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Centella asiatica L. (CA) has garnered substantial attention in both commercial and research domains due to its bioactive compounds, imparting notable functional properties such as antioxidant activity. However, for enhanced shelf life and suitability in food and pharmaceutical applications, proper drying is imperative before utilization. Thus, this study investigated the impact of pretreatments, specifically steam blanching (SB) and cold plasma–activated water (CPAW), on the drying kinetics and quality attributes of CA leaves during microwave drying (MWD). Five semi-empirical models were employed to fit the drying data, and the best-fitted model was determined using the Akaike information criterion (AIC). Subsequently, MWD was optimized through a face-centred central composite design, with microwave power and drying time as independent parameters. The Page and Logarithmic models exhibited the best fit to the drying data, as per AIC with R2 values ranging from 0.981 to 0.999 and RMSE values from 0.008 to 0.051. Notably, CPAW pretreatment exhibited a more pronounced effect on both drying kinetics and quality parameters compared to SB. Optimal drying conditions were identified as a microwave power of 540 W and a drying time of 6.99 min. This study concludes that microwave drying with CPAW pretreatment is a sustainable method for obtaining dried CA leaves with optimal nutritional qualities, making it relevant from an industrial perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study is to investigate the antibacterial activity and sustained release of Centella Asiatica (CA) extract loaded in gelatin-based hydrogels, reinforced with MIL-53(Fe) (Fe-MOF) for the potential use as wound dressing. To induce antibacterial activity to the designed wound dressing, CA-extract was incorporated within the nanocomposite hydrogels. FT-IR analysis showed the distinctive peaks related to the Fe-MOF and CA-extract, with little shift, for hydrogel samples, which confirm the successful synthesis of nanocomposite hydrogels containing Fe-MOF and CA-extract. GC-mass analysis showed the antibacterial potential for CA-extract because of the presence of phenol, caryophyllene, and propanoic acid. SEM micrograph demonstrates the presence of Fe-MOF enhancing the porous of hydrogels. The antibacterial activity of prepared nanocomposite hydrogels was investigated by disk diffusion method revealing the significant inhibition zone growth for Basillus, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus, as gram-positive and E. coli, Klebsiella, and P. aeruginosa as gram-negative bacteria and the "Candida albicans as fungi. Also, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by the micro-broth dilution method. The results showed that the nanocomposite hydrogel has a MIC values of 3.125 mg/ml and 6.25 mg/ml against both groups of bacteria. Cytotoxicity results obtained from MTT tests showed that the prepared hydrogels are biocompatible. The immunohistochemistry-stained hydrogel images revealed that the growth of cells on the CA-extract containing hydrogels was significantly increased in comparison to neat hydrogels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centella asiatica, or pegagan in Indonesia, is a perennial plant used in Indonesian traditional medicine (jamu) and functional food with many biological activities. Those biological activities come from the bioactive metabolites present in C. asiatica. Differences in metabolite pathways in each part of the plant affect the accumulation of metabolites contained, thus impacting its biological activity. Therefore, this study aims to identify and evaluate differences in the distribution of metabolites in each part of C. asiatica, namely leaves, stems, stolons, and roots. Each plant part was extracted using methanol and sonicated for 30 minutes. The metabolites in the samples were separated and detected using UHPLC-QOrbitrap HRMS. Differences in the distribution of metabolites in each part of the plant were evaluated using chemometrics analysis. UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS analysis could positively identify 37 metabolites, most of which belong to the phenylpropanoid, triterpenoid, triterpenoid saponin, and flavonoid groups. Principal component analysis was able to clearly distinguish each part of the plant using the peak intensity of the overall chromatogram and the peak area of the identified metabolites. The different biosynthetic pathways of metabolites in plants could cause a difference in the distribution of metabolites in each plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study is an evaluation of Centella asiatica ethanolic extract in terms of total phenolic content, total flavonoids, total flavonols, anthocyanin, antioxidants, and antibacterial activities. Centella asiatica plants were collected from Guilan province, Iran. High-performance liquid chromatography-Diode array detector analysis demonstrated that the ethanolic extract of C. asiatica contained phenolic substances such as sinapic acid, catechin, quercetin, p-coumaric acid, hesperidin, eugenol, and hesperetin. The predominant phenolic compound in the extract was hesperetin. The antibacterial activities of the extract were highly potent against S. aureus and B. cereus. These findings suggest that C. asiatica is rich in phenolic compounds and can be utilised for future cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of a repairing mask as an adjunctive treatment for skin barrier maintenance of mild to moderate rosacea. Methods: Patients with rosacea were recruited in this dual center randomized controlled trial from November 2019 to December 2021. A total of 64 patients were included and randomized into two groups at a ratio of 3:1 into a mask group (n = 47) and a control group (n = 17). Patients in the mask group received treatment with Dr. Yu Centella asiatica repairing facial mask three times weekly for a duration of 6 weeks. All participants were instructed to continue their regimen of 50 mg oral minocycline twice daily and to apply Dr. Yu Intensive Hydrating Soft Cream twice daily. The primary endpoint of this study was the Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) score. Results: A total of 54 patients completed this trial, with 41 in the mask group and 13 in the control group. After using this facial mask for 3 and 6 weeks, the IGA, facial skin dryness, facial flushing, and severity of skin lesion in the mask group showed significantly improvement (p < 0.05). Moreover, the change in the delta degree of skin flushing was significantly higher than that in the control group (p = 0.037). Throughout the study, no adverse events were reported in either group of participants. Conclusion: The Dr. Yu Centella asiatica repairing facial mask, as an adjunctive treatment of rosacea, appears to effectively repair and protect the skin barrier, alleviate cutaneous symptoms of rosacea, and is both efficacious and safe for patient use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian pennywort (Centella asiatica L.) is an emerging medicinal cum nutraceutical herb known for its neuroprotective properties. The antioxidant activity is an important parameter for its supposed benefits. Currently the genetic diversity of the crop remains underexploited and research related to genetic variability of antioxidant activity and its component traits is limited. This experiment was carried out to know the genetic variability in the nutraceutical compositions in 20 accessions collected from hill zone of Karnataka, India (with three checks viz., Arka Prabhavi, Arka Divya and Vallabh Medha). The results showed a wide variation among the accessions for mineral composition viz., phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc; phytochemical constituents viz., total carotenoids, anthocyanin, total phenols, total flavonoids, tannins, oxalates, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity. Most