Triterpene composition and bioactivities of Centella asiatica

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Dermatology
• Cosmeceuticals

Background:

• Centella asiatica is a medicinal plant with a long history of use.
• Its bioactive compounds, particularly triterpenes, are responsible for various health benefits.
• Understanding the triterpene profile and bioactivity is crucial for its application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the triterpene composition of Centella asiatica leaves.
• To evaluate the bioactivity of Centella extracts, including collagen enhancement, antioxidant, anticellulite, and UV protection.
• To explore the potential applications of Centella in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Main Methods:

• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Photodiode Array Detection (HPLC-PAD) was used for triterpene analysis.
• Simultaneous determination of asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and madecassoside.
• Bioactivity assays included collagen synthesis, antioxidant capacity, lipolytic activity, and UV protection.

Main Results:

• Centella extracts contained significant amounts of madecassoside and asiaticoside, but low levels of asiatic and madecassic acid.
• Highest collagen synthesis was observed at 50 mg/mL of Centella extracts.
• Centella exhibited strong antioxidant activity (84%), comparable to grape seed extract (83%) and Vitamin C (88%).
• Significant lipolytic activity was noted, indicated by glycerol release (115.9 µmol/L) at 0.02% concentration.
• UV protection effect of Centella extracts was similar to OMC at 10% concentration.

Conclusions:

• Centella asiatica is rich in specific triterpenes, notably madecassoside and asiaticoside.
• The plant possesses significant collagen-enhancing, antioxidant, anticellulite, and UV-protective properties.
• These findings support the expanded use of Centella in food and pharmaceutical applications.