ASIATICOSIDE

C. asiatica (L.) Urban is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional Asian medicine with potential geroprotective properties. Its major bioactive compounds-including asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid-exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, regenerative, neuroprotective, and cytoprotective activities. Experimental studies demonstrate modulation of signaling pathways involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and cellular survival, including NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, Nrf2/HO-1, and TGF-β/Smad pathways. Preclinical evidence further indicates attenuation of cellular senescence, improvement of mitochondrial function, enhanced collagen synthesis, and regulation of cytokine production. In experimental models, C. asiatica has shown beneficial effects on wound healing, skin aging, neuroinflammation, β-amyloid aggregation, neuroplasticity, metabolic dysfunction, and vascular protection. Preliminary preclinical findings also suggest possible effects on telomerase activity and telomere maintenance. However, clinical translation remains limited due to insufficient randomized controlled trials, low oral bioavailability of triterpenoids, variability in extract standardization, and limited pharmacokinetic and long-term safety data. This narrative review summarizes the phytochemistry, molecular mechanisms, pharmacological activities, and potential geroprotective applications of c. asiatica, highlighting its translational relevance in healthy aging and age-related disorders while emphasizing the need for standardized clinical studies.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the standard treatment for early gastrointestinal cancers but is often complicated by delayed healing and stenosis. Current therapies like proton pump inhibitors primarily suppress acid without actively promoting mucosal regeneration. Asiaticoside (AS), a triterpenoid from Centella asiatica , shows promise in tissue repair. This review evaluates the therapeutic potential of AS for ESD-induced wound healing, focusing on its pharmacological mechanisms and emerging delivery strategies. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Relevant in vitro , preclinical, and clinical studies regarding AS, wound healing, fibrosis, and drug delivery systems were selected and synthesized to analyze efficacy and safety. AS accelerates healing through multifaceted mechanisms: it exerts anti-inflammatory effects via NF-κB and MAPK pathways, reduces oxidative stress through Nrf2/HO-1 signaling, and inhibits fibrosis by modulating TGF-β/Smad axes. Additionally, AS promotes angiogenesis and collagen synthesis. While clinical data supports its use in skin wounds, its gastrointestinal application is hindered by poor bioavailability. Novel delivery systems, including hydrogels and microneedles, are identified as solutions for localized, sustained release. AS offers a promising therapeutic evolution, moving from reliance on passive acid suppression toward a synergistic model that integrates acid control with active mucosal regeneration for ESD management. Future research should focus on optimizing endoscope-compatible delivery platforms to facilitate clinical translation and reduce postoperative complications.

Deep burn wounds present significant challenges to rapid healing due to their complex microenvironment, characterized by multiple bacterial infections, excessive oxidative stress and blocked angiogenesis. Herein, a skin-inspired biogel/nanofiber composite dressing composed of gelatin-based biogel and electrospun nanofiber membrane co-loaded with asiaticoside (AS) and ZnO is designed and prepared for regulating the wound microenvironment to accelerate deep burn wound healing. Sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate (PCA-Na) as a natural moisturizing factor is introduced into the gelatin solution to prepare a skin-inspired biogel with strong tissue adhesion, high mechanical strength and good water retention capacity. The sustained release of AS and zinc ions (Zn 2+ ) co-loaded into nanofibers promotes antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory effects, angiogenesis and collagen deposition. The composite dressing exhibits excellent adhesion to red blood cells and platelets, hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility. Furthermore, it also presents remarkable rapid hemostasis capability with the hemostatic time greatly shortened to 35 s and the blood loss significantly reduced to 71 mg. Notably, it can significantly shorten the healing time of deep burn wound to 17 days by rapidly absorbing wound exudate, promoting collagen deposition and new blood vessels regeneration. Consequently, the composite dressing represents a promising sustained co-delivery system for accelerating burn wound healing.