of the parameters such as iron, zinc, total carotenoids, anthocyanin, total phenols, oxalates and antioxidant activity showed higher genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variability (GCV and PCV, respectively). All the parameters showed higher heritability and genetic advance. Total flavonoids, zinc and total phenols were ascertained to be the major contributors of antioxidant activity according to correlation and path analysis research. The grouping of the accessions based on Mahalanobis D2 analysis resulted in five clusters. These suggests the wider genetic diversity among the accessions. Further, the traits are governed by additive gene action indicating that these characters could be considered for selection for further crop improvement for antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centella asiatica is a medicinal herb, well known for its phytochemical activities because of the presence of terpenoids and polyphenols, which contribute to the bioactivity of herb extract that can be effectively utilized in the packaging industry. Biopolymers infused with C. asiatica extract could be a promising solution in the food sector. The antibacterial and antioxidant qualities of C. asiatica can help preserve the quality and lengthen the freshness of food products, thereby preventing food loss. Selection of a suitable extraction method is essential to retain the yield and properties of the bioactive compounds of C. asiatica extract. Many research has been conducted on the separation of C. asiatica by using conventional and novel extraction techniques and its execution in packaging as a functional component. This review provides an overview of the extraction of phytochemicals from C. asiatica and its utilization in biopolymer film as an active component to modify the packaging film characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics and their derivatives offer significant health benefits by supporting digestive health, boosting the immune system, and regulating the microbiomes not only of the internal gastrointestinal track but also of the skin. To be effective, probiotics and their derivatives must exhibit robust antimicrobial activity, resilience to adverse conditions, and colonization capabilities in host tissues. As an alternative to animal-derived probiotics, plant-derived lactic acid bacteria (LAB) present promising advantages, including enhanced diversity and tolerance to challenging environments. Our study focuses on exploring the potential of plant-derived LAB, particularly from the medicinal plant Centella asiatica, in improving skin conditions. Through a bacterial isolation procedure from C. asiatica leaves, Enterococcus rotai CMTB-CA6 was identified via 16S rRNA sequencing, whole genome sequencing, and bioinformatic analyses. Based on genomic analysis, antimicrobial-resistance and virulence genes were not detected. Additionally, the potential functions of E. rotai CMTB-CA6 were characterized by its lysates' ability to regulate skin microbes, such as stimulating the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis while inhibiting that of Cutibacterium acnes, to restore the viability of human dermal fibroblasts under inflammatory conditions, and to demonstrate effective antioxidant activities both in a cellfree system and in human dermal fibroblasts. Our investigation revealed the efficacy of E. rotai CMTB-CA6 lysates in improving skin conditions, suggesting its potential use as a probiotic-derived agent for skin care products. Considering the ecological relationship between plant-inhabited bacteria and their host plants, we suggest that the utilization of E. rotai CMTB-CA6 strain for fermenting its host plant, C. asiatica, could be a novel approach to efficiently enriching bioactive molecules for human health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium fungi that has been shown to have adverse effects on human and animal health, particularly on the fertility of females. As a saponin derived from the medicinal plant Centella asiatica, asiaticoside (AS) has multiple bioactivities. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of AS on ZEA-induced uterine injury and the underlying mechanism. In the present study, we demonstrated that AS could rescue ZEA-induced uterine histopathological damage and modulate the secretion of sex hormones, including progesterone (P4), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2), in ZEA-treated mice. Moreover, AS alleviated ZEA-induced damage to endometrial barrier function by upregulating the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-3). Further mechanistic investigations indicated that ZEA reduces the antioxidant capacity of uterine tissues, whereas AS improves the antioxidant capacity through activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Most notably, the protective effect of AS was blocked in Nrf2 gene knockout (Nrf2−/−) mice. Moreover, the p38/ERK MAPK pathway has been implicated in regulating ZEA toxicity and the beneficial effect of AS. Additionally, an Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) weaken the suppressive effect of AS on the oxidative stress and MAPK pathway. AS also inhibits ZEA-induced apoptosis in uterine tissues via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. However, when the PI3K small molecule inhibitor LY294002 was co-administered, the ability of AS to suppress the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and inhibit ZEA-induced apoptosis decreased. Collectively, these findings reveal the involvement of multiple pathways and targets in the protective effect of AS against ZEA-induced uterine injury, providing a new perspective for the application of AS and the development of a ZEA antidote. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medicinal value of Centella asiatica leaf extract was evaluated as an alternative treatment. The chemical composition of the leaf extract was analyzed, and the biological activities were determined. High‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector (HPLC‐PDA) was used to identify the asiatic acid, madasiatic acid, and madecassic acid/Brahmic acid isolated from the ethanolic extract. The plant extract at 25 mg/disk was found to inhibit both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative pathogenic bacteria by the agar disk diffusion test. The MIC and MBC of the ethanolic extracts were better than those of the aqueous extracts. The ethanolic extracts showed antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria with MICs and MBCs ranging from 1.024 to 2.048 mg/mL and 2.048 to 4.096 mg/mL, respectively. The remarkable antibacterial activities were observed against S. mutans. The ethanolic extract at a concentration of 1/2 × MIC exhibited the inhibition effect on S. mutans biofilm formation like the activity of 0.2% chlorhexidine and significantly modified hydrophobicity of the bacterial cell surface. The effects were confirmed via molecular docking analysis. The binding affinities of asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and madasiatic acid with glucosyltransferase C (GtfC) of S. mutans exhibited superior strength in comparison with alpha‐acarbose and chlorhexidine. Moreover, the nitric oxide (NO) secretion of RAW247.6 cells was determined after treating the cells with concentrations of the extract. The C. asiatica ethanolic extract can inhibit the secretion of NO, which can inhibit the inflammatory process. The findings indicate the applications of the C. asiatica ethanolic extract as the alternative anti‐S. mutans agent and could be used for further formulation for the treatment and prevention of dental diseases and inflammatory injury in the oral cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prolonged exposure to stress is a risk factor for the onset of several disorders. Modern life is burdened by a pervasive prevalence of stress, which represents a major societal challenge