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Biological Activities Assessment of Centella asiatica (Linn.)

February 2014
Journal of Herbs Spices & Medicinal Plants 20(3):319–327

DOI:10.1080/10496475.2013.869521

Authors:

Rafi Sultan

University of Karachi

Saad Bin Zafar Mahmood

Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi

Iqbal Azhar

University of Karachi

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Biological activities of Centella asiatica were determined as cytotoxic activity–LD50 = 1926 μg.mL−1 using Artemia salina; mild insecticidal activity (40% mortality) against Rhyzopertha dominica; no activity against Tribolium castaneum and Callosobruchus analis; phytotoxicity (70% growth regulation at 1,000 μg.mL−1 and 10% growth regulation at 10 μg.mL−1) against Lemna minor. Mild antibacterial and antifungal activities were noted against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, while no activity was noted against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. Antioxidant performance was comparable to ascorbic acid, and analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities comparable with aspirin at 100 mg.kg−1b.w

Analgesic Activity of the Ethanol Extract of Centella asiatica (Hot Plate Method)

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Analgesic Activity of the Ethanol Extract of Centella asiatica (Writhing Test)

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Anti-inflammatory Activity of Centella asiatica Extract

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Biological Activities Assessment of

Centella asiatica (Linn.)

Rafi Akhtar Sultan a , Saad Bin Zafar Mahmood b , Iqbal Azhar a ,

Syed Waseemuddin Ahmed a & Zafar Alam Mahmood c

a Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy , University of

Karachi , Karachi , Pakistan

b Ziauddin Medical College , Ziauddin University , Karachi , Pakistan

c Colorcon Limited, Flagship House , Dartford , England

Published online: 25 Feb 2014.

To cite this article: Rafi Akhtar Sultan , Saad Bin Zafar Mahmood , Iqbal Azhar , Syed Waseemuddin

Ahmed & Zafar Alam Mahmood (2014) Biological Activities Assessment of Centella asiatica (Linn.),

Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants, 20:3, 319-327, DOI: 10.1080/10496475.2013.869521

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Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants, 20:319–327, 2014

ISSN: 1049-6475 print/1540-3580 online

DOI: 10.1080/10496475.2013.869521

Biological Activities Assessment

of Centella asiatica (Linn.)

RAFI AKHTAR SULTAN,1SAAD BIN ZAFAR MAHMOOD,2

IQBAL AZHAR,1SYED WASEEMUDDIN AHMED,1

and ZAFAR ALAM MAHMOOD3

1Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy,

University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan

2Ziauddin Medical College, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan

3Colorcon Limited, Flagship House, Dartford, England

Biological activities of Centella asiatica were determined as

cytotoxic activity–LD50 =1926 µg.mL−1using Artemia salina;

mild insecticidal activity (40% mortality) against Rhyzopertha

dominica; no activity against Tribolium castaneum and

Callosobruchus analis; phytotoxicity (70% growth regulation

at 1,000 µg.mL−1and 10% growth regulation at 10 µg.mL−1)

against Lemna minor. Mild antibacterial and antifungal activities

were noted against Bacillus subtilis,Pseudomonas aerug-

inosa,andCandida albicans, while no activity was noted

against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. Antioxidant per-

formance was comparable to ascorbic acid, and analgesic

and anti-inﬂammatory activities comparable with aspirin at

100 mg.kg−1b.w.

KEYWORDS phytochemicals, phytopharmaceuticals, disc diffu-

sion assay, antimicrobial susceptibility, bioassays

INTRODUCTION

Centella asiatica (Apiaceae) is grown in swampy areas of Pakistan (4). The

Ayurvedic system of medicine reports use of C. asiatica for cough, bronchitis,

Received April 16, 2013.

Address correspondence to Zafar Alam Mahmood, Colorcon Limited, Flagship House,

Victory Way, Crossways, Dartford, Kent DA2 6 QD, England. E-mail: zmahmood@

colorcon.com

319

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320 R. A. Sultan et al.

asthma, wound healing, and also considered as anti-aging herb that fortiﬁes

the human immune system (33); useful for brain tonic, sedative, enhanced

memory, treatment of leprosy, ulceration, chronic rheumatism, malaria, fever,

epilepsy and in the enlargement of glands (22). It is also consumed by the

people in India, China, Thailand, and Malaysia as vegetable and used in

drinks, such as tea or juice (12,19).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Plant Material and Preparation of Extract

The plant was collected from district Rawalpindi (Tehsil/Sub-district,

Kahutta), Pakistan. The identiﬁed sample specimen (G. H. No. 86232) was

placed at the Herbarium of University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan for future

reference. The collected aerial parts were dried under shade and soaked in

ethanol for 15 days, ﬁltered, concentrated in rotary evaporator, dried, and

powdered in a lyophilizer and stored at 4◦C in airtight amber glass bottles

for further studies.

