CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT

Centella asiatica is a medicinal plant that was already used as a 'panacea' 3000 years ago. The active compounds include pentacyclic triterpenes, mainly asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. We have conducted an overview to summarize current knowledge on the results of scientific in vitro and in vivo experiments focused on the improvement of the healing process of small wounds, hypertrophic scars and burns by C. asiatica. In this paper, we discuss the data on constituents, recommended preparations and the potential side effects of C. asiatica.

Centella asiatica known as Gotu Kola is a medicinal plant that has been used in folk medicine for hundreds of years as well as in scientifically oriented medicine. The active compounds include pentacyclic triterpenes, mainly asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acids. Centella asiatica is effective in improving treatment of small wounds, hypertrophic wounds as well as burns, psoriasis and scleroderma. The mechanism of action involves promoting fibroblast proliferation and increasing the synthesis of collagen and intracellular fibronectin content and also improvement of the tensile strength of newly formed skin as well as inhibiting the inflammatory phase of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Research results indicate that it can be used in the treatment of photoaging skin, cellulite and striae.

Under metabolic stress conditions, there is a higher demand for nutrients which needs to be met. This is to reduce the risk of delay in wound healing which could lead to chronic wound. This is a systematic review of the effect of Centella asiatica on wound healing. C. asiatica is a traditional medicinal plant used due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and wound healing properties. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed for the systematic review and four electronic databases were used. Four clinical trials met the inclusion criteria. The following distinct areas were identified under C. asiatica : wound contraction and granulation; healing/bleeding time and re-epithelialization; VAS (visual analogue scale) scores; skin erythema and wound appearance. C. asiatica might enhance wound healing resulting from improved angiogenesis. This might occur due to its stimulating effect on collagen I, Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) production. Besides, C. asiatica has shown an anti-inflammatory effect observed by the reduction in Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumour Necrosis Factor α (TNFα), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and lipoxygenase (LOX) activity. Delivery systems such as nanoencapsulation could be used to increase C. asiatica bioavailability. Nevertheless, more studies are needed in order to perform a meta-analysis and ascertain the effects of C. asiatica on wound healing and its different parameters.

The medicinal herb Centella asiatica (L.) Urban known as gotu kola has been reported to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities. In particular, a significant body of scientific research exists on the therapeutic properties of preparations of C. asiatica or its triterpenes in the treatment of skin diseases. The present study is aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the beneficial effects of C. asiatica on skin diseases. Peer-reviewed articles on the potent dermatological effects of C. asiatica were acquired from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and SciFinder. This review provides an understanding of pharmacological studies which confirm the potent dermatological effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of C. asiatica . This medicinal plant and its triterpenes include asiaticoside, madecassoside, and their aglycones, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. These compounds exert therapeutic effects on dermatological diseases such as acne, burns, atopic dermatitis, and wounds via NF- κ B, TGF- β /Smad, MAPK, Wnt/ β -catenin, and STAT signaling in in vitro and in vivo studies. However, additional rigorously controlled long-term clinical trials will be necessary to confirm the full potential of C. asiatica as a therapeutic agent.

An intense effort has been focused on new therapeutic approaches and the development of technologies for more efficient and rapid wound healing. The research for plants used for long time in traditional medicine in the treatment of wound has become a promising strategy to obtain drugs therapeutically useful in the acute and chronic wound management. In this context, Centella asiatica (Apiaceae) has been used to treat a variety of skin diseases, such as leprosy, lupus, varicose ulcers, eczema and psoriasis, in Asiatic traditional medicine for thousands of years. Studies have shown that Centella asiatica extracts (CAE) display activity in tissue regeneration, cell migration and wound repair process by promoting fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. Preliminary findings have shown that the asiatic acid is one of the main active constituents of C. asiatica , directly associated with its healing activity. Thus, this study discusses aspects of the effects of Centella asiatica and its active component, asiatic acid, in different stages of the healing process of cutaneous wounds, including phytochemical and antimicrobial aspects that contribute to its therapeutic potential.

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.