requiring new therapeutic strategies. In this context, botanical drug-based therapies can have a paramount importance. Methods: Here we studied the preventive effects of a repeated treatment (p.o. daily, 3 weeks) with a combination of Centella asiatica (200 mg/kg), Echinacea purpurea (20 mg/kg) and Zingiber officinale (150 mg/kg) standardized extracts, on the chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) deleterious outcomes. After 10 days of CSDS exposure, male mice' performances were evaluated in paradigms relevant for social (social interaction test), emotional (tail suspension test), cognitive (novel object recognition) domains as well as for pain perception (cold plate and von Frey tests) and motor skills (rotarod). Mice were then sacrificed, the spinal cords, hippocampi and frontal cortices dissected and processed for RT-PCR analysis. Results: Extracts mix treatment prevented stress-induced social aversion, memory impairment, mechanical and thermal allodynia and reduced behavioural despair independently of stress exposure. The treatment stimulated hippocampal and cortical BDNF and TrkB mRNA levels and counteracted stress-induced alterations in pro- (TNF-a, IL-1ß and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL4, IL10) cytokines expression in the same areas. It also modulated expression of pain related genes (GFAP and Slc1a3) in the spinal cord. Conclusion: The treatment with the extracts mix obtained from C. asiatica, E. purpurea and Z. officinale may represent a promising strategy to promote resilience and prevent the deleterious effects induced by extended exposure to psychosocial stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Plant treatment has been used for thousands of years and has been proven to treat acute and chronic diseases. The function of the traditional plant Centella asiatica is as an antimicrobial agent, anticancer, antioxidant, and therapeutic gene in healing wounds and inflammation. Lung fibrosis caused by bleomycin can develop into chronic lung disease, which ends in tissue death if not treated immediately. The purpose of this study is to predict and explain the impact of Centella asiatica extract on model rats exposed to bleomycin in their lungs as a treatment or anti-fibrinolysis. Methods: This research is an analytical study with a randomized in-vivo experimental design divided into 3 groups of 5 male Wistar rats aged 10 weeks. Negative control group (K) with intratracheal induction of bleomycin alone. The positive group was given intratracheal bleomycin 4 mg/kg/BB on days 0 and 21 and added Centella asiatica induction at 400 mg (P1) on days 15 to 49. The other positive group was given intratracheal bleomycin 4 mg/kg/BB on days 0 and 21 and added Centella asiatica induction at 800 mg (P2) on days 15 to 49. Data were collected according to findings of lung histology analysis of rat samples. Results: In the interalveolar septum group, there was a difference in Masson's Trichrome staining results in groups K and P1 with p< 0.05 (p=0.036). However, there was no difference in histopathological staining results in groups K and P2 (p> 0.05). Conclusion: The induction of bleomycin 4 mg/kg/BB was proven to cause fibrosis in the lungs of rats, and Centella asiatica extract was used as a treatment. Therefore, further research regarding antifibrotic drugs is hoped to reduce fibrotic areas significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the use of microencapsulated Asiatic pennywort (Centella asiatica) (CA) as a functional ingredient to formulate a novel chocolate oat milk beverage. The main objectives of the study were to characterize and encapsulate bioactive components from CA and to determine the polyphenol content and sensory properties of the beverage. CA extract was microencapsulated using maltodextrin and gum Arabic as carriers and subsequently freeze‐dried to produce microcapsules. Microencapsulated CA was incorporated into chocolate oat milk at varying concentrations. Polyphenol content of the beverages was quantified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Consumer acceptability and sensory perception of the beverages were evaluated through an acceptance test and a check‐all‐that‐apply test, respectively, to assess the sensory characteristics of the chocolate oat milk beverage. CA fortified chocolate oat milk contained fourteen polyphenols. Increasing the concentration of microencapsulated CA led to an increase in the polyphenol content of the beverage. Among the identified polyphenols, asiatic acid and asiaticoside stood out as the unique and most abundant compounds in CA (p < 0.05). Additionally, the incorporation of cocoa powder into the beverage further contributed to the polyphenol content, introducing bioactive compounds such as benzoic acid, caffeic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, luteolin, madecassic acid, p‐coumaric acid, and quercetin. Evaluation of consumer acceptability revealed that chocolate oat milk beverages containing 2% and 4% microencapsulated CA were liked by consumers. However, beverages with higher concentrations of CA were perceived as less acceptable, characterized by grassy, bitter, and earthy attributes. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of microencapsulated CA as a functional ingredient in chocolate oat milk beverages. Practical Application: This study reveals new insights on the microencapsulation of bioactive compounds in CA, proposing its potential as a novel functional ingredient in food and beverage applications in Western markets. The study revealed microencapsulated CA retained polyphenols in CA including asiatic acid and asiaticoside responsible for its bioactive properties. Consumer perception of CA added to oat milk revealed that it can be added at an acceptable level of 4%; however, higher amounts can decrease consumer acceptability. As practitioners explore the incorporation of CA as a functional component in food products, it is crucial to explore preservation techniques for the sensitive bioactive components while balancing the optimal amount of CA to enhance overall consumer liking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Photoaging is a process of the architecture of normal skin damaged by ultraviolet radiation. Topical cosmeceuticals have been used to treat this condition. The authors aimed to understand the mechanism and level of evidence of different commonly used cosmeceuticals used to treat photodamaged skin. Objective: A range of commonly used topical cosmeceuticals (botanicals, peptides, and hydroquinone) has been used in cosmetic medicine for many years to treat photodamaged skin. This review article compares their efficacy and level of evidence. Material and methods: This study was a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of different topical cosmeceuticals. Keywords including "Photoaging," "Azelaic acid," "Soy," "Green Tea," "Chamomile," "Ginkgo," "Tea Tree Oil," "Resveratrol," "Cucumber," "Ginseng," "Centella asiatica," "Licorice Root," "Aloe Vera," "Peptides," "Argireline," "Hydroquinone," were typed on OVID, PUBMED, MEDLINE for relevant studies published on photoaging treatment. Results: Most of the evidence behind cosmeceuticals is of high‐quality ranging from Level I to Level II. In particular, the evidence base behind peptides is the strongest with most studies achieving Level Ib status in the evidence hierarchy. Conclusion: Topical cosmeceuticals like botanicals, peptides and hydroquinone can effectively treat photodamaged skin [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropomyosin kinase receptor B (TrkB) has been explored as a therapeutic target for neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, the development of TrkB agonists was hindered by our poor understanding of the TrkB agonist binding location and affinity (both affect the regulation of disorder types). This motivated us to develop a combined computational and experimental approach to study