Assessment of Biological Activities

Standard or earlier reported methods were used to determine biological

activities. These include cytotoxicity (24), insecticidal (1), phytotoxicity (34),

analgesic and anti-inﬂammatory (20), antioxidant (25), and antimicrobial

activities (30).

RESULTS

Cytotoxic Activity

In the cytotoxic activity performed using Artemia salina at 10, 100, or 1,000

µg.mL–−1, the death rate was calculated as 3.33%, 20.00%, and 40.00%,

respectively, against the concentration of test sample. The LD50 calcu-

lated as 1926 µg.mL−1. Etoposide was used as standard drug during this

study.

Insecticidal Activity

Of the three insects tested, no activity (mortality) was observed against

Tribolium castaneum and Callosobruchus analis, while minor activity (40%

mortality) was observed against Rhyzopertha dominica.

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Assessment of Centella asiatica (Linn.) 321

Phytotoxicity

Phytotoxic activity tested against Lemna minor using sample at 10, 100,

and 1,000 µg.mL−1demonstrated 10%, 20%, and 70% growth retardation,

respectively, compared to control.

Antimicrobial Activity

The antimicrobial activity was conducted against three local isolates of each

bacterial species and a standard ATCC culture (Table 1). The standard cul-

tures included Bacillus subtilis (ATCC-6633), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC-

6538), E. coli (ATCC-14169), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC-27853), and

C. albicans (ATCC-10231). The activity was carried out using 100, 200, 300,

or 400 µg/disc, respectively. Commercial antibiotic discs cefotaxime (CFX)

and ceftriaxone (CTX) were employed as positive control for antibacterial

screening and miconazole nitrate against C. albicans for antifungal screen-

ing. Results indicated that with the exception of Staphylococcus aureus and

E.coli, others were mildly sensitive against C. asiatica at 200, 300, and 400

µg and resistant at 100 µg. Thus a low degree of antimicrobial effect/zone of

inhibition (4 mm against Bcillius subtilis, 6 mm against Pseudomonas aerug-

inosa and 5 mm against Candida albicans on average basis) were observed

compared with the standard drugs. No effect against Staphylococcus aureus

and E.coli was noted. As positive control Cefotaxime showed 10 mm zones

of inhibition against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus while 30 mm

zone of inhibition against E. coli. Ceftriaxone showed 20 mm zone of inhibi-

tion against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Miconazole nitrate, which was used

as a standard antifungal drug, indicated a 20-mm zone of inhibition against

Candida albicans.

Analgesic and Anti-inﬂammatory Activity

Analgesic activity of C. asiatica was investigated using three methods (hot

plate, analgesy meter, and writhing) to compare and observe the difference

in activity if any (Tables 2–4), and anti-inﬂammatory activity was determined

by paw edema method (Table 5). Both analgesic and anti-inﬂammatory activ-

ities were determined at a dose of 100 mg.kg−1body weight, and aspirin

was used as standard reference drug to compare the activity. The results

of analgesic and anti-inﬂammatory activities were comparable with aspirin.

The highest analgesic effect was observed after 2 h of dosing and declined

after 3 h, and the highest anti-inﬂammatory activity was noted at the end

of 5 h.

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322 R. A. Sultan et al.

TABLE 1 In vitro Antibacterial Activity of the Ethanol Extract of Centella asiatica Aerial Parts

Diameter of Zone Inhibition (mm)

Disc Concentration (µg)

Standard Antibiotic

Disc

Name of microorganisms 400 300 200 100 (CFXa/CTXa/MNb)

Antibacterial screening

B. subtilis BS1 443R 10mm

BS2 543R 10mm

BS3 553R 10mm

ATCC-6633 5 4 3 R 10 mm

S. aureus SA1 RRRR 10mm

SA2 RRRR 10mm

SA3 RRRR 10mm

ATCC-6538 R R R R 10 mm

E. coli EC1 RRRR 30mm

EC2 RRRR 30mm

EC3 RRRR 30mm

ATCC-14169 R R R R 30 mm

P. aeruginosa PA1 775R 20mm

PA2 763R 20mm

PA3 764R 20mm

ATCC-27853 8 7 4 R 20 mm

Antifungal screening

C. albicans CA1 663R 20mm

CA2 664R 20mm

CA3 765R 20mm

ATCC-10231 7 6 4 R 20 mm

aCFX (cefotaxime) 30 µg/disc, CTX (ceftriaxone) 30 µg/disc.

bMN (miconazole nitrate) 40 µg/disc.