C. asiatica (L.) Urban is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional Asian medicine with potential geroprotective properties. Its major bioactive compounds-including asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid-exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, regenerative, neuroprotective, and cytoprotective activities. Experimental studies demonstrate modulation of signaling pathways involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and cellular survival, including NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, Nrf2/HO-1, and TGF-β/Smad pathways. Preclinical evidence further indicates attenuation of cellular senescence, improvement of mitochondrial function, enhanced collagen synthesis, and regulation of cytokine production. In experimental models, C. asiatica has shown beneficial effects on wound healing, skin aging, neuroinflammation, β-amyloid aggregation, neuroplasticity, metabolic dysfunction, and vascular protection. Preliminary preclinical findings also suggest possible effects on telomerase activity and telomere maintenance. However, clinical translation remains limited due to insufficient randomized controlled trials, low oral bioavailability of triterpenoids, variability in extract standardization, and limited pharmacokinetic and long-term safety data. This narrative review summarizes the phytochemistry, molecular mechanisms, pharmacological activities, and potential geroprotective applications of c. asiatica, highlighting its translational relevance in healthy aging and age-related disorders while emphasizing the need for standardized clinical studies.

Centella asiatica has been widely recognized for its dermatological benefits; however, clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of oral supplementation for improving skin aging parameters remains limited. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of oral Centella asiatica extract on skin wrinkles and related skin parameters in middle-aged women. A total of 112 participants were randomized to receive either Centella asiatica extract (200 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Skin wrinkle parameters were quantitatively assessed using a three-dimensional skin imaging system (PRIMOS ® ). Skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), elasticity, and skin color (brightness and redness) were additionally measured using validated non-invasive instruments. Efficacy analyses were performed in the per-protocol population. After 12 weeks of supplementation, the Centella asiatica extract group demonstrated significant improvements in multiple wrinkle parameters compared with the baseline. Average wrinkle depth decreased by 11.1%, and the mean depth of the largest wrinkle decreased by 14.4%. Maximum wrinkle depth and total wrinkle volume were reduced by 13.3% and 13.7%, respectively, while surface roughness (Ra) decreased by 10.4%. In contrast, the placebo group showed minimal or inconsistent changes. Epidermal hydration at the cheek site significantly increased, while transepidermal water loss decreased, indicating improved skin barrier function. However, the magnitude of changes in epidermal hydration (2.7%), skin elasticity (R2; 0.7%), and skin brightness (L*; 0.7%) were relatively small. Skin elasticity and skin brightness showed statistically significant differences compared with the placebo group ( p < 0.05), but these changes should be interpreted as modest improvements. No serious adverse events were reported, and all hematological and biochemical safety markers remained within normal reference ranges during the 12-week intervention period. Oral supplementation with Centella asiatica extract for 12 weeks was associated with improvements in wrinkle-related parameters and TEWL, while changes in skin hydration, elasticity, and brightness were modest and of limited magnitude. These findings suggest a potential role for short-term supplementation; however, further studies are required to confirm long-term efficacy and broader applicability.

Although 0.12% Chlorhexidine (CHX) is the gold standard oral antiseptic, its significant cytotoxicity often delays tissue repair. This study investigated the potential of ECa 233, a standardized Centella asiatica extract, to mitigate CHX-induced damage and promote oral wound regeneration. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed via minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against key oral pathogens. Human Gingival Fibroblasts (HGFs) were treated with CHX and ECa 233 to evaluate viability (MTT) and migration (scratch assay). Anti-inflammatory effects were measured by quantifying CD80 expression and cytokine secretion (TNF-alpha, IL-6) in LPS-stimulated U937 cells, while angiogenesis was evaluated using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Results demonstrated that ECa 233 preserved the antimicrobial activity of CHX. While 0.12% CHX alone significantly inhibited HGF viability and migration (p < 0.001), the addition of 0.05% ECa 233 significantly rescued these cellular parameters (p < 0.05). ECa 233 effectively downregulated the M1 macrophage marker CD80 and suppressed the secretion of TNF-alpha and IL-6, indicating potent immunomodulatory activity. Furthermore, ECa 233 significantly enhanced vascular density and branching complexity in the CAM assay (p < 0.005). The ECa 233-CHX formulation maintains essential antimicrobial efficacy while reducing cytotoxicity and actively promoting fibroblast migration, immunomodulation, and angiogenesis. This dual-action approach addresses the clinical limitation of antiseptic-induced tissue toxicity, offering a superior biological strategy for enhancing oral wound healing and post-surgical recovery.