TrkB binders. First, we developed a docking method to simulate the binding affinity of TrkB and binders identified by our magnetic drug screening platform from Gotu kola extracts. The Fred Docking scores from the docking computation showed strong agreement with the experimental results. Subsequently, using this screening platform, we identified a list of compounds from the NIH clinical collection library and applied the same docking studies. From the Fred Docking scores, we selected two compounds for TrkB activation tests. Interestingly, the ability of the compounds to increase dendritic arborization in hippocampal neurons matched well with the computational results. Finally, we performed a detailed binding analysis of the top candidates and compared them with the best-characterized TrkB agonist, 7,8-dyhydroxyflavon. The screening platform directly identifies TrkB binders, and the computational approach allows for the quick selection of top candidates with potential biological activities based on the docking scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Medicinal plants are indispensable in both modern and traditional healthcare, offering a diverse array of bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. They provide accessible and affordable treatment options and play a crucial role in drug discovery, enhancing holistic health and promoting biodiversity conservation. Ongoing scientific research continues to validate and expand their applications in contemporary medicine, underscoring their enduring significance. Centella asiatica, a medicinal plant known for its therapeutic properties in traditional medicine and increasingly recognized in modern pharmacology for various health benefits. Madecassoside, stands out as a phytoactive constituent of Centella asiatica, renowned for its wide-ranging pharmacological properties, encompassing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound-healing, and skin-protective effects. The present review illuminates madecassoside's pharmacological properties and its mechanistic roles, as documented by various researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urgency: Effect of Centella asiatica (CA) and aerobic exercise on Amyloid beta-42 (Aβ42) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) as biomarkers of dementia is not yet known. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the effect of CA, aerobic exercise, and their combination on Aβ42 and p-tau in older women with dementia. Design: It was a 24-week randomized, double-blind controlled trial. Partisipant: Subjects were divided into four groups: the Centella asiatica group (CA, 1x500 mg/day, n = 16), the aerobic exercise group (AE, 3x60 minutes/week, n = 16), the CA-AE combination group (1x500 mg/day and exercise, n = 15), and the placebo group (n = 15). Instruments: The dementia screening test used the Mini Mental State Examination (Intraclass correlation coefficients : ranging from 0.60 to 0.93, sensitivity of 88.3%) and Clinical Dementia Rating questionnaires (sensitivity 93.6% and specificity 100%). The Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests were used to analyze the data. Results: Plasma amyloid beta-42 showed an increase in all groups: CA (p<0.001), AE (p=0.001), CA-AE combination (p<0.001), and placebo (p<0.001). Meanwhile, plasma p-tau also decreased in CA (p<0.001), AE (p<0.001), and CA-AE combination (p=0.001). The Mann-Whitney test showed that Centella asiatica caused the highest increase in Aβ42 (∆=233.5; p<0.001). Conclusion: This study indicate that Centella asiatica, aerobic exercise, and the CA-AE combination were effective in improving plasma Aβ42 and decreasing p-tau in older women with dementia. Contributions: This study can be an alternative therapy for the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline. Research with a larger sample size is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: Skin wound healing is a physiological process restoring the structural and functional integrity of injured skin. During this process, wound management preventing bacterial infection and complications is important for the regeneration of skin layers and adnexa, as well as the protective function of the skin. Therefore, the development of an effective ointment to promote wound healing without complications is beneficial. Materials and Methods: This study developed Raepenol™ cream, comprising a base cream and natural compounds including paeonol, D-panthenol and extract of Centella asiatica, and assessed its therapeutic effect in wound healing. A rat model of skin wound healing and a mouse model of imiquimod-induced pruritus were employed. The effect of Raepenol™ cream was evaluated by wound size and histological analysis, including the integrity of skin structures and inflammatory response. Results: Raepenol™ cream treatment effectively restored the structural integrity of the skin in rats, including wound closure, regeneration of skin adnexa, and reconstitution of collagen, comparable to commercial ointment. Additionally, Raepenol™ cream significantly suppressed pruritus by inhibiting mast cell infiltration or retention in the inflammatory site of mouse ears. Conclusion: Raepenol™ cream effectively promoted wound healing and relieved pruritus in animal models. These results suggest that it could be a promising option for wound care and pruritus relief, offering potential advantages over current ointments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Centella 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. Methods Water-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. Results WCAP-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. Conclusions Our 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 Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the cell responses, potential skin reactions during the treatment process and burn wound healing efficacy of electrospun polycaprolactone/polyethylene oxide (PCL/PEO) nanofibers (NFs) containing Centella asiatica mediated synthesized silver nanoparticles (CA‐AgNPs) by in vitro and in vivo studies. Apoptosis‐necrosis, genotoxicity, hemolysis, and cell attachment studies are carried out within the scope of in vitro tests, and irritation, sensitivity, and burn wound studies are carried out within the scope of in vivo tests. The apoptotic index value of CA‐AgNPs‐[PCL/PEO] NFs material on L929 fibroblast cells is determined as 5.0 ± 1.0% at the highest concentration and the necrotic index value is 5.0 ± 0.3%. Micronucleus rates (%) of NFs treated with CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) cells are not at genotoxic level. The hemolytic index value of NFs dressing is determined as 0.23 ± 0.03%, The primary irritation index (PII) value of NFs wound dressing is calculated as 0.36 by irritation tests. In addition, the potential sensitization reaction of NFs extract on guinea pigs is evaluated and the sensitization score is determined as 0.9. The healing efficacy of NFs material on second‐degree burn wounds compared to a commercial product is supported by pathomorphological findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Menopause is a condition where there is a decrease in the hormones estrogen and progesterone in women which causes a reduction in balance and cognition. It is known that Centella asiatica and aerobic exercise enhance cognitive function and physical appearance, but their combination in menopausal women is undetermined. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Centella asiatica and aerobic exercise on estradiol, cognition, and balance in menopausal women. Materials and methods: The research design consisted of a 12-week pre- and post-test period. There were 48 menopausal women, with an average age of 53.25 years, served as research subjects. Twelve participants were assigned to the CA group (Centella asiatica, 2x500 mg/day), the AE group (aerobic exercise, 2x90 minutes/week), the CA-AE combination group (n=12), and the control group (n=12). Results: The findings demonstrated that the combination of CA-AE caused an increase in plasma estradiol (p=0.041). The Mann-Whitney test revealed that CA was predicted to have the greatest effect on semantic fluency (∆=4.44; p=0.001), forward digit span (∆=0.6; p=0.015), and backward digit span (∆=2.8; p=0.001). AE was expected to produce the greatest improvement in one-leg balance with eyes open (∆=34.1; p=0.003). In the meantime, the combination of CA-AE resulted in the most significant improvement in MoCA (∆=4.6; p<0.001), phonemic fluency (∆=1.8; p=0.004), and visual recall (∆=6.9; p<0.001). Conclusion: Centella asiatica and aerobic exercise have the potential to enhance plasma estradiol, cognition, and balance in postmenopausal women. A greater sample size will allow for more accurate results in future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green synthesis of AgNPs from the calli extract of Centella asiatica was confirmed by the detailed analysis of UV–Vis spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) which revealed the size, shape, chemical composition and functional groups involved in the AgNPs formation. The in-vitro raised cowpea plants were given root dip treatment in Murashige and Skoog (MS) suspension medium supplemented with LC 50 - 75 mg/mL AgNPs followed by their transfer to glass house conditions for acclimatization. To evaluate the efficiency of root dip treatment, the acclimatized plants were inoculated with 2000 J2s of M. arenaria and the plants were observed on weekly basis. A differential growth response was observed from the cowpea plants under glass house conditions. A treatment plan designed showed that P4 plants showed a significant defense response against the biotic stress of M. arenaria as indicated by the percentage response of several growth parameters such as- plant height of 49.22 ± 0.89 %, plant fresh mass of 46.12 ± 0.83 %, plant dry mass of 9.3 ± 0.17 % and nodule number of 38 ± 0.68 % were reported in P4 plants after 6 weeks of J2s inoculation. Confocal microscopy of root sections of P3 cowpea plants revealed the presence of M. arenaria J2s in the cortical and provascular regions, however, in case of P4 plants an intact cellular structure was maintained. The application of AgNP didn't show any toxic effect on the growth of plant. [Display omitted] • The UV peaks at 430 nm and FTIR analysis displayed several prominent functional groups. • Toxicity of green synthesized AgNPs showed a concentration dependent nematicidal effect. • Biogenic nano-silvers exhibited significant growth enhancement in cowpea plants. • Biogenic nano-silvers exhibited significant defense response against J2s of M. arenaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation-induced Nausea and Vomiting (RINV) is an important side effect and conservative estimates are that 50–80% of the patients undergoing curative radiotherapy (RT) will experience some sought of retching, nausea, and/or vomiting during the course of their treatment. Conventionally, antiemetic drugs like the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonists and steroids are the mainstay of treatment. However, the use of these agents, especially steroids, can cause side effects and thereby negate the proposed benefits. The antiemetic effects of Centella asiatica (Indian pennywort), Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea buckthorn), oil of Mentha spicata (Spearmint) and the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale (ginger) have been addressed. Results indicate that Indian pennywort, Sea buckthorn, Spearmint oil and ginger are beneficial in mitigating RINV. Also, of the four plants investigated in preclinical models of study, mint oil and ginger seem to be more useful and merit structured systematic translational studies to ascertain the benefit of these two agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Centella is an important genus in the Apiaceae family. It includes Centella asiatica, which has significant edible and medicinal values. However, this species is easily confused due to its similar morphological traits to Hydrocotyle umbellata, hindering its utilization in the consumer and pharmacological industries. Objective: The study aims to differentiate these two closely related plant species using reliable methods of confirming the authenticity of natural herbal medicines. Methods: Our work mainly focuses on the basic morphological characteristics, chemical markers, genetic fingerprints, and their biological responses. Results: The plants can be clearly differentiated using their leaf shapes, stipules, petioles, inflorescences, and fruit structures. Although the phytochemical compositions of the C. asiatica extract were similar to that of H. umbellata which included flavonoids, tannins, and saponins important to the plant's ability to reduce inflammation and promote healing of wounds, the H. umbellata extract showed significantly higher toxicity than that of C. asiatica. High‐performance liquid chromatography analysis was used to identify chemical fingerprints. The result revealed that C. asiatica had major triterpene glycoside constituents including asiaticoside, asiatic acid, madecassoside, and madecassic acid, which have a wide range of medicinal values. In contrast, triterpenoid saponins were not identified in H. umbellata. Furthermore, using SCoT1–6 primers was possible to effectively and sufficiently created a dendrogram which successfully identified the closeness of the plants and confirmed the differences between the two plant species. Conclusion: Therefore, differentiation can be achieved through the combination of morphometrics, molecular bioactivity, and chemical analysis. Centella asiatica (L.) Urban and Hydrocotyle umbellata Linn are easily confused due to their similar morphological characteristics and habitats. Leaf shape, flower, and fruit characteristics are morphological markers to differentiate them. HPLC and SCoT markers are powerful tools to differentiate closely related plant species. C. asiatica had major triterpene glycoside constituents. They exhibit promising properties for anti‐inflammation and wound healing. The high toxicity of H. umbellata extract, however, raises serious concerns about its use in food, medicine, and cosmeceutical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Centella 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. Methods: Water-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. Results: WCAP-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. Conclusions: Our 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Centella asiatica (CA) is known in Ayurvedic medicine as a rejuvenating herb with particular benefits in the nervous system. Two groups of specialized metabolites found in CA and purported to contribute to its beneficial effects are triterpenes (TTs) and caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs). In order to evaluate the role and interactions of TTs and CQAs in the effects of CA, we examined the neurotrophic effects of a water extract of CA (CAW) and combinations of its TT and CQA components in mouse primary hippocampal neurons in vitro and in Drosophila melanogaster flies in vivo. Methods: Primary hippocampal neurons were isolated from mouse embryos and exposed in vitro for 5 days toCAW(50 µg/mL), mixtures of TTs, CQAs or TT +CQA components or to 4 TTs or 8 individual CQA compounds of CAW. Dendritic arborization was evaluated using Sholl analysis. Drosophila flies were aged to 28 days and treated for 2 weeks with CAW (10 mg/mL) in the food, mixtures of TTs, CQAs or TT + CQA and individual TT and CQA compounds. TTs and CQAs were tested at concentrations matching their levels in the CAW treatment used. After 2 weeks of treatment, Drosophila aged 42 days were evaluated for phototaxis responses. Results: In mouse primary hippocampal neurons, CAW (50 µg/mL), the TT mix, CQA mix, all