TABLE 2 Analgesic Activity of the Ethanol Extract of Centella asiatica (Hot Plate Method)

Reaction time after treatment (% Analgesia)

Sample

Dose

(mg.kg−1)

Initial

Reaction time 30 min 1 h 2 h 3 h

Control — 57.6 ±4.7 59.4 ±2.9 56.2 ±1.8 57.8 ±1.4 62.2 ±3.2

Aspirin 100 57.4 ±2.5 67.0 ±2.6 95.8 ±2.4 149.2 ±4.4 64.6 ±1.6

(16.7%) (66.9%) (159.9%) (12.5%)

Test sample 100 57.2 ±4.3 66.6 ±4.9 94.8 ±3.9 148.0 ±3.18 64.2 ±2.5

(16.4%) (65.7%) (158.7%) (12.2%)

Data are mean ±SE; n=5.

Antioxidant Activity

Antioxidant activity of the sample at 100, 200, 300, or 400 µg.mL−1deter-

mined by nitric oxide radical scavenging assay using ascorbic acid as

standard showed that the antioxidant activity was comparable to ascorbic

acid at all concentrations.

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Assessment of Centella asiatica (Linn.) 323

TABLE 3 Analgesic Activity of the Ethanol Extract of Centella asiatica (Analgesy Meter)

After treatment (% Analgesia)

Sample

Oral Dose

(mg.kg−1)

Before

Treatment 30 min 1 h 2 h 3 h

Control — 58.5 ±4.5 59.43 ±4.2 59.49 ±6.1 63.91 ±5.1 58.94 ±3.0

Aspirin 100 55.2 ±3.9 65.7 ±3.7 84.8 ±3.4 94.2 ±4.0 83.3 ±3.39

(19.0%) (53.6%) (70.7%) (50.9%)

Test sample 100 57.6 ±2.4 69.4 ±3.3 89.5 ±3.0 99.1 ±4.5 88.2 ±3.8

(20.5%) (55.4%) (72.0%) (48.3%)

Data are mean ±SE; n=6.

TABLE 4 Analgesic Activity of the Ethanol Extract of Centella asiatica (Writhing Test)

Group Dose (mg.kg−1) Writhes % Pain inhibition

Control — 70 ±2.4 —

Aspirin 100 4.8 ±0.4 93.1

Test sample 100 5.2 ±0.4 92.6

Data are mean ±SE; n=5.

TABLE 5 Anti-inﬂammatory Activity of Centella asiatica Extract

Increase of paw volume in ml

(Mean ±SE) % inhibition

Treatment

Dose

(mg.kg−1) After 1 hour

After

3 hours

After

5 hours

After

1 hour

After

3 hours

After

5 hours

Control — 1.08 ±.0.03 1.29 ±0.02 1.72 ±0.06 — — —

Aspirin 100 0.94 ±0.05 0.87 ±0.04 0.43 ±0.10 12.96 32.56 75.00

Test sample 100 0.96 ±0.03 0.88 ±0.07 0.46 ±0.10 11.11 31.78 73.26

DISCUSSION

Earlier reports on cytotoxic activity of C. asiatica (whole plant) using 100,

500, or 1,000 µg.mL−1indicated LD50 more than 1,000 µg.mL−1at the end of

24 h, and it was concluded that C. asiatica possessed insigniﬁcant cytotoxic

activity (23). In two separate studies (24,29), the lethal concentration (LD50)

was reported as 500 µg.mL−1and 793.33 ±1.81 ppm for C. asiatica using

hydro-alcohol and aqueous extract of whole plant, respectively, while in

another study, considerable cytotoxic activity of C. asiatica was also reported

by the authors (3). Apparently the studies highlight LD50 for C. asiatica rang-

ing from 0.3229 to above 1000 µg.mL−1whereas in the present study, the

LD50 recorded as 1,926 µg.mL−1against standard drug (etoposide) show-

ing 7.4625 µg.mL−1. The upper limit of toxic concentration was calculated as

60,822 µg.mL−1while lower toxic concentration as 606 µg.mL−1in this study,

which may be due to lower cytotoxicity of C. asiatica available in Pakistan.

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324 R. A. Sultan et al.

