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Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

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... This perennial herb from the Apiaceae family has been used for centuries for its multifunctional properties in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, as well as in herbal medicine in Malaysia, China, and other Asian regions [105]. C. asiatica (CA) has been traditionally used in the ancient medicinal systems throughout the world as a remedy for a wide range of disorders (reviewed in Ref. [106]). It is most popularly used for its neuroprotective activities and in the treatment of disorders concerning the central nervous system, such as for the treatment of mental fatigue and anxiety as well as memory enhancement (reviewed in Ref. [107]). ...
... Bioactive compounds that have been isolated from CA include triterpene acids, polyphenolic compounds, glycosides, volatiles, fatty acids, and alkaloids [106]. Of these, the most biologically active constituents of CA are pentacyclic triterpenes such as asiatic acid, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and madecassoside [110]. ...
... The high concentration of phenolic compounds found in CA also serve as key contributors to the antioxidant activities of CA [111]. Besides these, carbohydrates (such as glucose and centellose) and amino acids (such as glutamate and aspartate) can be found in CA [106]. It is also a source of micronutrients such as sodium, iron, phosphorus, carotene, vitamins A, B, and C, and dietary fibers [112]. ...
Chapter
Herbal medicines have been used in the treatment of male infertility since ancient times and are steadily regaining their popularity in recent decades. Studies on the efficacy of herbal medicine seem to be a rediscovery of traditional medicinal practices. This chapter discusses the various pharmacological effects of Withania somnifera, Panax ginseng, and Centella asiatica on semen quality and male reproductive hormones. The mechanism of actions of these herbs are discussed to highlight their effects on male reproduction. Future studies on male fertility treatment will need to further explore the synergistic effects of these herbal extracts with that of standard medicines. Additionally, studies focusing on the use of herbal components in ART would be beneficial to further develop the field. The efficacy of treatment in male infertility patients may be improved with advancements in herbal research, use of medical and herbal therapy in combination, along with the necessary lifestyle modifications.
... 7 This plant which is commonly known in Indonesia as Pegagan has been used in traditional medicine, its ethnopharmacology applications are wide in various cultures and countries, besides its biological effects have been proven in multiple studies. 8 The main chemical component of CA responsible for pharmacological activity is triterpene, consisting mainly of asiaticoside, asiatic acid, madecassoside, and madecassic acid. 9 Several pharmacokinetic studies have confirmed that the bioactive compounds of CA provide neuroactive effects that have potential for use as neurotherapy. ...
... The tablets were de-dusted and weighed accurately (Wf). 37 Friability (%) was calculated using Equation 8: ...
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Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder in the older population. In this work, we have developed a formulation of orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) containing Centella asiatica (CA) encapsulated solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) with rapid disintegration and dissolution, thereby providing greater convenience and ease of use to older patients with PD or dysphagia. Methods: The absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties of CA compounds were evaluated using QikProp module of Schrödinger. CA-SLNs were prepared using hot homogenization method. The physicochemical properties and quality control of the pre-compressed powder were characterized. The direct compression method was used to prepare ODTs, and post-compression physical properties were evaluated. Results: In silico study of ADMET properties revealed the CA compounds can follow the criteria for an orally active drug and are within the standard range in terms of "Rule of Five" and "Rule of Three”. The characteristics of CA-SLNs developed in a lipid-based nanocarrier showed monodispersed particles with an average particle size of about 37.91±1.55 nm, zeta potential of -10.27±1.37 mV, encapsulation efficiency, and loading capacity of 95.07±1.14%, and 3.99±0.06%, respectively. The results obtained for the pre-compression characterization showed that the CA-SLNs powder mixture had excellent flowability properties and compressibility. Furthermore, these results affected the physical properties of CA-SLNs ODTs with a disintegration time of 14.5s, the acceptance value of content uniformity was 3.2%, and the in vitro dissolution test fulfilled the tolerance limits recommended in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) monograph. Conclusions: Overall, these results suggest that CA-SLNs ODTs developed with lipid-based nanocarriers can be considered an alternative delivery system to protect the active compound from instability while enhancing permeability through the blood brain barrier (BBB) and can be used in the management of PD in older patients with dysphagia.
... C. asiatica also has essential oil compounds such as farnesol and caryophyllene [5]. The known biological activity of C. asiatica is wound healing [6], cardiovascular [7], memory improvement [8], anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and anxiolytic [9]. The presence of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, plays an essential role in the antioxidant activity of C. asiatica extract [10]. ...
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Centella asiatica known as pegagan in Indonesia, belongs to the Apiaceae family and is widely used as salad, cosmetics ingredients, and herbal medicine for improving memory. This research aimed to determine the total phenolics content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (AC), and FTIR spectrum of C. asiatica leaves extracts using different extraction methods. C. asiatica extracts were prepared using maceration, reflux, and ultrasonication. The Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to determine TPC, and we found a higher level of TPC when using maceration, about 9,96 ± 0,20 mg GAE g-1 dry powder. Antioxidant capacity from the three extracts was measured using DPPH and FRAP methods. The highest antioxidant capacity using DPPH and FRAP methods was found in C. asiatica leaves extract using maceration with a value of 29,60 ± 0,71 and 14,04 ± 0,38 𝜇mol TE g-1 dry powder, respectively. The FTIR spectrum of each extract indicates the presence of vibration from several functional groups such as O-H, C-H, and C=C, likely from phenolics and C-O. The pattern of FTIR spectrum from the three C. asiatica leaves extracts gives different spectrum profiles and characteristics. Principal component analysis using FTIR spectrum data shows good clustering for each extract with 89% data variability (PC1 77% and PC2 12%). It can be concluded that TPC, AC, and FTIR spectrum profiles are different when using different extraction methods.
... As confirmed by qualitative analysis of phytochemicals, the CA callus extract is found to contain natural antioxidants such as flavonoids, triterpenes, and other phenolic contents, which act as reducing and stabilizing agent (Kshirsagar et al. 2020). Indeed, among the secondary metabolites, triterpenes such as asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and madecassoside are regarded as biomarkers and used in the quality assessment of the CA plant (Belwal et al. 2019). ...
... As confirmed by qualitative analysis of phytochemicals, the CA callus extract is found to contain natural antioxidants such as flavonoids, triterpenes, and other phenolic contents, which act as reducing and stabilizing agent (Kshirsagar et al. 2020). Indeed, among the secondary metabolites, triterpenes such as asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and madecassoside are regarded as biomarkers and used in the quality assessment of the CA plant (Belwal et al. 2019). ...
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This study proposes the tenacious vitality for biomass production and eco-friendly, cost-effective, renewable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesis approach for beneficial utilization. For the first time, halogen dried callus biomass obtained from petioles of Centella asiatica L. (CA) was utilized for biosynthesis of AgNPs through process optimization using face-centered central composite design. Non-embryogenic, whitish-yellow callus propagated on B5 medium augmented with 2,4-D (1.00 µM) and TDZ (0.50 µM) was utilized for the synthesis of AgNPs. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical estimation indicated the presence of active ingredients such as total phenolic, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids in aqueous callus extract. The characterization techniques reinforced each other and affirmed the ability of CA callus extract to fabricate AgNPs with an average size of 32.9 nm and maximum absorbance at 443 nm. Also, the presence of elemental Ag, spherical shape, and crystalline nature was confirmed by SEM and EDX, TEM, and XRD analysis respectively. FTIR and phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of bioactive functional groups in CA callus AgNPs. Both callus extract and AgNPs exhibited potential antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner.
... The whole plant of C. asiatica including leaves, stem, and roots is consumed fresh as a salad in Southeast Asia (Hashim et al., 2011). Previous study has demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory effect of C. asiatica against gastrointestinal disorder, asthma, and wound healing was mainly attributed to terpenoids and flavonoids in the leaves (Belwal et al., 2019). The flower of M. acuminata has been a part of the traditional medicines for various communicable and non-communicable diseases in Oceania, Africa, Asia, and India (Sumathy, Lachumy, Zakaria, & Sasidharan, 2011). ...
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This study aimed to evaluate the effect of four solvents (water, methanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane) on the extraction of total phenolic content (TPC), tannin, flavonoid, ferric reducing power (FRAP) and radical scavenging activity from Centella asiatica, Musa acuminata, Peperomia pellucida and Psophocarpus tetragonolobus. The extraction of TPC, tannin, flavonoid and antioxidant activity varied significantly according to solvent polarity and plant species. The strong linear correlation found between solvent polarity index and TPC, tannin, FRAP as well as radical scavenging activity indicated solvents with increasing polarity favoured the extraction of phenolic antioxidants. Plant species and extraction solvents contributed to 51.7% and 21.8% of total activity variation, respectively. C. asiatica, M. acuminata flower and P. pellucida were best extracted with 80°C distilled water for short duration while methanol was preferred for P. tetragonolobus. The antioxidant index could be a potential ranking tool to identify the ideal extraction solvent for medicinal plants.
... Thus, the improvements of skin mucus lysozyme and peroxidase activities could be assigned to the immunostimulants and bioactive compounds found in pectin [33,59] and to different immune mechanisms as skin, gill and gut associated lymphoid tissues [60,61]. However, more investigations are required to explore the mechanisms that pectin modulates mucosal immune response in fish. ...