individual TTs and most CQAs significantly increased dendritic arborization to greater than control levels. However, the TT + CQA combination significantly decreased dendritic arborization. In Drosophila, a marked age-related decline in fast phototaxis response was observed in both males and females over a 60 days period. However, resilience to this decline was afforded in both male and female flies by treatment from 28 days onwards with CAW (10 mg/mL), or equivalent concentrations of mixed TTs, mixed CQAs and a TT + CQA mix. Of all the individual compounds, only 1,5-diCQA slowed age-related decline in phototaxis in male and female flies. Discussion: This study confirmed the ability of CAW to increase mouse neuronal dendritic arborization, and to provide resilience to age-related neurological decline in Drosophila. The TT and CQA components both contribute to these effects but do not have a synergistic effect. While individual TTs and most individual CQAs increased dendritic arborization at CAW equivalent concentrations, in the Drosophila model, only 1,5-diCQA was able to slow down the age-related decline in phototaxis. This suggests that combinations (or potentially higher concentrations) of the other compounds are needed to provide resilience in this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halal awareness among Muslim consumers has widened to a wide range of products including personal care and cosmetics. Shampoo is the most frequently prescribed treatment for hair and scalp conditions while Centella asiatica and Phyllanthus emblica have been found to have antioxidant properties that exhibit positive benefits on hair. The aim of this study is to develop halal hair growth promoting shampoo containing P. emblica and C. asiatica. Halal certificate, Certificate of Analysis and Material Safety Data Sheet were requested from the suppliers for halal evaluation of the ingredients. Seven shampoo formulations (F1-F7) were created with varying concentrations of P. emblica and C. asiatica extracts, while one formulation was left as a blank. Then, the shampoo formulations underwent an organoleptic evaluation along with other tests for dirt dispersion, pH, solid content, foaming capacity, and stability. The 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method was used to measure the antioxidant activity. All of the ingredients used to formulate the shampoo are considered halal based on certificate, origin, and their composition. The evaluation of the shampoo demonstrated that all the formulations exhibited ideal physicochemical properties for hair cleansing and F3 with 4% of C. asiatica extracts and 2% of P. emblica extract produced the best antioxidant activity as it inhibited 92.5% of DPPH. Overall, this study provides the requirement on formulation of halal hair growth promoting shampoo containing P. emblica and C. asiatica. The results show that the formulated shampoo is halal based on document review, exhibited high antioxidant properties for hair growth promoting effect and possess good characteristics as cleansing agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease (ND), has been plaguing healthcare and health policy agencies due to its ever-soaring impact globally. It is timely to develop appropriate measures to combat global AD burden. Due to structural and functional similarity, rodent models offer the best alternative to study AD pathogenesis and therapeutics. In this special issue, the present article reviews the state-of-the-art findings on AD model animals from the alternative and integrative medicinal point of view. Our integrative therapeutic agents include fungi (Ganoderma lucidum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), Indian black berry (black plum, jamun) (Syzygium cumini), and madecassoside (derived from Centella asiatica). Their bio-components, especially flavonoids, polyphenols, and tri-terpenoids, resist oxidative stress, amyloid beta fibrillation, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels; improve anti-oxidative prowess; and improve learning-related memory and anxiety-like behavior in AD model animals. Most of the findings described here are outcomes of our own studies. However, our claims have been substantiated with evidence from some other studies in the relevant field. As a whole, integrative medicinal approaches towards AD pathogenesis using these natural products seem promising in AD protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Previous studies demonstrated the interrelationship between antioxidant activity and solvent extracts prepared according to cultivars and plant parts of Centella asiatica (CA) cultivated in Korea. In this study, the macrophage‐stimulating activity of solvent extracts was assayed, and we analysed the characteristics of the active fractions of these extracts and the mechanisms underlying the macrophage‐stimulating activity of these fractions. Treatment of macrophages with cold water (CW) extracts (GO‐L‐CW) prepared from the leaves (L) of the 'GOOD' (GO) cultivar significantly increased the secretion of immunostimulatory factors. Specifically, the high molecular weight (HMW) fraction (GO‐L‐CW‐HMW) isolated from GO‐L‐CW potently activated the secretion of immunostimulatory factors and increased the mRNA levels of genes encoding these factors or involved in the production of these factors. In addition, GO‐L‐CW‐HMW triggered the phosphorylation of ERK and p38 of MAPK along with p65 and IκBα of the NF‐κB family in the intracellular signalling pathway. The GO‐L‐CW‐HMW was identified as a complex polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 93–129 kDa. In conclusion, polysaccharides present in GO‐L‐CW suggest the possibility of application as a new immunostimulating material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repetitive free radical exposure triggers the development of neurodegenerative disease. Currently, there is an increasing trend where neurodegeneration symptoms occur among younger individuals. This leads to the exploration of brain supplements that is suitable for all generation. Gotu kola (Centella asiatica (L.) Urban) extract has been used as a food supplement to neutralize free radicals and improve blood microcirculation in the brain. This supplement has been sold in the form of dried or liquid extract which is less practical. This study aimed to develop a gotu kola supplement in the form of gummy candy and evaluate its physical characteristics and antioxidant activity. Centella asiatica herb extract was prepared by maceration method using 70% ethanol. The extract was evaluated for its quercetin content using reverse-phase ultra-performance liquid chromatography (RP-UPLC). The antioxidant activity was examined using the DPPH reduction method. The gelling properties of beef gelatin and pectin were optimized in the studies. The physicochemical characteristics of the gummy candy were evaluated. Responses for each evaluation were analyzed and optimized using the simplex lattice design (SLD) method using software Design Expert version 13. The studies using RPUPLC confirmed the presence of quercetin in the extract. The optimum formula was obtained with the proportion of bovine gelatin and pectin is 9.09 g (12.1%) and 0.91 g (1.22%), respectively. The physicochemical parameter of the optimum formula showed no significant difference between the predicted value and the experimental results for all parameters. After being formulated into gummy candy, the antioxidant activity (IC50) of gotu kola is reduced from 129.63±1.9 µg/mL in the extract to 166.50±1.5 µg/mL in the gummy. These studies suggested that the optimum formula of gummy candy has been identified while in the same time efforts to prevent the reduction of gotu kola antioxidant activity need to be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prenylated cinnamic acid derivatives are the bioactive components of Brazilian green propolis (BGP). The effect of other botanical components