In Vitro Characterization of Centella asiatica Extracellular Vesicles and Their Skin Repair Effects in a...

This study characterized extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from medicinal herb Centella asiatica tissue culture and investigated their therapeutic properties using in vitro assays and a ultraviolet (UV)-induced damage mouse model. EVs were isolated from C. asiatica tissue culture and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, and cytotoxicity, antioxidant, anti-melanin, and anti-inflammation properties were evaluated by in vitro assays. C. asiatica EVs were found to contain high levels of polyphenols and mitigate hydrogen peroxide-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). The EVs were further able to reduce intracellular melanin content and tyrosinase activity. They exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, COX2, as well as nitric oxide production. In the UV-induced photodamage mouse model, gels with or without EVs were applied to the UV-damaged site, skin appearance was observed daily, and skin histopathology was analyzed on day 7. In mice with UV-induced skin damage, the daily application of C. asiatica EV gel reduced skin epidermis thickness and inflammation compared to UV-only or blank gel at seven days after UV irradiation. The beneficial effects of C. asiatica EVs on skin quality warrant further studies as promising agents in skin care applications.