola extract has been traditionally known in Asia as a cognitive-enhancing drug and has antioxidant and mitoprotective properties that can revitalize nerve and brain cells. Through the community service program, we organized a webinar on the benefits of Gotu Kola herbs in helping prevent Alzheimer's disease for students of the University of 17 August 1945 Jakarta and the general public in North Jakarta. The results of this activity showed a positive response from participants, with 42 participants from various backgrounds attending the webinar.

Investigation of antibacterial properties and sustained release of Centella Asiatica extract from Fe-MOF-reinforced gelatin-based hydrogels

Investigation of antibacterial properties and sustained release of Centella Asiatica extract from Fe-MOF-reinforced gelatin-based hydrogels

Prevention of Neuronal Damage in Brains of Chronic Stress-induced Male Wistar Rats Administering Centella asiatica (L) Urban

Introduction: Physiological and psychological response of an organism to repetitive stimulus leads to chronic stress which results in depression. This affects the neuro-endocrine axis causing hypersecretion of glucocorticoids which damages the hippocampal neurons in brain through oxidative stress. The body responds by producing Catalase (CAT) an antioxidant found on peroxisomes, which splits the hydrogen peroxide produced by oxidative stress into water and oxygen which are nontoxic, thus offering a protective effect. The synaptic function of the hippocampal neurons is dependent on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and oxidative stress affects the levels of AChE. The available anti-depressants have the late onset of action and increased toxicity. Centella asiatica (CA), an herb with neuroprotective properties, is known as neuro-tonic and has less toxicity and has been used in ancient traditional medicines. This study aims to examine the neuroprotective effects of crude extract of CA on hippocampal neurons using Nissls stain and levels of AChE and expression of mRNA CAT in the brain tissues of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six Male Wistar rats aged 8–10 weeks were held in six groups. One group assigned as control, whereas the other groups were administered CUMS by various stressors, namely restrain, forced swimming in cold water, overnight food and water deprivation, wet bedding, cage tilt at 45°, tail pinching, overcrowding the cages, and change of cage mates randomly for a period of 64 days. One of the stress-induced groups was retained as model group and others were administered crude extracts of CA at the doses of 200, 400, 800, and fluoxetine (Flx) 10 mg/kg body weight. At the end of 64 days, the rats were euthanized and the brain tissue was collected for Nissls staining of the hippocampus, measure levels of AChE using ELISA and expression of mRNA CAT levels using RT-PCR. Results: The rats of the model group exhibited reduced number of viable neurons in the hippocampus as observed in Nissls stain, reduced levels of AChE, and reduced expression of mRNA CAT in the brain tissue while the rat groups receiving CA showed increase in the number of viable neurons, increase in level of AChE, and increase in the expression of mRNA CAT in the brain tissues. The results were comparable to that of Flx. Conclusion: CA effectively attenuates CUMS-induced neuronal loss in the hippocampus of the rat’s brain, normalizes AChE levels, and also the expression of mRNA CAT antioxidant levels. CA could be used in the long-term prevention of chronic stress-induced depression.

Centella asiatica in Surakarta City, Indonesia: A Comprehensive Review of Discovery, Genetic Diversity, Antimicrobial Potential, and Cultivation

Centella asiatica in Surakarta City, Indonesia: A Comprehensive Review of Discovery, Genetic Diversity, Antimicrobial Potential, and Cultivation

DOES THE COMBINATION OF ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS AND CENTELLA ASIATICA NANOEMULSIONS AFFECT BDNF EXPRESSION IN THE GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS MODEL IN ZEBRAFISH LARVAE