Article
This study was performed to determine the effects of pectin derived from orange peel (PDOP) on growth performance, antioxidant enzyme activity and serum and skin mucus immune response of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Common Carp (16.94 ± 0.03 g) were distributed into 12 tanks representing four treatments repeated in triplicates. Four diets were prepared to contain four levels of PDOP as follows: 0 (control), 0.5, 1, and 2% PDOP. Growth and immunological parameters as skin mucus lysozyme activity (SMLA) and total immunoglobulin (SMTIg), serum total immunoglobulin (STIg), serum peroxidase activities (SPA), Catalyse activity (CAT), DPPH radical scavenging activity, specific growth rate (SGR), weight gain (WG), final weight (FW), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were assessed. Fish fed diets supplemented with PDOP showed an improvement of SGR, WG, FW, and FCR (P < 0.05). In terms of skin mucus immunological parameters, dietary inclusion of pectin significantly (P < 0.05) increased SMTIg. Likewise, carps fed either 1 or 2% PDOP showed notable enhancement of SMLA. In the case of serum immune parameters and antioxidant defence, carps in 1% PDOP treatment showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher SPA and CAT compared to fish fed either control diet or 0.5% OPDP. Additionally, no significant change (P > 0.05) was found in SPA and CAT of fish fed either 1% PDOP or 2% PDOP. Also, no significant (P > 0.05) difference was noticed between treated groups and control in the case of STIg. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in DPPH radical activity among treatments (P > 0.05). Overall, these results suggested that inclusion of PDOP in common carp diet can beneficially affect growth and immune response.
... Khasiat secara ilmiah dari C. asiatica telah banyak diteliti pada hewan coba dan menyimpulkan bahwa C. asiatica dapat digunakan sebagai antioksidan, antigastritis, antitumor, penyembuhan luka, imunomodulator, antiproliferasi, dan sebagainya. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] Selain itu, dalam hasil Saintifikasi Jamu disimpulkan bahwa C. asiatica merupakan salah satu komponen ramuan antihipertensi. 17,18 Dalam usaha Saintifikasi Jamu dan menjaga kualitas bahan baku tumbuhan obat yang mengandung C. asiatica, ada beberapa tahapan yang harus dilakukan, salah satu yang terpenting adalah autentikasi dari bahan baku tumbuhan obat, secara makroskopis, mikroskopis, dan profil kimia. ...
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Pegagan or Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. empirically used as medicinal plant and scientifically can be used as antihypertension based on the results of the Jamu Saintification. Raw materials from C. asiatica have the potential to occur adulteration or incorrect use of plants species. There are two species of plants that have the potential to become adulterants of C. asiatica, namely Hydrocotyle verticillata and Merremia emarginata. Thus, the purpose of this study is to authenticate from Pegagan by comparing the macroscopic, microscopic, and chemical profiles of C. asiatica, H. verticillata, and M. emarginata. The method of data collection is done by purposive sampling using form intruments to record macroscopic and microscopic characters, while the chemical profiles are tested using thin layer chromatography methods to determine the content of asiaticosides in both potential adulterants species. The research was conducted at three sampling points: Central Java (Tawangmangu), West Java (Bogor), and East Java (Malang), while for laboratory research activities carried out at B2P2TOOT, Tawangmangu. The results showed macroscopically unique and easy distinguishing characters between C. asiatica and potential adulterant species H. verticillata is a leaf shape, whereas C. asiatica with M. emarginata are leaf-type appearance characters. The character of the simplicia leaf shape between C. asiatica and H. verticillata can be a distinct differentiator characters. Anatomical characters and powder fragments that can be used as a differentiator characters between C. asiatica and H. verticillata are the presence of pith on the stalk and stolon, the type of stomata, and the presence of trichomes. Authentication of simplicia powder of H. verticillata as an adulterant potential of C. asiatica with TLC, can be easily known by the absence of asiaticosides in these simplicia so that H. verticillata cannot be a substitute species for C. asiatica
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This research paper investigates novel techniques for drying Centella asiatica and its effects on phytochemical composition. Specifically, the study focuses on the application of freeze-drying and refractance window drying methods to C. asiatica. Freeze drying was conducted at -24 °C for 42 hours, while refractance window drying was performed at three different temperatures: 70 °C, 80 °C, and 90 °C. Optimal results were obtained for the sample dried using the refractance window method at 90°C, as evidenced by phytochemical and biological analyses. The sample exhibited significant antioxidant capacity (58.575%), total phenolic content (53.911 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid content (57.686 mg QE/g), and α-amylase inhibitory activity (23.05%). Additionally, the inhibition zone for antimicrobial activity was measured as 6.35 mm and 10.4 mm respectively, for Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus. Subsequently, the RW 90 sample was incorporated into yoghurt at concentrations of 1%, 2%, and 5%. Sensory analysis revealed the highest average overall acceptability score of 8.7 was obtained for the 2% concentration, while chemical analysis indicated optimal values for the 5% sample. These findings highlight the potential of novel drying techniques for C. asiatica in preserving phytochemical constituents and enhancing its utility in various applications, including functional foods and herbal formulations.
Article
Restinga, a coastal sand environment, has low availability of organic matter, natural soil acidity, fast water drainage, high solar incidence, high salinity, strong winds and coastal flooding, which may require specific plant traits. This study analyzed the morphoanatomy of C. asiatica occurring in different microenvironments of Restinga and in an urbanized area to identify adaptive characteristics to each respective environment. Samples of roots, stolons, and leaves from sunny waterlogged dune slack, sunny wet dune slack, shaded wet dune slack, and shaded dry dune slack, and in an urbanized area were collected. Twenty three variables were measured, besides general histochemistry and soil characteristics. The one-way variance analysis (ANOVA) and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that C. asiatica plants enhance different traits depending on the environment. Plants in shady microenvironments have greater petiole length, leaf area, fresh mass and leaf dryness compared to those occurring in sunny microenvironments. C. asiatica leaves are amphistomatic and in sunny microenvironments the chlorenchyma is more developed and has greater stomatal density on the abaxial surface. In urbanized areas, plants showed increased leaf area and fresh mass, and petiole thickening, and decreased leaf blade thickening. These traits may be related to the clay soil, which has greater water retention, and also to the shaded environment. Such adaptations allow the C. asiatica plants to maximize energy gain under different environmental conditions. Secretory canals were identified in all analyzed organs, which secreted acidic and neutral polysaccharides. We recorded for the first time the presence of hydathodes on the serrated margins of C. asiatica leaf blades. This study expands the knowledge on species occurring in coastal sand environments and the modifications presented to survive in distinct microenvironments of Restinga.
Article
Introduction: The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from an ethanolic extract of Centella asiatica leaf, which exhibits anticancer characteristics, was investigated in this study. Green synthesis, a non-harmful procedure for the environment, aids in the production of nanoparticles from Centella asiatica extract. Centella asiatica has long been regarded to have beneficial properties for neurological function, anti-inflammation, and wound treatment. Objective: FT-IR, GC-MS, and thin-layer chromatography were used to find the phytochemicals present in the extract, and the anti-cancer abilities of the nanoparticles were tested against the PC3 cell line. Methods: Soxhlet extraction is used to extract the bioactive, and then nanoparticles are synthesised. Following that, they are subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis and thin-layer chromatography. These can assess the presence or absence of phytochemicals. Soon after, GCMS is done to reveal the molecular weight of the bioactive compounds using the charge-to-mass ratio. The structural peaks of different functional groups were identified using FT-IR. Under different concentrations, the silver nanoparticles were portrayed against the PC3 cell line of prostate cancer. Result: The concentration of silver nanoparticles was shown to negatively affect cell viability. The IC50 value was 11.8 µg/ml, showing that the inhibition of growth increased with increasing doses of the AgNPs. Conclusion: Our study highlights the significance of green synthesis of AgNPs from Centella asiatica extract, with bioactive compounds identified using GC-MS showing potential as anticancer agents against PC3 cells, suggesting a promising avenue for cancer therapy.
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Centella asiatica, known as Indian or Asiatic pennywort, is consumed raw as salad or used as a brain tonic, treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, and memory improvement. Differences in the drying method will lead to different levels of phytochemical profile and biological activity. Therefore, the present work aimed to investigate the Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectra fingerprint profiles, HPLC analysis of four bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of C. asiatica samples exposed to various drying methods, including air-, oven-, and sun-drying. Results showed that all samples had identical FTIR spectra patterns, but there were differences in the absorbance intensities at 1692 and 1634 cm-1, showing the effect of drying methods on the content of extracts’ bioactive compounds. These differences were analysed by chemometrics namely principal components analysis (PCA), and groupings were shown for the three samples. Based on the IC50 values, oven-drying (OD) had the highest antioxidant activity, followed by sun-drying (SD) and air-drying (AD), with IC50 values of 52.25, 94.18, and 99.29 μg/mL, respectively. HPLC analysis showed that OD had a higher percentage for madecassoside and asiaticoside with values of 0.86 and 0.96%, respectively, compared to SD and AD. Meanwhile, AD had the highest content of madecassic and asiatic acids, with values of 0.50 and 0.48%. The absorbance and antioxidant activity data for the three C. asiatica extracts were analysed for the correlation using an orthogonal partial least square. Results showed that at 1006 - 989 cm-1, it positively correlated with antioxidant activity, and could be identified as the C–O functional group of alcohol and phenol.
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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.
