Analysis of the Chemical Composition and Glycolipid Metabolism-Regulating Properties of Centella asiatica

As a traditional Chinese medicine, Centella asiatica (CA) contains diverse chemical constituents, which serve as the basis for its broad-spectrum pharmacological activities. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of CA on glycolipid metabolism disorders in ob/ob mice and conduct a systematic qualitative and quantitative analysis of the chemical composition of CA. The results demonstrated that CA extract effectively ameliorated glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, decreased blood lipid levels, and alleviated hepatic steatosis in ob/ob mice. A total of 39 chemical constituents were identified in the CA extract. To facilitate the quality evaluation of CA, we established a rapid and precise method for the simultaneous quantification of eight target compounds-asiaticoside, asiaticoside B, madecassoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid, stachyose, kaempferol glucuronide, and quercetin-3-O-glucuronide in CA medicinal materials. Notably, this study represents the first quantitative analysis of stachyose, kaempferol glucuronide, and quercetin-3-O-glucuronide in CA, thereby complementing and expanding the existing framework for its quality control.