Background: Pancreatic β-cells compensate for the increased insulin demand due to increasing glucose levels during pregnancy or in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The enzyme that regulates the rate of gluconeogenesis production is PEPCK. Circulatory and metabolic disturbances in the brain caused by hyperglycemia could affect brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression as an agent for neurodevelopment. Objective: The purpose of this work is to ascertain the impact of combining nanoemulsions of Rosmarinus officinalis and Centella asiatica on the expression of BDNF and PEPCK. Methods: This study was a true experimental laboratory using zebrafish larvae. The larvae were exposed to 3% glucose and a combination of nanoemulsion extracts. The study sample of zebrafish larvae at 72 hpf (hour post fertilization) was divided into control, glucose, treatment 1, 2, and 3, with the combination of Rosmarinus officinalis and Centella asiatica nanoemulsions at 2.5 μg/ml, 5 μg/ml, and 10 μg/ml, respectively. PEPCK and BDNF expression were measured by the real-time PCR method. Results: The expression of PEPCK increased significantly in the glucose group (3.05 ± 0.27). The combination of Rosmarinus officinalis and Centella asiatica nanoemulsions significantly decreased PEPCK (p-value 0,001 < 0.05). The BDNF level did not significantly differ (p-value 0.253 >0.05) among groups, but the highest level (1.06 ± 0.60) was gained in the T2 group, which received an embryonic medium (EM), 3% glucose, and the combination of Rosmarinus officinalis and Centella asiatica nanoemulsions at 5μg/ml. Conclusion: The combination of Rosmarinus officinalis and Centella asiatica nanoemulsions significantly reduces PEPCK expression but does not affect BDNF expression.

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes doped with Phytocompounds of Centella asiatica for food packing applications and their anti‐microbial properties

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes doped with Phytocompounds of <i>Centella asiatica</i> for food packing applications and their anti‐microbial properties

Design and Development of Topical Hydrogel of &lt;i&gt;Centella Asiatica&lt;/i&gt; for the Treatment of Skin Burn

Design and Development of Topical Hydrogel of &lt;i&gt;Centella Asiatica&lt;/i&gt; for the Treatment of Skin Burn

Enhanced metabolite yield with compensatory biomass reduction revealed by moisture stress induction in &lt;i&gt;Centella asiatica&lt;/i&gt; (L.)

The exposure to any kind of stress tends to accelerate the secondary metabolism in medicinal plants increasing the production of secondary metabolites. The present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of moisture stress (100, 75, 50, 25 and 10% pot capacity) and control (as without plant) on growth, yield and metabolite content of Centella asiatica var. ‘Arka Prabhavi’, for two growing seasons under polyhouse conditions. Results revealed that moisture stress treatments had a significant effect on all observed growth and yield traits. Plants maintained at 100% PC exhibited luxurious vegetative growth with maximum leaf length (6.28 cm), leaf breadth (8.14 cm), petiole length (22.32 cm) and fresh biomass yield (164 g/pot). Cumulative water transpired and water use efficiency of the plants was also observed to be maximum at 100% PC. In contrary to biomass yield, increased asiaticoside (1.864%, 1.892%), madecassoside (2.856%, 3.382%) and total triterpenoid content (5.356%, 5.578%) at higher moisture stress levels of 75% and 50% PC, respectively, was observed. Hence, it is appropriate to grow Centella either at 100% or 75% PC to get optimum biomass and metabolite yield on a commercial scale.

Medical devices based on natural substances: Applications and perspectives

The growing interest in natural and biocompatible solutions has led to the development of medical devices based on natural bioactive substances offering safe and effective alternatives to synthetic products. This review examines the current state of research and technological advances in the field of medical devices based on plants and natural bioactive substances, focusing on their applications in wound healing and transdermal drug delivery. Wound-healing devices using plant extracts such as Centella asiatica and Curcuma longa are showing promising results in accelerating the repair of damaged tissue. In addition, transdermal delivery systems based on natural compounds enable controlled and targeted administration of active ingredients, increasing therapeutic efficacy while reducing side effects. The advantages of these devices include enhanced biocompatibility and biodegradability, as well as improved therapeutic efficacy. However, challenges remain, not least the regulatory aspect, especially with regard to the variability of natural compounds and the difficulties of standardisation. Ongoing research and rigorous clinical trials are needed to overcome these obstacles and maximise the clinical benefits of medical devices based on natural bioactive substances.

