Centella asiatica modulates antioxidant and mitochondrial pathways and improves cognitive function in mice

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Mitochondrial Biology

Background:

• Centella asiatica is a medicinal plant used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine.
• Investigates the ethnopharmacological relevance of Centella asiatica for cognitive enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• Determine the effects of Centella asiatica water extract (CAW) on cognitive ability.
• Examine CAW's impact on mitochondrial and antioxidant response pathways in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Old and young C57BL/6 mice were administered CAW (2mg/mL) in drinking water.
• Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris Water Maze (MWM).
• Gene expression analysis of brain and liver tissues was performed.

Main Results:

• CAW improved MWM performance in aged mice and showed a modest effect in young mice.
• CAW increased the expression of mitochondrial and antioxidant response genes in the brain and liver.
• Synaptic marker expression increased in the hippocampus and frontal cortex.

Conclusions:

• CAW demonstrates cognitive-enhancing effects in healthy mice.
• CAW may improve cognitive function through effects on mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant response pathways.
• Gene expression changes suggest a mechanism for CAW's cognitive benefits.