This study investigated the pathological and molecular effects of Centella asiatica extract-based cream and ointment formulations on burn wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. A total of 92 female Wistar albino rats were assigned to six groups: control (C), burn (B), diabetes (D), diabetes + burn (DB), diabetes + burn + cream (DBC), and diabetes + burn + ointment (DBP). Each group was further subdivided into 7-day (First subgroups) and 14-day (Second subgroups) treatment subgroups. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). Second-degree thermal burns (1 cm diameter) were induced on the dorsal skin of rats in the burn groups (B, DB, DBC, and DBP). Following burn induction, the DBC and DBP groups received daily topical treatment with a 2.5% Centella asiatica extract-based cream or ointment, respectively. Necropsies were performed on day 7 in the first subgroups and on day 14 in the second subgroups following burn model induction. Wound healing was evaluated macroscopically and histopathologically, and gene expression levels of TNF-α, FGF-2, EGF, VEGF, and IGF-1 were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. Wound areas were significantly larger in the DB group, whereas significant reductions were observed on days 7 and 14 in the treated groups (p < 0.05). Histopathological analysis revealed decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and enhanced fibroblast/fibrocyte density, angiogenesis, and epithelialization in the treated groups. Molecular analyses demonstrated significantly decreased TNF-α and increased FGF-2, EGF, VEGF, and IGF-1 expression in the treated groups compared to the DB group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, treatment with Centella asiatica extract supported healing in a diabetic burn model through anti-inflammatory, regenerative, angiogenic, and epithelializing effects. Notably, molecular analyses demonstrated a previously unreported increase in local IGF-1 levels following Centella asiatica extract treatment, supported by pathological findings.

This study systematically compares bicelles and liposomes as nanocarriers for the topical delivery of titrated extract of Centella asiatica (TECA), with a focus on their physicochemical properties, stability, and skin penetration efficiency. Compared to liposomes, bicelles exhibited significantly smaller particle sizes and superior colloidal stability across a broad temperature range, and demonstrated higher encapsulation efficiency. Ex vivo skin penetration studies using human cadaver skin confirmed that bicelles achieved deeper and more uniform skin penetration, which was primarily attributed to their nanoscale architecture rather than surface charge or hydrophobicity. These findings suggest that bicelles effectively overcome key limitations of conventional liposomes, such as insufficient delivery depth and thermal instability, offering significant advantages for the delivery and storage of hydrophobic ingredients in cosmetic applications. The high encapsulation efficiency enables effective loading of ingredients such as TECA, while the long-term stability across a broad temperature range supports their practical use in commercial formulations. The unique nanoarchitectonics and enhanced formulation stability position bicelles as promising alternatives to conventional liposomes for topical delivery. This work provides foundational insight into the nanoarchitectonic design of advanced lipid-based nanocarriers for effective transdermal delivery of bioactive compounds like TECA.

Chronic and infected wounds remain a significant clinical challenge due to delayed healing and the risk of microbial contamination. Conventional wound dressings often fail to provide comprehensive therapeutic support, necessitating the development of advanced multifunctional materials. This study aimed to develop a multifunctional hydrogel wound dressing incorporating herbal extracts from Garcinia mangostana , Centella asiatica , and Chromolaena odorata , targeting key biological functions essential for wound healing. The novelty lies in the synergistic combination of these three extracts to address multistage healing needs and the systematic optimization of the polymer matrix via a design-of-experiments (DOE) approach. The extracts were obtained through optimized extraction techniques and quantified using HPLC, confirming the presence of bioactive markers. Pharmacological evaluations revealed distinct and synergistic activities: Garcinia mangostana extract showed potent antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis (MIC of 7.8 μg/mL) and strong antioxidant capacity (ABTS IC 50 of 26.5 μg/mL). In contrast, Centella asiatica extract demonstrated high biocompatibility on human keratinocytes (IC 50 of 736.11 μg/mL), while Chromolaena odorata provided significant anti-inflammatory and hemostatic benefits. A hydrogel base was developed using a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC) polymer matrix, optimized via factorial design for texture, swelling ratio, and moisture retention. The extract-loaded hydrogel maintained skin-compatible pH, showed improved tensile strength and flexibility, and exhibited superior swelling capacity (188.7%) compared to the blank (120.3%). Overall, the formulated hydrogel demonstrates promise as an effective wound dressing with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, suitable for chronic or infected wound applications.