Acute Toxicity Assessment of Centella asiatica and Bidens pilosa Aqueous Crude Leaf Extracts in Pregnant Rat Model

Acute Toxicity Assessment of Centella asiatica and Bidens pilosa Aqueous Crude Leaf Extracts in Pregnant Rat Model

Metabolite Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Centella asiatica Leaves Extract with Different Extraction Methods

Centella asiatica known as pegagan in Indonesia, belongs to the Apiaceae family and is widely used as salad, cosmetics ingredients, and herbal medicine for improving memory. This research aimed to determine the total phenolics content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (AC), and FTIR spectrum of C. asiatica leaves extracts using different extraction methods. C. asiatica extracts were prepared using maceration, reflux, and ultrasonication. The Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to determine TPC, and we found a higher level of TPC when using maceration, about 9,96 ± 0,20 mg GAE g-1 dry powder. Antioxidant capacity from the three extracts was measured using DPPH and FRAP methods. The highest antioxidant capacity using DPPH and FRAP methods was found in C. asiatica leaves extract using maceration with a value of 29,60 ± 0,71 and 14,04 ± 0,38 𝜇mol TE g-1 dry powder, respectively. The FTIR spectrum of each extract indicates the presence of vibration from several functional groups such as O-H, C-H, and C=C, likely from phenolics and C-O. The pattern of FTIR spectrum from the three C. asiatica leaves extracts gives different spectrum profiles and characteristics. Principal component analysis using FTIR spectrum data shows good clustering for each extract with 89% data variability (PC1 77% and PC2 12%). It can be concluded that TPC, AC, and FTIR spectrum profiles are different when using different extraction methods.

Computational analysis of phytocompounds in Centella asiatica for its antifibrotic and drug-likeness properties - Herb to drug study

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder with no permanent cure that affects the quality of life due to trismus. Computational pharmacology has accelerated the discovery of drug candidates for the treatment of incurable diseases. The present study aimed to screen the compounds of the miracle herb Centella asiatica with drug-likeness properties based on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties. The pharmacological actions of these screened compounds against OSMF were identified by network pharmacology, gene ontology, pathway enrichment analysis, molecular docking, and simulation. Fifteen drug-like ligands were identified after virtual screening viz; asiatic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, bayogenin, gallic acid, isothankunic acid, madecassic acid, madasiatic acid, arjunolic acid, terminolic acid, catechin, epicatechin, and nobiletin. 850 potential targets were predicted for the ligands, which were analyzed against 354 proteins associated with OSMF. Compound pathway analysis and disease pathway analysis identified 53 common proteins. The GO enrichment analysis identified 472 biological process terms, 76 molecular function terms, and 44 cellular component terms. Pathway enrichment analysis predicted 142 KEGG pathways, 35 Biocarta pathways, and 236 Reactome pathways for the target proteins. The analysis revealed that the herb targets crucial events of fibrosis such as inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, collagen deposition, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The common 53 proteins were used for protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, which revealed 4 key proteins interacting with the phytocompounds viz; transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), mothers against decapentaplegic-3 (SMAD-3), mitogen-activated protein kinase-1 (MAPK-1) and proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase (SRC). Molecular docking revealed that all ligands had a good binding affinity to the target proteins. Bayogenin had the highest binding affinity towards MAPK-1 (−9.7 kcal/mol), followed by isothankunic acid towards SRC protein (−9.3 kcal/mol). Madasiatic acid had the highest binding affinity to SMAD-3 (−7.6 kcal/mol) and TGF-β1 (−7.1 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated stable ligand protein interactions of bayogenin and MAPK complex, isothankunic acid and SRC complex. This in silico study is the first to identify potential phytochemicals present in Centella asiatica and their target molecules, which might be responsible for reversing OSMF.