Results of the present study were not comparable with earlier reports in other

regions (3,23,24,29). The cytotoxic and antitumor effects involve a direct

action on DNA synthesis with no toxic effect against lymphocytes (2) and

relates to availability and concentration of asiaticoside (14) and asiatic acid

(31); therefore, it may be assumed that C. asiatica available in Pakistan may

have low concentration of asiatocoside and asiatic acid.

Herbs in the form of extract and powder have a long history of utiliza-

tion as repellents and insecticides, such as product developed from neem,

grapefruit seeds, and garlic (13), used as alternatives in pest management.

The initial preliminary screening results relating to insecticidal activity of C.

asiatica was reported in 1943 (26) as powdered drug having “fair toxicity”

against Mexican bean beetle larvae; however, no effect against silkworm

larvae or bean aphids, followed by contradictory results of toxic effect of

C. asiatica on bean aphids (7), toxicity to American cockroaches and non-

toxic to German cockroaches (13), as cited in reviews (9,32). In the present

study, there was no activity against T. castaneum and C. analis and only

minor activity against R. dominica, which were not comparable with earlier

reports reporting insecticidal activity of C. asiatica aqueous extract against

bean aphid, Aphis fabae, and Mexican bean beetle, Epilachna varivestis (16).

C. asiatica in high concentration inhibited germination and growth of

plants while in low concentrations there was promotion of germination (5).

Antimicrobial activity was reported in C. asiatica fractions in methanol (28),

ethanol, petroleum ether, and water (17). Aqueous-ethanol extracts were

the strongest in terms of antimicrobial activity (21). Some authors linked

antimicrobial activity due to asiaticoside and reported antibacterial activity

against Pseudomonas pyocyaneus and Trichoderma mentagrophytes but not

against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Candida albicans,andAspergillus

niger (37). Authors using ethanol extract only antiprotozoal activity against

Entamoeba histolytica and no antimicrobial or antifungal activity (6,10).

Other research investigators reported C. asiatica as anti-diarrheal drug on the

basis of its effectiveness against 12 enteric pathogens (27). A study that used

a herbal mixture containing C. asiatica reported antinociceptive activity (18).

The standard reference drug, aspirin, behaved very similarly in the tests

in this study, suggesting a possible role of C. asiatica in the management of

pain and inﬂammation.

Earlier reported studies suggested terpene acids (as madecassic acid

and asiatic acid) mainly responsible for analgesic (antinocieptive) and

anti-inﬂammatory activity of C. asiatica, extending its application in the man-

agement of inﬂammatory conditions or rheumatism (15,36). Some authors

reported the aqueous extract of whole plant showing anti-nociceptive activ-

ity in mice when tested against acetic acid-induced writhing and hot-plate

methods. The extract was less potent than morphine but was similar to

aspirin in analgesic activity (36). Results of the present study also support

that the C. asiatica possessed considerable analgesic activity. Degree of

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Assessment of Centella asiatica (Linn.) 325

anti-inﬂammatory activity of C. asiatica was compared to ibuprofen (11),

mefenamic acid (36), and was dose-dependent (8). Recent study also sug-

gests that methanol extract of C. asiatica have similar level of antioxidant

activity as compared to ascorbic acid, and our results support the same (35).

The biological activities of C. asiatica reported are diverse and need more

standardized approached to understand the mechanisms of activities.

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To understand the mechanisms involved in the anti-obesity effects Centella asiatica (CA), we examined body weight, serum levels, white adipose tissue (WAT) weight, histological analysis, and the expression of cholesterol homeostasis- and lipid metabolism-related genes in mice with high-fat, high-sugar diet (HFHSD)-induced obesity that were orally treated with CA for 12 weeks. Eight-week-old, male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to the following four groups (8 mice/group): NOR, normal diet; HFHSD (Control), HFHSD; CA-L, HFHSD + CA 300 mg/kg; CA-H, HFHSD+CA 600 mg/kg. The suspension of powdered CA leaf was fed using oral gavage. CA treatment significantly attenuated HFHSD-induced increase in body weight gain, serum glucose, triacylglycerol, and WAT weight (p < 0.05). Compared to that in HFHSD, adipocyte diameter and macrovesicular area of epididymal WAT significantly decreased with CA treatment (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), fatty acid synthase (FAS), cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), 3- hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMGCR), and stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 (SCD 1) were significantly downregulated in the CA-H compared to the HFHSD (p < 0.05). CA exerts anti-obesity effects by lowering body fat accumulation via regulating gene expression and thus, is a potential lipid-lowering agent.