Article
The objective of the present work was to characterize and assess the intranasal toxicity of a solution of total triterpenoids - based standardized extract of Centella asiatica (L.) Urban leaves (INDCA-NS). The acute and 28-day repeated-dose toxicity of intranasal administrated INDCA-NS in Wistar rats was evaluated. For the acute intranasal toxicity study, a single dose of 100 μg/rat/day was administered to five male and female rats and observed for mortality and signs of toxicity for 14 days. In the subacute toxicity study, the INDCA-NS (10, 30, and 100 μg/rat/day) were intranasally administered to a separate group of five male and female rats for 28 days, followed by a 14-day reversal period for behavioral, biochemical, and histological parameters. The effect of subacute administration of INDCA-NS on the ability to smell in rats was evaluated by a buried food test. Treatment with INDCA-NS did not result in mortality or treatment-related adverse signs during single or 28-day repeated-dose administration. In addition, intranasal INDCA-NS did not affect the sense of smell, as observed in the buried food test. Intranasal NDCA-NS was found safe in rats with a Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) of more than 100 μg/rat/day and No-Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of more than 100 μg/rat/day in male and female rats during acute and subacute intranasal toxicity study respectively.
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Citation: Singh, R.; Kharsyntiew, B.; Sharma, P.; Sahoo, U.K.; Sarangi, P.K.; Prus, P.; Imbrea, F. The Effect of Production and Post-Harvest Processing Practices on Quality Attributes in Centella asiatica (L.) Urban-A Review. Agronomy 2023, 13, 1999. https://doi. Abstract: Centella asiatica is well known for its miraculous therapeutic properties in various systems of traditional medicine across the world. However, significant variation in its pharmacological activities has been reported due to the unavailability of quality raw material and non-standardized formulations. A number of research papers have been published on the collection of C. asiatica plants from different regions for the identification of a suitable agroclimate with elite germplasms. Efforts have been made to standardize production and post-harvest practices for the availability of quality raw material with a high centelloside content. The ecological niche modeling approach revealed that the Indian subcontinent has high climatic suitability for the production of C. asiatica, and genotypes with a high content of centelloside were predominantly found in the Western Ghats, North East, Eastern Himalaya and Western Himalaya in India. Open cultivation of C. asiatica is more suitable in these agroclimatic zones in India. Cultivation under shade is also suitable in the plains of Central India. Hydroponic and tissue culture of C. asiatica has also been successfully established for the enhanced production of centelloside using supplements and elicitors such as sucrose, auxins, cytokinins, kinetin, methyl jasmonate, etc. Freeze drying has been identified as the most efficient post-harvest method for the high pharmacological activities of C. asiatica extracts.
Article
Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (CA) has high demand in traditional medicine, skin care, pharmaceutical industries and as a leafy vegetable. India and Madagascar are its key producers. Due to its ever growing demand, CA is collected at an uncontrolled rate from its natural habitats, and this results in destruction of its wild genotypes. Here we report the screening of 106 CA accessions collected from their natural habitats in a wide geographical area in south India for their ASI and MAD contents by HPTLC-densitometry. The edaphic-ecologic parameters of the collection locations of CA accessions were recorded and correlated with their saponin (ASI, MAD) contents. Multilocation trials of CA elite lines at four different agro-climatic locations in Kerala were conducted, and their saponin-biomass yields were determined. Crucially, of these 106 CA accessions, only 6 showed saponin contents above the elite benchmark of industries (ASI+MAD ≥ 4.0%), viz., 45/Ca-55 (6.18 ± 0.26%), 46/Ca-56 (5.88 ± 0.11%), 48/Ca-58 (4.64 ± 0.15%), 49/Ca-59 (6.94 ± 0.23%), 53/Ca-63 (5.59 ± 0.20%), 55/Ca-65 (5.94 ± 0.18%). Multilocation trials of these elite lines revealed highest saponin contents in Plot 1, characterized by sandy soil (pH 6.0), organic carbon 2.71%, nitrogen 74.20 Kg/ha, phosphorous 100.70 Kg/ha and potassium 23.52 Kg/ha. GC-MS and ICP-MS analyses showed absence of pesticides in CA elite lines and heavy metal contents were within the permissible levels. Highest (ASI+MAD) content (7.55%, dry wt.) and biomass yield (7534.73 Kg/ha) at Plot 1 were shown by the elite line, 49/Ca-59. Average (ASI+MAD) content and biomass yield at Plot 1 were 5.38 ± 1.82% (dry wt.) and 3462.39 ± 2032.54 Kg/ha (n = 6). Noticeably, all six CA elite lines with high ASI, MAD and (ASI+MAD) contents were originally collected from high altitude (700-1700 m) locations. This ASI, MAD screening of CA accessions over a wide geographical area and multilocation trials of elite lines reveal its edaphic and ecological preferences. Our study discovered a hotspot of CA elite clones in south India. This and our previous two studies on a total of 216 accessions provide the range of ASI, MAD and (ASI+MAD) in CA accessions in south India. Further, these studies urge the restriction of random (uncontrolled) collections of CA from its natural habitats, and for the development of cultivation practices of the elite lines for commercial purposes. Overall, this study provides collection, cultivation and conservation strategies towards sustainable management of the resources of this high value medicinal herb.
Article
Introduction: Bua Bok or Centella asiatica (CA) is an Asian vegetable with anti-inflammatory benefits. Asiaticoside, asiatic acid, madecassoside and madecassic have been characterised as major active ingredients with a wide range of pharmacological advantages. In manufacturing processes, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) are used to routinely determine the active compounds in raw materials. Objectives: This research aims to explore anti-inflammatory properties, characterise metabolites and observe the biochemical changes of the inflammatory induced macrophages after pretreatment with the potential extracted fractions. Methods: Bua Bok leaf extracts were prepared. Macrophages were pretreated with non-toxic fractions to determine the anti-inflammatory action. Tentative metabolites of effective fractions were identified by LC-MS. Synchrotron fourier-transform infrared (S-FTIR) microspectroscopy was utilised to observe the biochemical change of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cells after pretreatment with potential fractions. Results: Fractions of ethyl acetate, 30% and 100% ethanol highly increased the nitrile scavenging and suppressed the function of phospholipase A2 . Fractions of 70% and 100% ethanol strongly decreased nitric oxide production. The comparison of 39 chemical compounds was presented. The change of proteins was improved after pretreatment of macrophages with fraction 70% ethanol. Fraction of 100% ethanol revealed the lipid accumulation was lower than 70% ethanol and diclofenac. Conclusion: While the anti-inflammatory actions of 70% and 100% ethanol were similar. S-FTIR expressed they inhibited inflammatory response with the distinct features of biomolecules. The S-FTIR, LC-MS and biological assay confidently provided the efficient strategies to inform the advantage of herbal extract on cellular organisation instead of a single compound.
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The aim of this work is to produce a therapeutic and antimicrobial nanofiber wound dressing material with suitable air permeability, water vapor transmission, water absorption, porosity, thermal and mechanical strength. For this purpose, first of all, Centella asiatica (CA) coated silver nanoparticles (CA-AgNPs) are synthesized with using CA extract as reducing and stabilizing agent. The green synthesized CA-AgNPs are characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM), zeta potential and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurements. The obtained CA-AgNPs give a single peak in the 420-430 nm range between 200-700 nm due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The average zeta potential and size of CA-AgNPs is found to be -30.4 mV and 14.8±7.3 nm, respectively. Then, poly caprolactone (PCL) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibers composition containing CA-AgNPs is synthesized by mutual electrospinning method. Before electrospinning, the PCL solution (12% w/v in chloroform/methanol (70%/30%, v/v)), PEO solution (3.5%, w/v in water) and PEO solutions containing 1%, 5% and 10% (v:v) of CA-AgNPs are prepared. In electrospinning experiments, to synthesis the PCL/PEO nanofibers containing CA-AgNPs, an electrospinning set-up consisting of two high voltage sources, an aluminum rotary roller collector and two syringe pumps (one with a double syringe and the other with a single syringe) is used. To produce the wound dressing materials, PEO solutions containing CA-AgNPs are placed on the double syringe pump and PCL solution is placed on the single syringe pump. The surface and physico-chemical properties of the produced hybrid nanofibers are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersion spectrometry (EDS), FTIR, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area and porosity analyzer. Also, the thermal and mechanical properties of the obtained materials are investigated. In addition, the air permeability, water uptake capacity, water contact angle, water vapor transmission, in vitro degradation and silver release behavior of the samples are investigated. The results show that mutual dual-spinneret electrospinning technique combines the features of dissimilar components without corruption. Moreover, the in vitro degradation profile and silver release results show that these nanofibers could be used in wound dressing applications in the long term. With antimicrobial studies, PEO/PCL nanofibers containing 5% and 10% CA-AgNPs are found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Also, the cytotoxic properties of nanofibers are investigated by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and results show the good biocompatibility for L929 fibroblast cells. Results reveal that CA-AgNPs loaded PCL/PEO hybrid nanofibers materials synthesized in this study has a promising potential for wound healing applications.
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Centella asiatica is a medicinal herb commonly known as Asiatic pennywort or gotu kola. The species is valued for its medicinal and nutritional properties. It is a perennial plant with leaves and stems that can be consumed as a green leafy vegetable. It is used as a folk remedy to cure various mild and chronic diseases due to its anti-rheumatic, antipyretic, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects, and as a mental rejuvenator. Although the species is widely distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics, its recognition was limited. The morphological description of C. asiatica is not well-documented in Myanmar, in Burmese or other local languages. Plant assessment via morphological markers is one of the ultimate methods for the primary description and characterization of their phenotypic traits. The objectives of this study were focused on the description of Myanmarese C. asiatica grown in Japan through morphological markers and a brief overview of its ethnobotanical use in Asia. Morphological characterization revealed the quantitative and qualitative differences regarding several traits among assessed C. asiatica samples. Furthermore, the study can provide information on the primary C. asiatica cultivation system in Japan, as it can be a potentially new and economically important crop for the Japanese market.