Effectiveness of Brogandi (Broccoli and Gotu Kola) on Cognitive Function among Elderly

Introduction: Broccoli and Gotu Kola (Brogandi) are known to improve cognitive function, but the combination of the two to improve cognitive function is still limited. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of Brogandi in improving cognitive function in healthy elderly, mild dementia and moderate dementia. Methods: This research used a pre and post test design on 38 elderly people at Griya Lansia Garut. Cognitive function examination uses the MMSE (Mini Mental State Examination) questionnaire. The dose of brogandi given is 2x500 mg/day for 14 weeks. Results: Brogandi can improve cognitive function in elderly with mild dementia (p=0.001). Conclusion: Giving Brogandi at a dose of 2x500mg/day for 14 weeks is effective in improving cognitive function in elderly with mild dementia. Meanwhile, in elderly people with moderate dementia, further research needs to be done in the form of increasing the dose and taking a longer administration time.

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Capacity of Some Selected Medicinal Plants of Bangladesh

Medicinal plants are very much known for the presence of high amounts of different phytochemicals. Leaves of twelve medicinal plants, Andrographis paniculata, Blumea lacera, Caesalpinia bonduc, Codariocalyx motorius, Hyptis suaveolens, Vitex trifolia, Centella asiatica, Cynodon dactylon, Portulaca oleracea, Hyptis capitata, Acmella paniculata and Lippia alba grown in the Bangladesh Agricultural University Botanical Garden, had been selected to investigate the presence and status of different phytochemicals along with the antioxidant activity. This article revealed that all of these medicinal plants contained high amounts of different phytochemicals. The phenolics contents ranged from 118.98– 288.62 mg GAE/ 100 g FW, flavonoids (95.19– 198.51 mg QE/ 100 g FW), FRAP values (0.4523– 3.4390 µmol Fe2+/ g FW), IC50 values– amounts required to scavenge DPPH radicals (3.376– 38.56 mg/ mL), vitamin- C (10.418– 41.763 mg/ 100 g FW), total chlorophyll (0.7818– 4.2185 mg/ 100 g FW), carotenoids (0.4614– 1.8557 µg/ g FW), and among which, H. suaveolens and H. capitata from the Lamiaceae family showed the best performances regarding the most of the parameters. Based on the results of the present investigation, it may be concluded that these medicinal plants possess excellent amounts of different phytochemicals and are a good source of antioxidants, which indicates their potential in various ethnomedicinal studies and therapeutic uses. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(2): 373-380, 2024 (June)

Standardized Extract from the Gotu Kola Leaves Improves Suicidal Behavior in Stressed Rats Subjected to Social Isolation

The leaves of Centella asiatica L. Urban (C. asiatica) and their bioactive compounds, triterpenoids asiaticoside (AS) and madecassoside (MA), are effective in reducing psychological stress and associated behavioral disorders in the conducted in vivo research. The present study evaluated AS+MA-based standardized C. asiatica leaves extract (INDCA) on SIS-induced suicidal behavior-related traits in laboratory rats. Male rats (n=6) were randomized, grouped, and individually caged for seven days for stress induction. For the next seven days (D7 to D14), rats were orally administered vehicle (stress control), positive control (fluoxetine, 30 mg/kg), and or INDCA (3, 10, 30 mg/kg) once a day. A separate group of rats without isolation stress (normal rats) was maintained. The scores for suicidal behavior-related traits, such as aggression, impulsivity, irritability, learned helplessness, and plasma cortisol, were measured after 14-day treatment. The stress control group showed a significant increase in aggression, irritability (total score), learned helplessness (escape latency, escape failure, and recovery attempts), and plasma cortisol levels, which confirmed suicidal behavior-related traits. The INDCA-treated rats showed a dose-dependent reduction in stress-induced behavioral traits and elevated plasma cortisol levels. In conclusion, subacute administration of INDCA showed amelioration of suicidal behavior in social-isolation-induced stress in laboratory rats and suggested a promising natural and safe option for the management of stress-induced behavioral disorders, including suicidal behavior.