IDENTIFICATION OF COMPOUNDS WITH THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL FROM ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF CENTELLA ASIATICA IDENTIFICAREA COMPUȘILOR CU POTENȚIAL TERAPEUTIC DIN EXTRACTUL ETANOLIC DE CENTELLA ASIATICA 1)

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2023

It is native to the tropical regions of Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, Pakistan, Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and India, as well as certain temperate regions of China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It is also found in the equatorial belt of South Africa, Madagascar, and South America. (7, 24). Centella asiatica is an important medicinal plant, widely used in the East and gaining popularity in the West. The triterpenoids and saponins, the main constituents of Centella asiatica, are responsible for its broad therapeutic actions (21, 29). In nations like Turkey, the cultivation of Centella asiatica has proven to be successful, primarily owing to its medicinal significance. This plant boasts a ple-thora of pharmacological effects that contribute positively to human well-being (23). While the specialized literature is abundant with research on the plant's pharmacological attributes, its application in diverse animal conditions remains relatively understudied. Numerous scientific investigations provide evi-Even though the progress made in the field of synthetic and semi-synthetic chemistry in recent years is remarkable, plants still remain an important source of compounds with therapeutic potential. Therefore, recent research has focused on discovering new therapeutic alternatives to classical medication-alternatives that offer increased safety, efficacy, and minimal side effects. Based on the consideration that the pharmacological and therapeutic properties of a species are determined by their chemical components, or the so-called active principles specific to each species, we have proposed a logical approach to a phytotherape-utic study on the plant Centella asiatica, starting with the chemical evaluation of the plant and testing its antioxidant activity. The aim of the research was to determine the total content of polyphenols and flavono-ids in the ethanolic extract of Centella asiatica, as well as to evaluate its antioxidant capacity. The determination of total polyphenols was performed using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, while the determination of flavo-noids was carried out using the sodium nitrite method, and the evaluation of antioxidant activity was conducted using the DPPH IC50 method. Based on the obtained results, we can say that the ethanolic extract of Centella asiatica has a high content of polyphenols and flavonoids, demonstrating strong antioxidant activity. Chiar dacă progresele făcute în ultimii ani în do-meniul chimiei de sinteză și semisinteză sunt remar-cabile, plantele rămân totuși o sursă importantă de compuși cu potențial terapeutic. Astfel, cercetările din ultima perioadă se îndreaptă spre descoperirea unor noi alternative terapeutice față de medicația clasică, alternative care să prezinte siguranță și eficacitate crescută și cât mai puține efecte secundare. Pornind de la considerentul că proprietățile farmacologice și cele terapeutice ale unei specii sunt date de compo-nentele lor chimice sau așa numitele principii active, specifice fiecărei specii, ne-am propus o abordare lo-gică a un studiu fitoterapic asupra plantei Centella asiatica începând cu evaluarea chimică a plantei și tes-tarea activității antioxidante. Scopul cercetării a con-stat în determinare conținutului total de polifenoli și flavonoide din extractul etanolic de Centella asiatica precum și evaluarea capacității antioxidante a acestu-ia. Determinarea polifenolilor totali s-a făcut prin uti-lizarea reactivului Folin-Ciocâlteu, determinarea fla-vonoidelor prim metoda cu azotit de sodiu, iar evalu-area activității antioxidante prin metoda DPPH IC 50. În urma rezultatelor obținute putem spune că extrac-tul etanolic de Centella asiatica are un conținut crescut de plofenoli și flavonoide și prezintă o puternică activi-tate antioxidantă.

Centella asiatica: A mini review of its medicinal properties and different uses

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2023

A useful plant for human medicine is Centella asiatica (L.). Centella asiatica (L.) is widely used in conventional medicine, including unani, ayurveda, and herbal treatments. It is an important medicinal herb used around the world that is perennial, creeping, and barely fragrant. It is found throughout the world's tropical and subtropical regions, including Bangladesh, India, China, Nepal, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, and others. The herb is suggested for the treatment of a number of skin problems, including leprosy, lupus, varicose ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, diseases of the female genitourinary system, as well as for reducing anxiety and enhancing cognition. Science has validated the bioactive components and promoted several of its uses. In order to provide a easy summary of this plant, We have assessed the ancient literature that is available in search of the medicinal value of C. asiatica. We tried to compare ancient literature findings with our practical experience and insights in the context of Bangladesh. Keywords: Centella asiatica; Therapeutic; Phytoconstituents; Ayurveda

Evaluation of Anti-Candida albicans Activities of Herbal Preparations Sold at the Kumasi Central Market in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2023
EVID-BASED COMPL ALT