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Salt elicitation in therapeutic plants is one of the most popular techniques to enrich targeted secondary metabolites at cellular levels. Therefore, the appropriate concentration of NaCl salt that may regulate secondary metabolites without growth retardation needs to be established for maximum productivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the optimum NaCl elicitation for improving centellosides’ yield and associated physio-morphological adaptations in Indian pennywort (Centella asiatica (L.) Urban). Sodium ions in the salt-treated leaf tissues were significantly increased, while potassium ions were declined, leading to an increase in Na:K ratio. Centellosides yield of Indian pennywort was maximized at 656.11 mg plant−1 (1.52 folds over control) when treated with 12.5 mM NaCl for 14 days. Similarly, madecassoside, asiaticoside and total centellosides were enriched under 12.5 and 25.0 mM NaCl, whereas those compounds were significantly declined upon 50 mM NaCl treatment. Under 50 mM NaCl, reduction in both non-stomatal functions [leaf greenness (SPAD), maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) and photon yield of PSII (ΦPSII)] and stomatal functions [net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration rate (E)] were found, leading to increased leaf temperature (TLeaf) and crop stress index (CSI) as well as overall growth inhibition. Total soluble sugars, glucose, and fructose under 50 mM NaCl were enriched by 1.21, 1.28 and 1.21 folds over control, respectively to play a major role in osmotic adjustment. In summary, the production of centelloside in Indian pennywort can be practiced using 12.5–25.0 mM NaCl elicitation without any negative effects on physio-morphological performance.
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Centella asiatica (CA) is a valuable crop for herbal, cosmetic, and medicinal industries due to its rich triterpenoids, and saponins in leaves. The CA petioles, stem, and runners (CAP) are considered as crop residue and in this study for the first time CAP extract was used for Photo-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs). Further, the synthesis process was optimized using response surface methodology. Synthesized SNPs were highly stable (-30.8 eV), spherical, and cube shape with a crystallite size of 22.83 nm. Phytochemical screening, FTIR, and Raman studies confirmed the presence of bioactive functional groups on CAP SNPs. The CAP extract and its SNPs confirmed higher antioxidant activity compared to standard (Ascorbic acid). The results of hazardous dye degradation studies showed that percentage dye degradation was higher in methyl orange (1 min; 97.54%) followed by Congo red (4 min; 90.86%), methyl red (10 min; 97.66%), and Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250 (30 min; 93.28%) with rate constant of 0.062/sec, 0.00062/sec, 0.0099/sec, and 0.0015/sec respectively.
Chapter
Several medicinal plants are traditionally used in different regions of Africa for the treatment of male infertility, sexual asthenia, erectile dysfunction, and impotency or used as an aphrodisiac. Scientific studies, mostly conducted in vitro or in animals, have proven the acclaimed traditional use of these plants to enhance sexual activities or sperm concentration, motility, and viability. Some of the mechanisms of actions associated with these plants include increased level of testosterone and the relaxation of the smooth cavernosal muscles. However, some plants were also shown to have detrimental effects on the male reproductive system. This may be due to the varying modes of plant extraction, duration of treatment, experimental design, dosage used, quality of the plant, or toxic effects. There is a need to standardize the protocols as well as to better understand the mechanism of actions of the respective plants. Further studies should be conducted using human subjects.
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The trial conducted to investigate the effects of apple peel-derived pectin (APDP) on the growth, antioxidant enzyme activity and immune parameters in blood of common carp (Cyprinus carpio, 19.94 ± 0.03 g). Four dietary treatments with 0 (control), 0.5, 1 and 2% APDP were tested in an eight-week trial. Obtained data allowed assessing the growth, feed efficiency and immunological parameters as lysozyme, catalase activity (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Fish fed APDP treatments showed improvements in growth parameters and feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). The dietary pectin inclusions significantly (P < 0.05) increased the skin mucus immunological parameters; including serum total immuno globulin (STlg), and lysozyme activity. Regarding serum antioxidant defense, carp fed diets supplemented with APDP showed higher (P < 0.05) CAT and SOD activity levels versus control group. Although the supplementary diets did not differ significantly. The serum and skin mucus anti-bacterial activity tests against ten different bacterial strains demonstrated that dietary pectin significantly affected anti-bacterial activity, suggesting that the dietary administration of APDP favorably affects growth and immune responses.
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Centella asiatica (CA) (also known as Mandukaparni) an effective neuroprotective and there for also called brain tonic. The plant has been used in Ayurveda and other Asian traditional medicine system as a memory enhancing drug. It is distributed throughout tropical and subtropical countries from 200 to 2100 m a.s.l. and is native to Asia, Africa, America. The plant is rich in carotenoids Vitamins B & C content. The protective effect on the central nervous system is generally associated to its bioactive compounds including asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, madecassoside, and brahmic acid. CA has been reported to have a comprehensive neuroprotection by different modes of action such as enzyme inhibition, prevention of amyloid plaque formation in Alzheimer’s disease, decreasing oxidative stress etc. This makes CA a desired herb for Alzheimer’s disease.
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Centella asiatica L. (CAL) powder contains many medicinal properties that could be subjected to rapid deterioration due to presence of water. Moisture sorption isotherm has been widely used to predict shelf-life and storage stability as well as understanding the sorption mechanism between a material and water molecules. Aims of this study were to analyze the moisture sorption isotherm of CAL powder and its thermodynamic properties (net isosteric heat of sorption, differential entropy, and enthalpy-entropy compensation theory). A study was conducted at three different temperatures (30, 40, and 50 °C) with a range of water activities (0.06–0.92) using static gravimetric method. Results showed that CAL powder demonstrated Type-III moisture sorption isotherm behavior. Peleg isotherms relationship was found to be the most suitable model to describe the sorption isotherm curves followed by BET and Halsey. Furthermore, the net isosteric heat of sorption was determined using Peleg’s sorption isotherm model and the results showed exponentially increased as the equilibrium moisture content decreased. Enthalpy-entropy compensation theory was satisfied based on a linear relationship between differential enthalpy and entropy data obtained. Ccompensation theory also indicated that the process is an enthalpy-driven and undergoes a non-spontaneous reaction.
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Centella asiatica (L.) Urban is an important pharmacopoeial plant used not only in medicine but also in cosmetology. C. asiatica agitated shoot cultures were established to study the influence of ethephon, methyl jasmonate, L‐phenylalanine (Eth 50 µM, MeJa 50 µM, L‐Phe 2.4 g/L of medium, respectively; 7 variants of the supplementation) on the accumulation of secondary metabolites: the main centellosides (asiaticoside and madecassoside) and selected phenolic acids, and flavonoids in the biomass. Microshoots were harvested 2 and 6 days after the supplementation. Secondary metabolites were analyzed in methanolic extracts by UPLC‐MS/MS (centellosides) and by HPLC‐DAD (phenolics). In comparison with the reference cultures, the concentrations of individual secondary metabolites increased as follows: centellosides up to 5.6‐fold (asiaticoside), phenolic acids up to 122‐fold (p‐coumaric acid) and flavonoids up to 22.4‐fold (kaempherol). The highest production increase of individual compounds was observed for different variants of supplementation. Variant C (50 µM MeJa), as the most optimal for centellosides and flavonoid accumulation, was selected for the experiment with bioreactors. Bioreactor Plantform™, compared to RITA® system and agitated cultures, appeared to be the most advantageous for secondary metabolites production in C. asiatica shoot cultures. The phenolic acid, flavonoid, centelloside and total secondary metabolite productivity in Plantform™ system is 1.8‐fold, 1.7‐fold, 2.8‐fold, 2.1‐fold, respectively, higher than in MeJa elicitated agitated cultures, and 4.3‐fold, 7.3‐fold, 12.2‐fold, 7.2‐fold, respectively, higher than in control agitated cultures. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
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Centella asiatica, as known as Pegagan was previously reported to have anti-hyperglycemic effects in animal diabetic model rats. However, its α-glucosidase activity in vitro assay not yet reported. Our goal in this study is to isolate and identify active compounds as α-glucosidase inhibitor and antioxidant from aqueous ethanol 70% (v/v) extract of C. asiatica. The extract was partitioned by n-hexane, EtOAc, and n-butanol sequentially. Among the fractions tested, EtOAc fraction was showed the highest antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities with an IC50 values of 45.42 and 73.17 μg/mL, respectively. The antioxidant activity was conducted by determination of DPPH radical scavenging activity, whereas α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was determined against yeast α-glucosidase. Furthermore, isolation of the ethyl acetate extract yielded two active compounds, which were identified as kaempferol (1) and quercetin (2). Both of the compounds showed good yeast α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 16.50 and 21.61 μg/mL, respectively. In addition those compounds also could scavenge DPPH radical activity with IC50 values of 9.64 and 11.97 μg/mL, respectively. Due to its ability in reducing α-glucosidase activity and scavenging free radical activity, the C. asiatica appears to be a potential as a good resource for future development of antioxidant and antidiabetic drug.