on the pharmacokinetic profiles of these derivatives remains relatively unexplored. In the present study, we investigated the influence of several herbal extracts (turmeric, ginkgo leaf, coffee fruit, soybean, and gotu kola) on the plasma concentrations of cinnamic acid derivatives after BGP consumption. When the herbal extracts were co‐administered with BGP in the clinical study, the area under the curve (AUC) values of artepillin C and drupanin, the major BGP components in plasma, were significantly increased by 1.7‐ and 1.5‐fold, respectively, compared to those after BGP administration alone. Among the herbal extracts administered to rats, turmeric extract increased the AUC. Furthermore, a bidirectional transport assay suggested that artepillin C and drupanin are substrates of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), a drug elimination transporter. These results suggest that curcumin‐containing turmeric extract may increase the plasma concentrations of artepillin C and drupanin via BCRP. Our findings enabled us to estimate the food–herb and herb–herb interactions in vivo in foods and herbal medicines containing cinnamic acid derivatives and prenylated compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centella asiatica (Indian pennywort) is a green leafy vegetable containing centelloside' (triterpenoid), a key phytochemical component in traditional medicine. Being a glycophytic species, they exhibit decline in growth performance and yield traits when subjected to water-deficit (WD) conditions. Glycine betaine (GB) is a low molecular-weight organic metabolite that plays a crucial role in abiotic stress conditions in higher plants. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of GB in alleviating water-deficit stress (in terms of morphological and physiological responses) in two different genotypes of Indian pennywort, "Nakhon Pathom" (NP; high centelloside-yielding genotype) and "Pathum Thani" (PT; low centelloside-yielding genotype). The genotypes of Indian pennywort were propagated by stolon cutting and transplanted into plastic bags containing 2 kg of garden soil. At the flower-initiation stage (30 days after transplantation), uniform plant material was treated exogenously with 0 (control), 25, and 50 mM GB at 100 mL per plant (one-time foliar spray) and then divided into two groups, 1) well watered (WW; irrigated daily with 400 mL fresh water; 98% field capacity) and 2) water deficit (WD; withheld water for 14 days; 72% field capacity). Foliar application of GB (25 mM) significantly improved leaf osmotic potential in NP under WD conditions via osmotic adjustment by free proline and fructose. Differences in leaf temperature (Tleaf) between WD and WW in NP were maximized (+ 1.93 °C) and the gap of Tleaf was reduced in the case of 25–50 mM GB application. Similarly, crop water stress index (CWSI) in NP and PT plants under WD condition was significantly increased by 1.95- and 1.86-fold over the control, respectively; however, it was significantly decreased by exogenous GB application. Increasing Tleaf and CWSI in drought-stressed plants was closely related to stomatal closure, leading to reduced gas exchange parameters, i.e., stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (E), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and consequently decreased plant biomass and total centelloside yield. Overall physiological, morphological, and secondary metabolite traits were enhanced in NP under WD conditions using 25 mM GB exogenous application compared with the control. The study highlights the significance of GB in Indian pennywort production under limited water irrigation (water deficit) with higher vegetable yield and phytochemical stabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centella asiatica phytocompounds coated onto Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) possessing antibacterial activity were prepared using a simple physical absorption method. The incorporation of Centella asiatica phytocompounds into functionalized MWCNTs could improve the physical properties of Centella asiatica phytocompounds conjugated MWCNT compared to pure MWCNT. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) results depict the presence of bioactive compounds on MWCNT coatings and the Raman spectrum confirms the presence of carbon in various ranges by their peaks from 636 to 1594.46 cm−1 in the MWCNT. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrograph images confirmed the existence of MWCNT‐Nano composites with Centella asiatica phytocompounds exhibiting the surface structure with pore clarity and visible pipes. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) images show the uniform dispersed spherical ultrathin nanosheets at the size of 10–20 nm. Further anti‐bacterial analysis results revealed that Centella asiatica phytocompounds coating enhances the anti‐bacterial activity of MWCNT. Prepared Centella asiatica phytocompounds ‐MWCNT possess maximal inhibition and produces high zones of inhibition 11 ± 0.06, 17 ± 0.08, 14 ± 0.07, and 16 ± 0.08 mm against four food‐spoiling bacterial clinical pathogens Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia respectively. Centella asiatica phytocompounds conjugated‐MWCNT spin‐coated packaging showed good preservation properties. Centella asiatica phytocompounds conjugated with MWCNTs provide antimicrobial properties, enabling the development of novel food packaging materials that can protect food from spoilage, increase food stability, and sustainability, and improve the shelf life of food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone tumor affecting adolescents and children. No effective treatment is currently available. Asiatic acid (AA), a triterpenoid compound found in Centella asiatica, possesses anti‐tumor, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐oxidant properties in various types of tumor cells. This study aims to determine whether AA exerts antitumor effects in human osteosarcoma cells. Our results indicate that AA does not influence the viability, proliferative rate, or cell cycle phase of human osteosarcoma cells under non‐toxic conditions. AA suppressed osteosarcoma cell migration and invasion by down‐regulating matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) expression. Data in the TNMplot database suggested MMP1 expression was higher in osteosarcoma than in normal tissues, with associated clinical significance observed in osteosarcoma patients. Overexpression of MMP1 in osteosarcoma cells reversed the AA‐induced suppression of cell migration and invasion. AA treatment decreased the expression of specificity protein 1 (Sp1), while Sp1 overexpression abolished the effect of AA on MMP1 expression and cell migration and invasion. AA inhibited AKT phosphorylation, and treatment with a PI3K inhibitor (wortmannin) increased the anti‐invasive effect of AA on osteosarcoma cells via the p‐AKT/Sp1/MMP1 axis. Thus, AA exhibits the potential for use as an anticancer drug against human osteosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant derivatives are gaining significant momentum in the field of medical science due to their broadspectrum therapeutic properties owing to drug resistance and harmful side effects associated with synthetic drugs. Staphylococcus aureus, is known for its multidrug-resistance against common antibiotics and is responsible for spreading various pathogenic diseases. The present in vitro investigation aimed to assess the antibacterial potential of methanolic extracts of Mikania micrantha, Corchorus capsularis and Centella asiatica plant against the gram-positive bacteria S. aureus (MTCC 7443) strain. Employing the agar well diffusion method, antibacterial activity at various concentrations of the plant extracts were evaluated. The results demonstrated a significant zone of inhibition (p=0.05) for all the selected plant extracts. The plant extract from Mikania micrantha exhibited an inhibition zone