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is predominantly the leading cause of candidiasis among women with urogenital candidiasis. Since most people in resource-limited countries depend on herbal medicine for their primary care needs, many herbal drugs are sold to manage various infectious diseases. This study, therefore, evaluated the anti-C. albicans activities of five selected herbal preparations indicated for treating candidiasis sold at the Kumasi Central Market in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The market was divided into five clusters, and one herbal preparation was randomly selected from each cluster. Using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion antimicrobial susceptibility test, the herbal preparations were tested against clinically isolated C. albicans. Fluconazole, a standard antifungal drug, was included in the evaluation as a positive control. The experiments were performed on three different days and each in triplicates. Among the five selected herbal preparations, only one was effective against C. albicans with a mean inhibition zone of 19.1 mm. This effective herbal drug was prepared from Centella asiatica sap, Turnera microphylla leaves, and Vitex agnus-castus leaves. The results suggest that not all the herbal preparations selected were effective against C. albicans. Hence, we recommend that the authorities continually check the effectiveness of the herbal preparations on the market.

Centella asiatica and Its Metabolite Asiatic Acid: Wound Healing Effects and Therapeutic Potential

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2023

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.

Article Info Ar tic le histo ry Herbs that heal: Role of traditional herbal remedies as an immunity booster and effective against the infectious and systemic diseases

Article

Dec 2022

Ke ywor ds Immu nomodula tors Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. Moringa oliefera Lam. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprenge Euphorbia hirta (L.) Mentha piperita (L.) Abstract In the current scenario, an extensive study on diverse plant species is presently being done to assess traditional medicine for its possible therapeutic effects throughout the world. Indian medicinal plants have extraordinary healing properties that can treat a wide variety of human illnesses and ailments. Herbs are making a comeback, and today's herbal goods are safer and more secure than synthetic drugs, which encourages research into herbal medications. Protein, vitamin D, iron, vitamin B12, and folate are common nutritional deficits found in Indians which make them more susceptible to infection. The immune system is particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress, which plays a significant role in the high death rates linked to immune system dysregulation and other disorders. Herbs rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants helps to prevent cell damage from free radicals or promote the development of cell-mediated and humoral immunity. Numerous Indian medicinal plants have been found to have immunostimulant properties, making them prospective medication sources for the treatment of different chronic illnesses as well as AIDS and other immunocompromised diseases. The immunomodulatory characteristics of numerous substances, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, polysaccharides, lactones, and glycoside derivatives, are well reported. Since ancient times, several therapeutic plants and phytochemicals have been used to influence the immune system. This review provides a broad overview of medicinal herbs, including Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., Moringa oliefera Lam., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprenge, Euphorbia hirta (L.), and Mentha piperita (L.). This review is presented to spread awareness of Indian herbal medicines as immunomodulators around the world, keeping in mind the enormous potential of medicinal plants and the pharmaceuticals made from them.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of oral Centella asiatica (L.) urban extract in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy

Article

Dec 2022

Background Centella asiatica Linn Urban (CA) is a medicinal herb used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties. Feline species usually exhibit toxicity toward nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and thus the analgesic potential of CA is worth investigating in domestic cats. Purpose The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of CA extract in oral formulation for controlling postoperative pain and inflammation in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Study Design Randomized, prospective, blind, placebo-controlled study. Methods This study included 18 healthy female cats randomized into three groups: control, low-dose group (100 mg/kg), and high-dose group (200 mg/kg). Accordingly, subjects were given orally administered placebo jelly or CA mixed jelly 12 h before surgery and 4, 24, 48, and 72 h after surgery. Serum amyloid A (SAA) and white blood cell count (WBC) were tested 23 h after surgery. Postoperative pain was evaluated at 4, 8, 24, 48, and 72 h after extubation by using the UNESP-Botucatu multidimensional composite pain scale (UFEPS). Wound scores were assessed using an infrared thermal imaging camera and normal pictures token at right after the surgery and at 1, 2, and 3 days after the surgery. SAA and WBC values were compared between groups via ANOVA (p < 0.05). The Scheirer-Ray-Hare test was used to analyze the ordinal score: pain score and wound-healing score (p < 0.05). Results The high-dose group had a significantly lower UFEPS score than the control group (p = 0.007). In the high-dose group, few cats had a high temperature at the surgical wound after surgery. The level of SAA, WBC, and wound scores showed no significant difference among groups. No adverse side effects were found after receiving the CA extract. Conclusion CA extract powder can be used as an analgesic in domestic cats for preventing and treating postoperative pain. The dosage and frequency of CA oral administration should be further studied.