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Objective: To observe the effects of Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) methanolic extract on α-synuclein aggregation and its expression in rotenone-exposed zebrafish. Methods: Zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to 5 μg/L rotenone for 28 days and co-incubated with 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 μg/mL of C. asiatica methanolic extract. The medium was changed every 48 h for maintain the concentration of rotenone and extract. After 28 days zebrafish were sacrificed on the ice block and protein was isolated from zebrafish brain for ELISA of dopamine and Western blotting of α-synuclein. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to observe the α-synuclein expressions from histopathological preparation of zebrafish brain. The head were soaked in 10% formaline for less than 24 h and embedded onto paraffin block, then sliced for immunohistochemistry using anti α-synuclein antibody. We also measured zebrafish motility for 5 min in each week. Results: C. asiatica has important bioactive compounds such as asiaticoside that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may inhibit cascade reaction due to oxidative stress induced by rotenone. Decreasing reactive oxygen species proposed probability of radical attack to α-synuclein protein that caused aggregation and increase of its expression. The motility of zebrafish was also maintained in C. asiatica groups due to the increasing dopamine level in rotenone-induced zebrafish. High level of reactive oxygen species inactivated enzyme for dopamine synthesis such as tyrosine hydroxylase, and oxidized dopamine itself. Oxidized dopamine increased α-synuclein aggregation. Thus, the dopamine level decreased in rotenone-induced zebrafish, but C. asiatica increased dopamine level. Conclusions: C. asiatica has a potential to be developed as an anti-Parkinson's disease treatment due to its capability for minimized the sign of Parkinson's such as α-synuclein aggregation and expression, increasing motility and dopamine as well.
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This study focuses on the effects of using the water extract from Centella asiatica on the mortality of human lung cancer cells (A549) with the use of novel 3-D scaffolds infused with CMC hydrogel. A biodegradable polymer, poly (hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) was used in this study as 3-D scaffolds, with some modifications made by introducing the gel structure on its pore, which provides a great biomimetic microenvironment for cells to grow apart from increasing the interaction between the cells and cell-bioactive extracts. The CMC showed a good hydrophilic characteristic with mean contact angle of 24.30 ± 22.03°. To ensure the CMC gel had good attachments with the scaffolds, a surface treatment was made before the CMC gel was infused into the scaffolds. The results showed that these modified scaffolds contained 42.41 ± 0.14% w/w of CMC gel, which indicated that the gel had already filled up the entire pore of 3-D scaffolds. Besides, the infused hydrogel scaffolds took only 24 hours to be saturated when absorbing the water. The viability of cancer cells by MTS assay after being treated with Centella asiatica showed that the scaffolds infused with CMC hydrogel had the cell viability of 46.89 ± 1.20% followed by porous 3-D model with 57.30 ± 1.60% of cell viability, and the 2-D model with 67.10 ± 1.10% of cell viability. The inhibitory activity in cell viability between 2-D and 3-D models did not differ significantly (p>0.05) due to the limitation of time in incubating the extract with the cell in the 3-D model microenvironment. In conclusion, with the application of 3-D scaffolds infused with CMC hydrogel, the extracts of Centella asiatica has been proven to have the ability to kill cancer cells and have a great potential to become one of the alternative methods in treating cancer patients.
Conference Paper
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This study focuses on the effects of using the water extract from Centella asiatica on the mortality of human lung cancer cells (A549) with the use of novel 3-D scaffolds infused with CMC hydrogel. A biodegradable polymer, poly (hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) was used in this study as 3-D scaffolds, with some modifications made by introducing the gel structure on its pore, which provides a great biomimetic microenvironment for cells to grow apart from increasing the interaction between the cells and cell-bioactive extracts. The CMC showed a good hydrophilic characteristic with mean contact angle of 24.30 ± 22.03°. To ensure the CMC gel had good attachments with the scaffolds, a surface treatment was made before the CMC gel was infused into the scaffolds. The results showed that these modified scaffolds contained 42.41 ± 0.14% w/w of CMC gel, which indicated that the gel had already filled up the entire pore of 3-D scaffolds. Besides, the infused hydrogel scaffolds took only 24 hours to be saturated when absorbing the water. The viability of cancer cells (MTS assay) treated with Centella asiatica extract showed a good mortality rate (3-D scaffolds infused with CMC hydrogel: 46.89 ± 1.20%; 3-D scaffold (control): 57.30 ± 1.60%; 2-D culture: 67.10 ± 1.10%). The inhibitory activity in cell viability between 2-D and 3-D models did not differ significantly (p>0.05) due to the limitation of time in incubating the extract with the cell in the 3-D model microenvironment. In conclusion, with the application of 3-D scaffolds infused with CMC hydrogel, the extracts of Centella asiatica has been proven to have the ability to kill cancer cells and have a great potential to become one of the alternative methods in treating cancer patients.
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The present study was performed to evaluate the anti-ulcerogenic activity of ethanol extract of Centella asiatica against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats. Five groups of adult Sprague Dawley rats were orally pre-treated respectively with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solution (ulcer control group), Omeprazole 20 mg/kg (reference group), and 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg C. asiatica leaf extract in CMC solution (experimental groups), one hour before oral administration of absolute ethanol to generate gastric mucosal injury. Rats were sacrificed and the ulcer areas of the gastric walls were determined. Grossly, the ulcer control group exhibited severe mucosal injury, whereas pre-treatment with C. asiatica leaf extract exhibited significant protection of gastric mucosal injury. Histological studies revealed that ulcer control group exhibited severe damage of gastric mucosa, along with edema and leucocytes infiltration of submucosal layer compared to rats pre-treated with C. asiatica leaf extract which showed gastric mucosal protection, reduction or absence of edema and leucocytes infiltration of submucosal layer. Acute toxicity study did not manifest any toxicological signs in rats. The present finding suggests that C. asiatica leaf extract promotes ulcer protection as ascertained grossly and histologically compared to the ulcer control group.
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Antioxidative activity of various extracts from different parts of Centella asiatica, including leaves, petioles (stolons) and roots, using three types of solvents (ethanol, water and light petroleum), were evaluated using a linoleic acid model system and the thiobarbituric acid test. Results showed that the ethanol extract of all parts of C. asiatica exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher antioxidative activity than the water extract, while the light petroleum ether showed negligible activity. Increasing the concentration of the extract (1000-3000 ppm) resulted in increase in antioxidative activity of both the ethanol and the water extract. From 3000 ppm upward, antioxidative activity of the ethanol extract was not significantly different (P<0.05) from that of a-tocopherol. Roots showed the highest activity of the parts tested. The antioxidative activities of the ethanol extracts were found to be stable up to 50 degreesC and exhibited optimum activity at neutral pH.
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Acute toxicity study of Centella asiatica standardized extract ECa 233 was conducted by an oral administration of 10.0 g/kg extract into 10 male and 10 female mice. The extract at the given dose did not cause any toxic signs and death within the observation period of 14 days. Sub-chronic toxicity study of ECa 233 has been investigated in four groups of Wistar rats, each of 24 rats (12 of each sex). Control group was orally given distilled water and three experimental groups were orally administered with ECa 233 in distilled water at the doses of 10, 100, and 1,000 mg/kg/day for 90 days. All ECa 233-treated rats showed no difference with regards to body weight, food consumption and health in comparison to the control group except that female rats receiving 1,000 mg/kg/day of ECa 233 had significantly higher white blood cell counts than the control group (p < 0.05). However, this alteration was not associated with internal organ pathology. In addition, male rats receiving 1,000 mg/kg/day of ECa 233 had significantly higher sodium level, but still within normal range, than those of control group (p < 0.05). Histopathological results of internal organs did not demonstrate any incidence or degree of lesions in a dose-dependent manner with the increasing dose of ECa 233. Therefore, based on the present studies it can be concluded that ECa 233 in the dose up to 10.0 g/kg produced no acute toxicity and no significant sub-chronic toxicity was observed in rats receiving 10-1,000 mg/kg of ECa 233. Keywords: Toxicity; ECa 233; Standardized extract of Centella asiatica
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In South Africa, Centella asiatica. (L.) Urb is used traditionally for the treatment of various diseases. Analyses of the essential oil of this medicinal plant revealed 11 monoterpenoid hydrocarbons (20.20%), nine oxygenated monoterpenoids (5.46%), 14 sesquiterpenoid hydrocarbons (68.80%), five oxygenated sesquiterpenoids (3.90%), and one sulfide sesquiterpenoid (0.76%). α.-Humulene (21.06%), β.-caryophyllene (19.08%), bicyclogermacrene (11.22%), germacrene B (6.29%), and myrcene (6.55%) were the predominant constitutes. The essential oil extract exhibited a broad spectrum of antibacterial activities against Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus.) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella sonnei.) organisms.
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Apart from the constituents reported earlier, the isolation of asiatic acid, asiaticoside, meso-inositol and a new oligosaccharide, “centellose”, is described from the Indian variety and their relative proportions determined in the plant material. The periodate oxidation product of asiatic acid has been reinvestigated and its structure has been assigned as a hemiacetal derivative.