of 14.7±0.71 mm and 19.33±0.58 mm; Corchorus capsularis showed 9.44±0.69 mm and 12.11±0.38 mm, while Centella asiatica showed 11.33±0.96 mm and 13.22±0.38 mm at 80 mg and 120 mg concentrations, respectively. The positive control demonstrated an inhibition zone of 11.23 mm whereas, the negative control showed no zone of inhibition. These findings suggest that the plant extracts possess a broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against the pathogenic bacterial strain, indicating their potential as a source of natural antibacterial compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centella asiatica (L.) Urban is a famous Chinese traditional medicine, which is widely used for treating various chronic inflammatory diseases. Although there are reports that Centella total glycosides exhibit heart‐protective properties, our previous experiment showed that it has cardiac toxic effects in zebrafish. The components of Centella total glycosides are complex, so we recommend further research to determine their key components and mechanisms. In this study, sample quantification was done using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The cardiotoxicity of Centella total glycosides, asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid was evaluated using zebrafish and cell models. The zebrafish oxidative stress model and myocarditis model were used to explore further the mechanisms through which cardiotoxicity is achieved. Asiatic acid and madecassic acid caused zebrafish cardiotoxicity and H9C2 cell death. However, no toxicity effects were observed for asiaticoside and madecassoside in zebrafish, until the solution was saturated. The results from the cell model study showed that asiatic acid and madecassic acid changed the expression of apoptosis‐related genes in myocardial cells. In the zebrafish model, high concentrations of these components raised the levels of induced systemic inflammation, neutrophils gathered in the heart, and oxidative stress injury. Asiatic acid and madecassic acid are the main components causing cardiotoxicity in zebrafish. This may be due to enhanced inflammation and reactive oxygen species injury, which causes myocardial cell apoptosis, which further leads to cardiac toxicity. As a famous traditional Chinese medicine, Centella asiatica (L.) Urban is used to treat various chronic inflammatory diseases. Our study found that Centella total glycoside has a cardiotoxic effect on zebrafish and evaluated Centella total glycosides, asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid. The result showed that asiatic acid and madecassic acid caused zebrafish cardiotoxicity and H9C2 cell death. At high concentrations, they would enhance inflammation and production of excessive reactive oxygen species in zebrafish, leading to cardiac toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling serves as a valuable tool for determining the distribution and disposition of substances in the body of an organism. It involves a mathematical representation of the interrelationships among crucial physiological, biochemical, and physicochemical parameters. A lack of the values of pharmacokinetic parameters can be challenging in constructing a PBPK model. Herein, we propose an artificial intelligence framework to evaluate a key pharmacokinetic parameter, the intestinal effective permeability (Peff). The publicly available Peff dataset was utilized to develop regression machine learning models. The XGBoost model demonstrates the best test accuracy of R-squared (R2, coefficient of determination) of 0.68. The model is then applied to compute the Peff of asiaticoside and madecassoside, the parent compounds found in Centella asiatica. Subsequently, PBPK modeling was conducted to evaluate the biodistribution of the herbal substances following oral administration in a rat model. The simulation results were evaluated and validated, which agreed with the existing in vivo studies in rats. This in silico pipeline presents a potential approach for investigating the pharmacokinetic parameters and profiles of drugs or herbal substances, which can be used independently or integrated into other modeling systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionAquaculture has been considered a major food-producing sector in the world during the last few decades. The foremost constraint in the development of aquaculture is bacterial disease control and management. Since various fish pathogens are resistant to conservative treatments, it is essential to screen new and effective alternative antibacterial agents. Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that live in the plant’s internal tissues without harming its host. Endophytic fungi have proven themselves as reliable sources of novel bioactive compounds that can be used as antibacterial agents.MethodsIn the present study, fifteen morphologically different endophytic fungi were isolated from the fresh and healthy stem section of Centella asiatica. The active endophytic fungal crude extracts were tested for agar well diffusion assay, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, Minimum Bactericidal Concentration assays, Time-kill kinetic analysis, Brine shrimp lethality assay.Results and DiscussionAgar plug diffusion and agar well diffusion assays revealed that endophytic fungus CAS1 exhibits maximum antagonistic activity against bacterial fish pathogens. The ethyl acetate crude extract of CAS1 exhibited the maximum zone of inhibitions against Aeromonas hydrophila (21 ± 0.11 mm), Aeromonas caviae (18 ± 0.1 mm), Edwardsiella tarda (23 ± 0.11 mm), Vibrio anguillarum (19 ± 0.05 mm) and Vibrio harveyi (20 ± 0.27 mm). The MIC and MBC values extract varied reliant on the trial pathogens ranging between 12.5-100 μg/mL and 25-100μg/mL correspondingly. The morphological and molecular characterization of potential isolate CAS1 was confirmed as Paradendryphiella arenariae by 18S rRNA ITS gene sequencing with 99.18% identity. This is the foremost findings to study the antagonistic effect of Paradendryphiella arenariae isolated from the stem of Centella asiatica against bacterial fish pathogens which can be used as natural effective antibacterial agents in aquaculture.

Globally, medicinal herb intervention has become popular in treating many illnesses. Centella asiatica (C. asiatica), a plant native to Southeast Asia, is utilized extensively due to its pharmacological and therapeutic benefits attributed by its triterpenoids and saponins. It has been widely researched for a variety of medicinal properties, including antidiabetic, antioxidant, wound healing, reproductive, sedative, anxiolytic, digestive, gastric ulcer, cognitive, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The sedative qualities are associated with regulating the HPA axis to mitigate stress and modulate GABAergic activity, while its capacity to promote collagen production, provide antioxidant protection, and lower inflammation aids in the healing of wounds. Owing to a wide range of literature on C. asiatica, the significant discoveries about various diseases are occasionally overlooked. Hence, more concise and succinct information is warranted. This review aimed to summarize the potential medicinal aspects of C. asiatica, highlighting the medicinal properties, physicochemical properties and health benefits along with future direction of the therapeutic potential. While many of the well-established properties and effects have been proven, the procurement of further clinical trials must be attended to involving the determination of standardized procedures and investigate the ultimate possible function of C. asiatica in treating diverse medical diseases, thus, to fully comprehend the therapeutic benefits of the herb. By possessing numerous pharmacological properties, C. asiatica could potentially offer greater assistance in the medical world for treating the patients while minimizing risks and mitigating degenerative effects.