THERAPEUTIC EVALUATION OF CENTELLA ASIATICA MACERATE ON SURGICAL COMPLICATIONS OF OVARIOHYSTERECTOMY IN THE BITCH

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2024

Background and objectives: The management of post-operative complications such as severe inflammatory reactions, suture dehiscence and abdominal hernia in farm animals calls for a variety of practices, including the use of plant resources. The aim of this study is to explore practices for managing surgical complications in bitches and the healing properties of Centella asiatica. Methods: Discussions were organised with bitch owners about the practice of ovariohysterectomy and its importance for the well-being of the animals. The harvested plant was then prepared and the resulting crushed material was macerated, followed by the addition of drinking water. The subjects were divided into two batches of 6 animals: the control batch (batch 1) and the extract batch (batch 2). Before applying the macerate, the wounds were cleaned with distilled water and then an absorbent paper towel was used to dry them. Results : Application of C. asiatica macerate to post-operative wounds in female dogs showed good clinical applicability, with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing accelerating activity. The therapeutic potential of the plant is thought to be attributable to its most important bioactive components. Conclusion : The study argues that C. asiatica could be a better alternative for surgical wound closure, helping breeders to minimize intervention costs. Peer Review History: Received: 19 October 2023; Revised: 10 November; Accepted: 25 December, Available online: 15 January 2024 Academic Editor: Dr. Emmanuel O. Olorunsola, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Uyo, Nigeria, olorunsolaeo@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. Adebayo Gege Grace Iyabo, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, funbimbola@gmail.com Dr. Alfonso Alexander Aguileral, University of Veracruz, Mexico, aalexander_2000@yahoo.com

Sustainable Applications of Endophytic Bacteria and Their Physiological/Biochemical Roles on Medicinal and Herbal Plants: Review

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2023

Bacterial endophytes reside within the tissues of living plant species without causing any harm or disease to their hosts. These endophytes can be isolated, identified, characterized, and used as biofertilizers. Moreover, bacterial endophytes increase the plants' resistance against diseases, pests, and parasites, and are a promising source of pharmaceutically important bioactives. For instance, the production of antibiotics, auxins, biosurfactants, cytokinin's, ethylene, enzymes, gibberellins, nitric oxide organic acids, osmolytes, and siderophores is accredited to the existence of various bacterial strains. Thus, this manuscript intends to review the sustainable applications of endophytic bacteria to promote the growth, development, and chemical integrity of medicinal and herbal plants, as well as their role in plant physiology. The study of the importance of bacterial endophytes in the suppression of diseases in medicinal and herbal plants is crucial and a promising area of future investigation.

Nitric Oxide radical scavenging assay of bioactive compounds present in methanol Extract of Centella asiatica

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2012

Centella asiatica L. has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years in India, China, Sri lanka, Nepal and Madagascar. Centella asiatica is one of the chief herbs for treating skin problems, to heal wounds, for revitalizing the nerves and brain cells, hence primarily known as a "Brain food" in India. In India, it is described under the name of Mandukaparni and used in Ayurveda medicine. Methanol extract of Centella asiatica was screened to evaluate free radical scavenging effect. The extract exhibited significant reducing power and free radical scavenging effect on nitric oxide radicals. This antioxidant activity was concentration dependent which were compared with standard antioxidants such as ascorbic acid. The highest free radical scavenging effect of the extract was observed at concentration of 200 µg/ml and the IC50 value of extract was 442. 68 µg/ml. Introduction Oxygen is an important element for life. All living systems have evolved to survive in the presence of molecular oxygen. Oxidative properties of oxygen play a vital role in many biological phenomena. It can also aggravate the damage within the cell by oxidative events (1). Free radicals are highly reactive compounds, they are chemical species associated with an odd or unpaired electron and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. They are neutral, short lived, unstable and highly reactive to pair with the odd electron and finally achieve stable configuration. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction. Free radicals generated by these reactions are capable of attacking the healthy cells of the body, causing them to lose their structure and function (2). Free radicals were previously reported as being capable of damaging a lot of cellular components such as proteins, lipids and DNA (3). Numerous physiological and biochemical processes in the human body may produce oxygen centered free radicals and other reactive oxygen species as byproducts. Overproduction of such free radicals can cause oxidative damage to biomolecules, eventually leading to many chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, aging etc. (4). Nitric Oxide is an important bio regulatory molecule, which has a number of physiological effects including control of blood pressure, neural signal transduction, platelet function, antimicrobial and antitumor activity (5). NO also show toxic property after reaction with oxygen and superoxide radicals. The reaction products are able to cause much cellular damage (6). The Centella asiatica, a creeping plant has long, prostrate, filiform, slender stems with long internodes and rooting at nodes. This have simple, long petiole leaves, small, inconspicuous, clusters and purple to white-green flowers, 3-6 in number are arranged in umbels arising from the axils of the leaves. The fruit is 8 mm long, ovoid, hard with strongly thickened pericarp (7). Traditionally the plants are used as medicine due to their antioxidant activity and play important role to alleviate many diseases. The present study aims to spectrophotometeric quantification of nitric oxide radical scavenging activity in the methanol extract of Centella asiatica. Material & Method 1. Sample collection and processing: The plant material of Centella asiatica was collected from the Vanita and Dhanvantari nursery of Bhopal and identified taxonomically by Dr. Manish Mishra, Ecosystem