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In the Indian Himalayan Region, the studies focused on diversity of the plants used for treating liver diseases/ailments have not been carried out so far. Therefore, the present attempt has been made to study the diversity, distribution pattern and conservation status of the plant species used for treating liver diseases/ailments in that region. A total of 138 species (35 species of trees, 22 shrubs and 81 herbs) belonging to 98 genera in 60 families have been recorded. Amongst the families, Euphorbiaceae (9 species), and altitudinal zone <1,800 m, (i.e., 115 species) are rich in species. Traditionally, various plant parts, such as roots/rhizomes/tubers (46 species), leaves (31), whole plants (30), barks (15), fruits (13), seeds and unspecified parts (8 each), and inflorescence (1) are used for the treatment of liver diseases/ailments. 34 species are native, 3 are endemic and 15 near endemic. 7 species are categorized as Critically Endangered (Betula utilis), Endangered (Podophyllum hexandrum, Ephedra gerardiana, and Nardostachys grandiflora) and Vulnerable (Bergenia ligulata, B. stracheyi, and Hedychium spicatum) using new IUCN criteria. Available chemical composition of plant parts used for the treatment of liver diseases/ailments have been given. Assessment of the populations of threatened species, development of an appropriate strategy, action plan for the conservation and sustainable utilization of such components of plant diversity are suggested.
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An experiment was carried out to study the antimicrobial activity of petroleum ether, ethanol, chloroform, n- hexane and water extracts of Centella asiatica herb by agar well diffusion assay. The tested bacterial strains were Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli and fungal strains were Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. Zone of inhibition produced by different extracts against the selected strains was measured and compared with standard antibiotic ciprofloxacin (10μg) and ketocanozole (10μg). The present study demonstrated that the petroleum ether, ethanol and chloroform extracts of Centella asiatica have higher antimicrobial activities (average 12-19 mm zone of inhibition) than n-hexane and water extracts (average 8-14 mm zone of inhibition) whereas n-hexane extract showed no activity against E. coli. All the extracts showed better results against the tested fungal strains comparing with ketocanozole (10μg). The results obtained in the present study suggest that the different extracts of Centella asiatica revealed a significant scope to develop a novel broad spectrum of antibacterial and antifungal herbal formulations.
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In recent times, focus on plant research has increased all over the world. Centella asiatica is an important medicinal herb that is widely used in the orient and is becoming popular in the West. Triterpenoid, saponins, the primary constituents of Centella asiatica are manly believed to be responsible for its wide therapeutic actions. Apart from wound healing, the herb is recommended for the treatment of various skin conditions such as leprosy, lupus, varicose ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, diarrhoea, fever, amenorrhea, diseases of the female genitourinary tract and also for relieving anxiety and improving cognition. The present review attempts to provide comprehensive information on pharmacology, mechanisms of action, various preclinical and clinical studies, safety precautions and current research prospects of the herb. At the same time, studies to evaluate the likelihood of interactions with drugs and herbs on simultaneous use, which is imperative for optimal and safe utilization of the herb, are discussed.
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Centella asiatica is reputed for its beneficial effects in various neurological disorders. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the role of 70% hydro-ethanolic extract of Centella asiatica (CA) on generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in man. Hamilton's Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was used to screen the subjects. Thirty-three participants (18 male and 15 female; average age 33 yrs) were medicated with the CA in a fixed dose regime (500 mg/capsule, twice daily, after meal). They were thoroughly investigated using standard questionnaires based on psychological rating scale at baseline (day 0), mid-term (day 30) and final (day 60). The scale also includes a number of direct queries about current levels of experienced stress. The observations revealed that, CA not only significantly (p<0.01) attenuated anxiety related disorders but it also significantly (p<0.01) reduced stress phenomenon and its correlated depression. CA further significantly (p<0.01) improved the willingness for adjustment and cognition. Results indicated that Centella asiatica may be useful in the treatment of GAD and may be used as a promising anxiolytic agent in near future.
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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Centella asiatica (CA) upon pain (antinociception) and inflammation in rodent models. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The antinociceptive activity of the water extract of CA (10, 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) was studied using acetic acid-induced writhing and hot-plate method in mice. The antiinflammatory activity of CA was studied in rats by prostaglandin E2-induced paw edema. RESULTS: Water extract of CA revealed significant antinociceptive activity with both the models. The activity was statistically similar to aspirin but less potent than morphine. The CA extract also revealed significant antiinflammatory activity. This effect was statistically similar to the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug, mefenamic acid. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the water extract of CA possesses antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activities.
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Ethanolic extract of Centella asiatica leaves were evaluated for the larvicidal and adult emergence inhibition activity against mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus under five constant temperatures 19, 22, 25, 28 and 31°C in the laboratory. Toxicity of this extract increased with temperature. The 50% medium lethal concentrations ranged between 6.84 ppm at 19°C and 1.12 ppm at 31°C. A similar trend was observed for the 90% lethal concentrations which varied from 9.12 to 3.63 ppm at the two temperatures, respectively. The adult emergence inhibition activity of this extract at LC50s of different temperatures was generally more pronounced in increased temperatures. These results suggest that the leaf extract of C. asiatica is promising as larvicide and adult emergence inhibitor against Culex quinquefasciatus and might be used directly in small volume aquatic habitats or breeding sites of limited size around human dwellings.
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The present study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of the Centella asiatica extract in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats. Sprague Dawley rats were treated with alcohol extract of Centella asiatica orally in two doses (20 and 40 mg/kg/day) for 3 mo along with intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (1 ml/kg). Biochemical parameters such as serum total protein, albumin and marker enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) were estimated both before and after the experiment. Histopathological studies of liver were also carried out to confirm the biochemical changes. Carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxic effects were evident by a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the serum marker enzymes and a decrease in the total serum protein and albumin. Administration of extract of Centella asiatica effectively inhibited these changes in a dose-dependent manner; maximum effect was with 40 mg/kg. Histopathological examination of liver tissue corroborated well with the biochemical changes. Hepatic steatosis, hydropic degeneration and necrosis were observed in carbon tetrachloride-treated group, while these were completely absent in the treatment group. Centella asiatica extract exhibited hepatoprotective action against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury. This effect is attributed to the presence of asiaticoside (14.5%) in the extract.
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Centella asiatica is a medicinal plant that has been in use since prehistoric times. Its active constituents include pentacyclic triterpene derivatives. Studies have been conducted in particular to investigate the madecassosides and asiaticosides. In common with most traditional phytotherapeutic agents, Centella asiatica is used in folk medicine to treat a wide range of indications. In contrast to other medicinal plants, however, Centella asiatica has been subjected to quite extensive experimental and clinical investigations. Studies done in accordance with standardized scientific criteria have shown it to have a positive effect in the treatment of venous insufficiency and striae gravidarum. Centella asiatica also appears to be effective in the treatment of wound healing disturbances. At the present time, clinical studies aimed at investigating the sedative, analgesic, antidepressive, antimicrobial, antiviral and immunomodulatory effects that have been demonstrated experimentally, are still lacking. However, the therapeutic potential of this plant in terms of its efficacy and versatility is such that further detailed research would appear worthwhile.
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This handbook is filled with over 50 illustrations and descriptions of approximately 250 plants which are used for herbal medicine. It includes the most current information available today on medicinal plants ranging from Abies spectabilis to Zizyphus vulgaris. The purpose of this handbook is to make available a reference for easy, accurate identification of these herbs. Derived from India, “Ayurveda” is the foundation stone of their ancient medical science. Approximately 80 percent of the population of India and other countries in the East continue to utilize this system of medicinal treatment. It is believed that the key to successful medication is the use of the correct herb. This is an indispensable resource for all physicians, pharmacists, drug collectors, and those interested in the healing art.
Article
Utilization of Centella asiatica leaves extract became an alternative to determine its activities. Centella asiatica contained of asiatic acid, madecassic acid, glicosides, asiaticoside, madecassoside, and some other compound. Centella asiatica has the potential as anti-cancer medicine. This research aims to understand the effects of Centella asiatica leaves extract on decreasing the number of benzo(a)pyrene induced lung tumor nodules. Then, determine the lung histopathological features of induced mice. This research used 30 of one day old baby mice which divided into six groups. Positive control (group I) was induced with benzo(a)pyrene of 0.2 μmol on day-1; 0.4 μmol on day-7 and 0.8 μmol on day-15 without any extracts. Group II was treated with Tamoxifen and induced with benzo(a)pirene. Negative control (group III) received only DMSO solvent and groups III, IV, V received 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg bw of Centella asiatica leaves extract on day-25. The significant difference (p<0.05) of Centella asiatica leaves extract on the number of benzo(a)pyrene which induced by lung tumor nodules. The treatment with 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg bb doses of extract resulted a non significant different (p<0.05) means number of lung tumor nodules. Microscopic examination of lung histopathological features showed a decrease on tumor foci in bronchus, alveolar septum and also inhibit bronchial epithelial cell hyperplasia. Ethanolic extract of Centella asiatica could reduce the number of tumor nodules and inhibit the development of benzo(a)pyrene. © 2016, International Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemical Research. All rights reserved.
Article
Ayurveda has quite a sophisticated classification of medicinal plants, as per the dominant pharmacological/therapeutic activity on mental functions etc. These need to be systematically evaluated by a multidisciplinary effort. The most interesting leads of CNS-active medicinal plants, which have emerged, besides Rauwolfia serpentina are (1) Mucuna pruriens for Parkinson's disease (2) Withania somnifera as anxiolytic (3) Centella asiatica and Bacopa monniera for learning and memory disorders (4) Acorus calamus as anxiolytic and (5) Oclmum sanctum as an antistress agent. The interface of molecular psychiatry and the active principles of some of these plants will be a major field for new developments in neuropharmacology and CNS-active drugs.
Article
Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urban is valued in Indian systems of medicine for improving memory and for the treatment of nervine disorders and skin diseases. It has been used extensively as memory enhancer. The present review is an up-to-date and comprehensive literature analysis of the chemistry, pharmacology and clinical trials on Centella drug.