Bridging ancient herbal wisdom with modern biomaterial innovation, this study pioneers a smart hydrogel infused with Red Ginseng (RG) (angiogenesis-boosting ginsenosides) and Centella asiatica (collagen-stimulating asiaticoside), synergized with alginate and upcycled eggshell membrane for unrivaled wound adhesion and eco-conscious design. Unlike conventional hydrogels, this bioactive synergy accelerates tissue regeneration while fighting antibiotic-resistant infections, thus opening up a new era of wound care inspired by nature. Initially, seven distinct hydrogel formulations were generated by blending sodium alginate and eggshell membrane with RG roots and centella asiatica at optimal concentrations. Subsequently, the hydrogels' structural characteristics were assessed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. Following structural validation, the study comprehensively evaluated the physical attributes of the hydrogels, encompassing swelling behavior, stability, weight loss, porosity, and antibacterial properties. Biocompatibility of the prepared hydrogels was assessed through hemolytic activity and cell viability analyses. Moreover, the therapeutic efficacy of the hydrogels was examined using a rat model, encompassing RNA expression and histological assessments to elucidate their potential wound-healing attributes. The developed hydrogel exhibited a porous architecture with interconnected cavities conducive to facilitating cell migration. Additionally, the hydrogels demonstrated antibacterial properties, as confirmed by antibacterial assays. MTT analysis revealed a positive impact on cell proliferation, with no observed cellular toxicity. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrated that the hydrogels outperformed the control group, treated with gauze, in accelerating wound closure. Notably, the alginate/eggshell membrane/RG roots/Centella asiatica group exhibited the highest percentages of wound closure, re-epithelialization, and gene expression. This hydrogel transcends conventional wound care, harnessing RG's angiogenic magic and centella's collagen-boosting power within a sustainable alginate-eggshell matrix to forge a bioactive bridge between lab bench and bedside. Its triple potential (rapid closure, infection defense, and scar suppression) makes it a promising dressing.

Wound healing is a complex, multistage process regulated by inflammatory, oxidative, regenerative processes, and marine-derived compounds are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic potential. This study evaluated the wound-healing efficacy of an aqueous Posidonia oceanica (PO) leaf extract in standardized full-thickness mice wounds, compared with alginate hydrogel (AH), fusidic acid + Centella asiatica cream (FM), and untreated controls (NC). Ninety-six (6-8-week-old) male BALB/c mice were randomized into four groups; four 4-mm dorsal wounds were created on each animal, and treatments were applied topically once daily for 14 days. Wound healing was assessed by planimetric wound area measurements, histological evaluations, biochemical analysis of oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers and growth factors, hydroxyproline levels, and gene expression analysis of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Application of PO extract significantly reduced wound areas from day 3 onward compared with NC and FM groups, with effects comparable to AH group by day 14. PO treatment increased epithelialization, fibroblast growth factor, and hydroxyproline levels, while reducing macrophage infiltration, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines. Genomic analyses further indicated that topical PO extract significantly downregulated the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, supporting balanced extracellular matrix remodeling. PO extract promoted wound healing comparable to AH and superior to FM treatment, providing the first in vivo evidence for P. oceanica as a promising marine-derived therapeutic candidate for wound care.

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.

This study presents the development and evaluation of Centella Asiatica (CA)-loaded transfersomes (CANP) as a novel nanocarrier for transdermal delivery. CANP were prepared using an oil-in-water emulsion method, producing nanoparticles with a size of 135.22 ± 4.80 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.22 ± 0.01, and a zeta potential of -26.13 ± 0.58 mV. Stability tests confirmed consistent physicochemical properties under various storage conditions, with encapsulation efficiencies above 68% for madecassoside and 89% for asiaticoside. Ex vivo permeation studies using porcine skin showed significantly improved skin penetration compared to liposomes and niosomes, attributed to the high deformability index (1.31 ± 0.21 mg/cm 2 ). In vitro cytotoxicity assays indicated cell viability above 80% across concentrations. Functionally, CANP reduced nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, demonstrating superior anti-inflammatory effects over native CA. CANP also promoted fibroblast proliferation and collagen production by 91.9% and 213.3% at days 7 and 14, respectively, exceeding vitamin C. Wound healing assays confirmed enhanced fibroblast migration and closure rates similar to fibroblast growth factor. In vivo , CANP hydrogels accelerated healing, with early fibroblast activity and collagen deposition between days 7-14, supporting epithelial regeneration over 21 days. Compared to controls, they more effectively reduced inflammation and increased dermal growth factor expression. These findings support CANP as a promising transdermal nanocarrier with enhanced skin penetration, anti-inflammatory activity, and regenerative potential. Encapsulating CA into transfersomes boosts its therapeutic efficacy, making it a strong candidate for advanced dermal applications.

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.

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.