Medicinal plants of Pakistan

Book

Jan 1998

Anti-nociceptive activity of a polyherbal formulation RO7D, in experimental models: Possible mechanisms

Article

Jul 2010
RJPBCS

The selected herbal preparation RO7D contained the following ingredients. Centella asiatica, Cassia auriculata, Cynodon dactylon, Rosa damascena, Myristica fragrans, Nelumbo nucifera, Hibiscus Rosa sinensis, Hemidesmus indicus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Eclipta alba. The aqueous extract of RO7D was prepared and freshly prepared solution was used for experiments. The anti-nociceptive activity of RO7D was investigated employing acetic acid induced abdominal constriction, hot plate and tail clip assay procedures in swiss albino male mice. The involvement of opioid mechanism is examined using naloxone. The aqueous extract of RO7D exhibited a significant and dose related anti-nociceptive response in all the three assay procedure employed. Therefore, it can be concluded that RO7D possess anti-nociceptive activity. The observations that the pretreatment with naloxone attenuated the anti-nociceptive activity of RO7D strongly suggest a role for opioid pathway in this action.

Effects of asiaticoside on germination and growth of plants

Article

Jan 1958

Assessment of bioactivity of Indian medicinal plants using Brine shrimp (Artemiasalina) lethality assay

Article

Jan 2005

Insecticides from plants: A review of literature, 1954-1971

Article

Jan 1958

M. Jacobson

A survey of plants for insecticidal activity

Article

Jan 1950
Lloydia

In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extract of Centella asiatica by HRBC membrane stabilisation

Article

Jan 2011

Centella asiatica is a valuable medicinal herbaceous aromatic creeper which has been valued for centuries in ayurvedic medicine. Phytochemical analysis of Centella asiática plant extracts revealed the presence of various biochemical compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, triterpenoids and saponins etc. Since triterpenoids and flavonoids have remarkable anti inflammatory activity, so our present work aims at evaluating the in vitro anti inflammatory activity of Centella asiatica by HRBC membrane stabilization. The inhibition of hypotonicity induced HRBC membrane lysis was taken as a measure of the anti inflammatory activity. The percentage of membrane stabilisation for methanolic extracts and Diclofenac sodium were done at different concentrations. The maximum membrane stabilization of C. asiática extracts was found to be 94.97% at a dose of 2000 μg/ml. Therefore, our studies support the isolation and the use of active constituents from Centella asiatica in treating inflammations.

Toxicity studies on some chinese plants

Article

Dec 1943

In vitro Antimicrobial Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Some Indian Medicinal Plants

Article

Jan 2007

The antibacterial effect of some selected Indian medicinal plants was evaluated on bacterial strains like Bacillus cereus ATCC11778, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC13048, Escherichia coli ATCC25922 and Klebsiella pneumoniae NCIM2719. The solvents used for the extraction of plants were water and methanol. The in vitro antibacterial activity was performed by agar disc diffusion and agar well diffusion method. The most susceptible Gram-positive bacteria was B. cereus, while the most susceptible Gram-negative bacteria was K. pneumoniae. The extracts of Abrus precatorius, Cardiospermum halicacabum and Gmelina asiatica could not inhibit any of the bacterial strains investigated. The most active antibacterial plant was Caesalpinia pulcherrima. The significant antibacterial activity of active extracts was compared with the standard antimicrobics, piperacillin (100 μg/disc) and gentamicin (10 μg/disc). The results obtained in the present study suggest that Caesalpinia pulcherrima can be used in treating diseases caused by the test organisms.