Article
The water extract of whole plant of Centella asiatica is used by traditional healers in the Haya tribe in Bukoba Region in Tanzania, in the management of both insulin and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Centella asiatica administered orally at a dose of 2 g/kg and 4 g/kg body weight produced a significant hypoglycaemic activity (P <0.05) in glucose primed fasted rabbits, with an average % mean deviation of 25.6 and 34.9 respectively, at a dose dependency ratio of 2:3. Fractions containing quaternary amines and triterpenes given at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight in fasted glucose primed rabbits produced a significant hypoglycaemic effect with a mean deviation of 74 % for quaternary amine fraction and 84% for the triterpene fraction respectively, compared to tolbutamide that produced 62% mean deviation. Unlike tolbutamide, Centella asiatica did not reduce blood sugar below normal levels. The aqueous extract of C. asiatica also significantly enhanced the uptake of glucose into isolated rat hemidiaphragm, incubated at 37 0 C for 3 h in Glucose Kreb Ringers buffer (GKBR) solution. Glucose uptake induced by C. asiatica extracts was comparable with the absorption caused by insulin. Glucose uptake effect was most significant in leaves, followed by roots, whole plant and stems. The experiment confirms the rationale of the use of Centella asiatica in both type 1 and type 11 diabetes mellitus.
Article
Centella asiatica (L.) is a perennial, creeper, faintly aromatic and a valuable medicinal herb of both Old World and the New World. It is distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of World such as India, China, Nepal, Madagascar, Srilanka and Indonesia etc. The requirement of Centella asiatica is now met from natural population, leading to their gradual depletion and thus followed by its placement in the list of threatened species as mentioned by IUCN. Much of the ancient and contemporary lore surrounding this plant with its chemistry and pharmacology related to efficacy of both herbal preparations and chemical isolates are justified on the basis of experimental evidences. This paper provides its immense importance as economic plant with medicinal value as well as brief information of its products in the market launched, showing its dependability.
Article
Aim: Present study was designed to assess the safety levels of Centella asiatica (aerial pars) after 30 days oral administration in albino rats. Materials & Methods: Control group (I) received distilled water and test groups (II, III and IV) received graded dosage of 250, 500, 1,000 mg/kg. b.wt orally respectively for a period of 30 days. Changes in body weight were recorded at 10 days interval. On 32nd day blood samples were collected and the whole blood was used for hematological studies, DNA fragmentation assay and marker enzymes levels were assessed in serum. The vital tissues (Liver, Kidney, Heart, Spleen, and Brain) were dissected out and utilized for viability assay (Trypan blue dye exclusion test), evaluation of apoptosis (fluorescence microscopy) and histopathological studies. Results: Group III and IV animals showed a significant increase in serum biomarkers (AST, ALT, BUN, Creatinine) and apoptotic index. There was statistically significant decrease in viability count in treatment groups in comparison to the control group. Histopathology also revealed a significant hepatic damage and a moderate degree of changes in the renal tissue. Conclusion: Based on the above observations it was concluded that the administration of Centella asiatica ©1,000 mg/kg b.wt for a period of 30 days may cause a significant damage to liver tissue in rats. Significance & Impact of the study: This study signifies the organ specific toxicity of Centella asiatica.
Article
The structures of two new triterpenoid trisaccharides asiaticoside-A and asiaticoside-B from Centella asiatica have been elucidated as the [O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl(1→6)]-O-β-d-glucopyranose ester of 2α,3β,6β,23α-tetrahydroxy-urs-12-ene-28-oic acid and the [O-α-[spl-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl (1→6)]-O-β-d-glucopyranose ester of 2α,3β,6β,23α-tetrahydroxyolean-12-ene-28-oic acid by spectroscopic analysis.
Article
The ethanol extracts of the roots of T. cordifolia Miers and C. asiatica Linn were observed to induce a marked protective action against an 8 h restraint stress induced ulcerization, the activity being comparable to that of diazepam.
Article
Asiaticoside (AS) derivatives were tested for potential protective effects against Aβ-induced cell death. Of the 28 AS derivatives tested, asiatic acid (AA), asiaticoside 6 (AS6), and SM2 showed strong inhibition of Aβ-induced death of B103 cells at 1 μM. The three AS derivatives were further tested for their effects on free radical injury and apoptosis. All three AS derivatives reduced H2O2-induced cell death and lowered intracellular free radical concentration, but AA showed the strongest protection. In contrast, SM2 was the most effective blocker of staurosporine-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that the three AS derivatives block Aβ toxicity by acting through different cellular mechanisms. When applied to hippocampal slices, AA, SM2, and AS6 did not alter n-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) or non-NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission, paired-pulse facilitation or induction of long-term potentiation in the field CA1. These results indicate that the three AS derivatives do not alter physiological properties of the hippocampus at the concentration that blocks Aβ-induced cell death. Therefore AS6, AA, and SM2 can be regarded as reasonable candidates for a therapeutic Alzheimer's disease drug that protects neurons from Aβ toxicity. J. Neurosci. Res. 58:417–425, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Article
Antioxidative activity and total phenolic compounds of root, leaf and petiole of four accessions of Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, namely CA 01, CA 05, CA 08 and CA 11, were evaluated. Antioxidative activity of the extracts was measured using the ferric thiocyanate (FTC) method and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test. The antioxidative activities were then compared with that of α-tocopherol (natural antioxidant) and butylated hydroxytoulene or BHT (synthetic antioxidant). The results showed that CA 01 and CA 05 had the highest antioxidative activities among the accessions tested. Results also showed that both leaf and root of C. asiatica had high antioxidative activity, which was as good as that of α-tocopherol. The total phenolic content, determined according to the Folin–Ciocalteu method, varied from 3.23 to 11.7 g/100 g dry sample, and showed strong association (r2=0.90) with antioxidative activity. The results suggest that phenolic compounds are the major contributors to the antioxidative activities of C. asiatica.
Article
In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of asiaticoside, a triterpenoid saponin isolated from the Chinese medicinal herb Centella asiatica, in the rats model of Parkinsonism induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Rats were first injected with MPTP. One day after surgery, asiaticoside was administered and the behavioral tests were assessed. On 14th day, the rats were sacrificed, substantia nigra (SN) and striatum were dissected, and then dopamine (DA) and its metabolites in striatum and malonyldialdehyde (MDA) contents, reduced glutathione (GSH) level and gene expression level in SN were estimated. Treatment with asiaticoside was found to protect dopaminergic neuron by antagonizing MPTP induced neurotoxicity and to improve locomotor dysfunction. Asiaticoside significantly attenuated the MPTP-induced reduction of dopamine in the striatum. The content of MDA was significantly decreased while the GSH level was significantly increased in asiaticoside-treated groups. In addition, asiaticoside increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. These results indicated that asiaticoside was effective in reversing MPTP induced Parkinsonism via its neuroprotective effects including antioxidant activity, maintaining the metabolic balance of DA, and increasing ratio of Bcl-2/Bax.
Article
Madecassoside is the highest amount of triterpene constituent in Centella asiatica herbs, a frequently prescribed crude drug in southeastern Asian and China for wound healing and scar management. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of madecassoside on collagen II (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. Madecassoside (10, 20 and 40mg/kg), orally administered from the day of the antigen challenge for twenty consecutive days, dose-dependently alleviated the severity of the disease based on the reduced clinical scores, and elevated the body weights of mice. Histopathological examination indicated that madecassoside alleviated infiltration of inflammatory cells and synovial hyperplasia as well as protected joint destruction. Moreover, madecassoside reduced the serum level of anti-CII IgG, suppressed the delayed type hypersensitivity against CII in ears, and moderately suppress CII-stimulated proliferation of lymphocytes from popliteal lymph nodes in CIA mice. In vitro, madecassoside was ineffective in the activation of macrophages caused by lipopolysaccharide. It was concluded that madecassoside substantially prevented mouse CIA, and might be the major active constituent of C. asiatica herbs responsible for clinical uses for rheumatoid arthritis. The underlying mechanisms of action may be mainly through regulating the abnormal humoral and cellular immunity as well as protecting joint destruction.
Article
The study described here was carried out to investigate the anticonvulsant effect of different extracts of Centella asiatica with respect to cholinergic activity on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures. Rats were randomly divided into eight groups of six rats each: nonepileptic rats treated with saline; PTZ (60 mg/kg, IP)-induced seizure rats treated with saline; PTZ-induced seizure rats pretreated with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water extracts of C. asiatica; and PTZ-induced seizure rats pretreated with diazepam (2mg/kg body wt). The seized rats pretreated with different extracts were administered a dose of 200mg/kg body wt orally for 1 week before induction of epilepsy. Increased acetylcholine content and decreased acetylcholinesterase activity were recorded in different brain regions during PTZ-induced seizures. Pretreatment with C. asiatica extracts caused recovery of the levels of acetylcholine and acetylcholinesterase. These findings suggest that C. asiatica causes perceptible changes in the cholinergic system as one of the facets of its anticonvulsant activity.
Article
During the course of routine plasma drug level monitoring an unexpected loss of seizure control and reduction in plasma phenytoin levels was noticed in two patients who were also taking 'Shankhapushpi' (SRC), an Ayurvedic preparation. Therefore, the present study was undertaken in rats to investigate any SRC-phenytoin interaction from both pharmacokinetic (serum levels) and pharmacodynamic (electroshock seizure prevention) aspects. Single dose SRC and phenytoin (oral/i.p.) coadministration did not have any effect on plasma phenytoin levels but decreased the antiepileptic activity of phenytoin significantly. On multiple-dose coadministration, SRC reduced not only the antiepileptic activity of phenytoin but also lowered plasma phenytoin levels. SRC itself showed significant antiepileptic activity compared to placebo and is worth further investigation. However, the clinical combination of SRC with phenytoin is not advised.
Article
Ninety-four patients suffering from venous insufficiency of the lower limbs participated in a multicenter, double-blind versus placebo study. After randomization, they were allotted for a treatment period of two months to one of three groups: TECA 120 mg/day, TECA 60 mg/day, or placebo. A significant difference (p less than 0.05) in favor of TECA was shown for the symptoms of heaviness in the lower limbs and edema, as well as for the overall evaluation by the patient. The venous distensibility measured by a mercury strain gauge plethysmograph at three occlusion pressures was improved for the TECA groups but aggravated for the placebo group.
Article
Asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and asiaticoside, terpenoids with an ursane skeleton, were tested separately and in combination on skin human fibroblast collagen I synthesis in vitro. In the absence of ascorbic acid, the mixture as well as each individual component stimulated collagen I synthesis to a similar extent. In the presence of ascorbic acid, the level of collagen I secretion was higher for each individual component and for the mixture. A comparison of asiaticoside and asiatic acid shows that the sugar moiety of the molecule does not seem to be necessary for this biological activity.
Article
Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (Umbelliferae) is commonly used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine to treat various diseases. The present study examines the anti-tumour effect of the crude extract (CE) of Centella asiatica as well as its partially purified fractions (AF) from chromatographic procedures by both in vitro short and long term chemosensitivity and in vivo tumour model test systems. AF dose dependently inhibited the proliferation of the transformed cell lines significantly more than did the CE and other solvent fractions. Fifty percent effective doses on hour 3 exposure to AF were 17 and 22 micrograms/ml for Ehrlich ascites tumour cells (EAC) and Dalton's lymphoma ascites tumour cells (DLA), respectively. However, practically no toxic effects were detected in normal human lymphocytes. AF also significiantly suppressed the multiplication of mouse lung fibroblast (L-929) cells at a concentration of 8 micrograms/ml in long term culture. Oral administration of the extracts (CE and AF) retarded the development of solid and ascites tumours and increased the life span of these tumour bearing mice. Tritiated thymidine, uridine and leucine incorporation assay suggest that the fraction acts directly on DNA synthesis.
Article
Effects of oral and topical administration of an alcoholic extract of C. asiatica on rat dermal wound healing was studied. The extract increased cellular proliferation and collagen synthesis at the wound site, as evidenced by increase in DNA, protein and collagen content of granulation tissues. Quicker and better maturation and crosslinking of collagen was observed in the extract-treated rats, as indicated by the high stability of acid-soluble collagen and increase in aldehyde content and tensile strength. The extract treated wounds were found to epithelialise faster and the rate of wound contraction was higher, as compared to control wounds. The results show that C. asiatica produced different actions on the various phases of wound repair.
Article
Formulations (ointment, cream and gel) of aqueous extract of C. asiatica, when applied topically, thrice daily for 24 days on the open wounds in rats increased cellular proliferation and collagen synthesis at the wound site, as evidenced by increase in collagen content and tensile strength. The treated wounds epithelialised faster and the rate of wound contraction was higher as compared to control wounds. The process of healing was better with gel formulation when compared to other two formulations.
Article
The activity of asiaticoside, isolated from Centella asiatica, has been studied in normal as well as delayed-type wound healing. In guinea pig punch wounds topical applications of 0.2% solution of asiaticoside produced 56% increase in hydroxyproline, 57% increase in tensile strength, increased collagen content and better epithelisation. In streptozotocin diabetic rats, where healing is delayed, topical application of 0.4% solution of asiaticoside over punch wounds increased hydroxyproline content, tensile strength, collagen content and epithelisation thereby facilitating the healing. Asiaticoside was active by the oral route also at 1 mg/kg dose in the guinea pig punch wound model. It promoted angiogenesis in the chick chorioallantoic membrane model at 40 microg/disk concentration. These results indicate that asiaticoside exhibits significant wound healing activity in normal as well as delayed healing models and is the main active constituent of Centella asiatica.
Article
Titrated Extract from Centella asiatica (TECA) is a drug which has been used for many years in Europe for the treatment of wound healing defects. It is a reconstituted mixture of 3 triterpenes extracted from the plant, asiatic acid, madecassic acid and asiaticoside. In this report, we studied the effects of TECA and its separated components in the wound chamber model described by Schilling et al. Stainless steel wound chambers were surgically inserted under the skin of rats and received serial injections of either TECA or its purified components. Chambers were collected at days 7, 14, 21 or 28 for biochemical analysis or histological examination. TECA-injected wound chambers were characterized by increased dry weight, DNA, total protein, collagen and uronic acid contents. Peptidic hydroproline was also increased, showing an increased remodeling of the collagen matrix in the wound. The 3 purified components of TECA were all able to reproduce the effects of the complete drug, with some differences depending on the product. Asiatic acid and asiaticoside were the most active of the 3 triterpenes. Asiaticoside exerted a preferential stimulation of collagen synthesis and was active at low doses only. In addition to collagen, the 3 components were also able to stimulate glycosaminoglycan synthesis.
Article
Asiaticoside (AS) derivatives were tested for potential protective effects against Abeta-induced cell death. Of the 28 AS derivatives tested, asiatic acid (AA), asiaticoside 6 (AS6), and SM2 showed strong inhibition of Abeta-induced death of B103 cells at 1 microM. The three AS derivatives were further tested for their effects on free radical injury and apoptosis. All three AS derivatives reduced H(2)O(2)-induced cell death and lowered intracellular free radical concentration, but AA showed the strongest protection. In contrast, SM2 was the most effective blocker of staurosporine-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that the three AS derivatives block Abeta toxicity by acting through different cellular mechanisms. When applied to hippocampal slices, AA, SM2, and AS6 did not alter n-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) or non-NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission, paired-pulse facilitation or induction of long-term potentiation in the field CA1. These results indicate that the three AS derivatives do not alter physiological properties of the hippocampus at the concentration that blocks Abeta-induced cell death. Therefore AS6, AA, and SM2 can be regarded as reasonable candidates for a therapeutic Alzheimer's disease drug that protects neurons from Abeta toxicity.
Article
A number of Thai medicinal plants, recommended as remedies for herpesvirus infection and have been used in primary health care were investigated for their intracellular activities against herpes simplex viruses (HSV). Centella asiatica L., Maclura cochinchinensis Cornor, and Mangifera indica L. contained both anti-HSV-1 and -2 activities, as determined by plaque inhibition assay. An inhibition of the production of infectious HSV-2 virions from infected Vero cells could also be demonstrated. Combinations of each of these reconstituted extracts with 9-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl) guanosine (acyclovir; ACV) resulted either in subadditive, additive, or synergistic interaction, against HSV-2, depending on the dose of ACV used; mixture of C. asiatica and M. indica exerted an additive effect in a similar assay. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of these plant extracts were also substantiated by flow cytometric analysis of virus-specific antigens in the infected cells. The active constituent present in C. asiatica extract was determined to be asiaticoside while in M. indica was mangiferin. Thus, these data suggest therapeutic potential of these plant extracts.
Article
Centella asiatica is a herbal medicine widely used in China and India for wound healing. The aim of this study was to examine its effects on the prevention of ethanol induced gastric lesions in rats. Gastric transmucosal potential difference (PD) was reduced by the application of 50% ethanol in the gastric ex-vivo chamber model and Centella extract (CE) accelerated its recovery. Oral administration of CE (0.05 g/kg, 0.25 g/kg and 0.50 g/kg) before ethanol administration significantly inhibited gastric lesions formation (58% to 82% reduction) and decreased mucosal myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in a dose dependent manner. These results suggested that CE prevented ethanol induced gastric mucosal lesions by strengthening the mucosal barrier and reducing the damaging effects of free radicals.
Article
Psoriasis is a hyperproliferative skin disorder estimated to be present in 1-3% of most populations. Conventional therapy using corticosteroids, Vitamin D analogs and cytotoxic agents eg psoralens is associated with low success rate and many side effects. Traditional plant remedies may provide leads for new treatments. A rapid-throughput, in vitro bioassay has been utilised to examine plants for inhibitory effects on the growth of SVK-14 keratinocytes. Centella asiatica, a reputed anti-psoriatic herb, has been compared against the psoralen-containing seeds of Psoralea corylifolia and the synthetic anti-psoriatic agent dithranol (anthralin). Aqueous extracts of Psoralea corylifolia and Centella asiatica inhibited keratinocyte replication with IC50 values of 18.4 +/- 0.6 microg/ml and 209.9 +/- 9.8 mg/ml respectively prior to treatment with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) and 36.3 +/- 3.3 mg/ml and 238.0 +/- 2.5 mg/ml respectively after PVPP treatment of the extracts. The effect produced by C. asiatica is thus unlikely to be due to phenolic compounds. It may, however, be due to its two constituent triterpenoid glycosides madecassoside and asiaticoside which had IC50 values of 8.6 +/- 0.6 microM respectively. These values were comparable to their concentrations in the crude extract and to the IC50 of dithranol (5.1 +/- 0.4 microM). These results suggest that the potential use of C. asiatica extracts as a topical anti-psoriatic agent is worthy of further investigation.