Diabetic wounds are characterized by chronic inflammation, partly due to the persistent accumulation of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages. Asiaticoside (AS), a triterpenoid extracted from Centella asiatica , has known anti-inflammatory effects in several diseases, but the underlying mechanisms in diabetic wounds are still unclear. This study reveals that AS alleviates inflammation in diabetic wounds by activating ferroptosis of M1 macrophages. In vitro, AS reduces the number of M1 macrophages in a high glucose microenvironment and their secretion of proinflammatory cytokines with concurrent induction of ferroptosis. Further investigation shows that AS-activated ferroptosis is attributed to the downregulation of ferroportin 1 (FPN1) and ferritinophagy-induced degradation of ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), which together increase the amount of intracellular free ferrous ions (Fe 2+ ). In vivo, AS-encapsulated gelatin-methacryloyl hydrogels accelerates diabetic wound healing and shortens the inflammatory period by activating ferroptosis of M1 macrophages with the reduced expression of FPN1 and FTH1. These results suggest a promising AS-based strategy for treating inflammatory diseases associated with excessive activation of M1 macrophages.

The objective of this study was to develop and optimize a transdermal patch incorporating asiaticoside co-crystals to enhance solubility, mechanical properties, and sustained release for effective topical therapy in wound management. Asiaticoside co-crystals were prepared by the solvent evaporation method using ethanol-water (70:30) with succinic acid (1:1 molar ratio) as co-former and incorporated into hydrogel-based transdermal patches using HPMC K100M and PEG 400. A 3 2 full factorial design was applied to evaluate the effect of these excipients on thickness (Y₁) and folding endurance (Y₂), with optimization conducted using Design-Expert® software. The formulations were evaluated for physicochemical properties, in vitro drug release, in vivo skin irritation, wound healing activity, and accelerated stability. DSC analysis confirmed co-crystal formation through melting point depression from 232.44 to 207.61 °C. FTIR confirmed successful co-crystal formation and compatibility with excipients. The optimized batch (F 2 ) contained 200 mg HPMC K100M and 10 mg PEG 400, with predicted vs. experimental values for thickness (0.38 mm vs. 0.36 mm) and folding endurance (226.31 vs. 216), showing low relative errors (5.26%, 4.56%). F 2 exhibited 95.2 ± 2.1% drug release over 12 h, 87.56 ± 0.75% drug content, and a pH of 5.72 ± 0.03. Drug release kinetics followed the Hixson-Crowell model (R 2  = 0.9994) with a Fickian diffusion mechanism (n = 0.5). No erythema or edema was observed in skin irritation studies. In vivo wound contraction reached 95.0% by day 9, comparable to the standard group treated with 5% povidone-iodine ointment (96.4%). The objective of the study was to develop a sustained-release, non-irritant transdermal patch offering comparable healing with improved patient convenience. Stability studies showed minimal changes over 3 months with f 2  > 78.9. The optimized patch demonstrated excellent physicochemical and biological performance, offering a non-invasive, sustained-release system for wound care. Its clinical promise lies in enhanced healing efficacy, reduced application frequency, and patient compliance, warranting further in vivo pharmacokinetic and translational studies.

This study presents the development and evaluation of Centella Asiatica (CA)-loaded transfersomes (CANP) as a novel nanocarrier for transdermal delivery. CANP were prepared using an oil-in-water emulsion method, producing nanoparticles with a size of 135.22 ± 4.80 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.22 ± 0.01, and a zeta potential of -26.13 ± 0.58 mV. Stability tests confirmed consistent physicochemical properties under various storage conditions, with encapsulation efficiencies above 68% for madecassoside and 89% for asiaticoside. Ex vivo permeation studies using porcine skin showed significantly improved skin penetration compared to liposomes and niosomes, attributed to the high deformability index (1.31 ± 0.21 mg/cm 2 ). In vitro cytotoxicity assays indicated cell viability above 80% across concentrations. Functionally, CANP reduced nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, demonstrating superior anti-inflammatory effects over native CA. CANP also promoted fibroblast proliferation and collagen production by 91.9% and 213.3% at days 7 and 14, respectively, exceeding vitamin C. Wound healing assays confirmed enhanced fibroblast migration and closure rates similar to fibroblast growth factor. In vivo , CANP hydrogels accelerated healing, with early fibroblast activity and collagen deposition between days 7-14, supporting epithelial regeneration over 21 days. Compared to controls, they more effectively reduced inflammation and increased dermal growth factor expression. These findings support CANP as a promising transdermal nanocarrier with enhanced skin penetration, anti-inflammatory activity, and regenerative potential. Encapsulating CA into transfersomes boosts its therapeutic efficacy, making it a strong candidate for advanced dermal applications.

The pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) involves immune dysregulation and skin barrier dysfunction. Existing therapies often struggle to concurrently address immune modulation and barrier repair, and long-term use may lead to side effects. This study systematically evaluated the comprehensive potential and mechanisms of action of MDBA, a complex comprising matrine (M), dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (D), alpha-bisabolol (B), and asiaticoside (A), which has been employed for the first time to treat AD. In a calcipotriol (MC903)-induced mouse and guinea pig models of AD-like dermatitis, topical application of MDBA significantly ameliorated disease severity, as evidenced by reduced EASI scores and epidermal thickness. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the therapeutic effects of MDBA are likely mediated through the inhibition of the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway, achieving dual regulation: on one hand, it effectively suppressed the overactivation of Th2-type immunity, demonstrated by decreased levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and IL-31 in ear tissue and serum, reduced infiltration of cluster of differentiation 4-positive T (CD4 + T) cells, and lower serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and mast cell infiltration; on the other hand, it potently promoted skin barrier repair, upregulating the expression of various key barrier proteins including filaggrin (FLG), involucrin, and claudin-1. Furthermore, in an independent physical barrier disruption model induced by tape stripping, MDBA also demonstrated excellent restorative function, accelerating epidermal recovery, reducing transepidermal water loss, and normalizing ceramide levels. Safety assessment revealed no significant organ toxicity or functional abnormalities. Thus, MDBA is a promising AD therapy that targets the PI3K/AKT pathway to deliver concurrent immunosuppressive and barrier-repairing effects.

Centella asiatica has emerged as a strategic biomass for the sustainable production of high-value biochemicals at the interface of traditional medicine and modern biotechnology. This review consolidates the current knowledge on its phytochemical diversity, emphasizing triterpenoid saponins-asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid-as core bioactive molecules relevant to pharmaceutical, dermatological, nutraceutical, and functional-ingredient applications. Advances in green extraction technologies, including ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted, ohmic-heating, and supercritical CO 2 systems, have demonstrated superior efficiency in recovering high-purity biochemicals while significantly reducing solvent use, energy demand, and environmental impact compared with conventional methods. Complementary analytical and standardization platforms, such as HPLC, UPLC, and GC-MS, enable rigorous quality control across the entire value chain, supporting the development of reproducible and regulatory-compliant biochemical extracts. From a biomass valorization and biorefinery perspective, C. asiatica offers multiple metabolite streams that align with circular economy and field-to-market sustainability principles. Key challenges remain, including agronomic variability, scaling up green extraction, and supply chain resilience. However, emerging solutions, such as Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) guided cultivation, plant tissue culture, metabolic engineering, and integrated biorefinery frameworks, show strong potential for establishing a reliable and environmentally responsible production system. Collectively, C. asiatica represents a model species for sustainable biochemical production, combining scientific efficacy with industrial, economic, and ecological relevance.

Bridging ancient herbal wisdom with modern biomaterial innovation, this study pioneers a smart hydrogel infused with Red Ginseng (RG) (angiogenesis-boosting ginsenosides) and Centella asiatica (collagen-stimulating asiaticoside), synergized with alginate and upcycled eggshell membrane for unrivaled wound adhesion and eco-conscious design. Unlike conventional hydrogels, this bioactive synergy accelerates tissue regeneration while fighting antibiotic-resistant infections, thus opening up a new era of wound care inspired by nature. Initially, seven distinct hydrogel formulations were generated by blending sodium alginate and eggshell membrane with RG roots and centella asiatica at optimal concentrations. Subsequently, the hydrogels' structural characteristics were assessed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. Following structural validation, the study comprehensively evaluated the physical attributes of the hydrogels, encompassing swelling behavior, stability, weight loss, porosity, and antibacterial properties. Biocompatibility of the prepared hydrogels was assessed through hemolytic activity and cell viability analyses. Moreover, the therapeutic efficacy of the hydrogels was examined using a rat model, encompassing RNA expression and histological assessments to elucidate their potential wound-healing attributes. The developed hydrogel exhibited a porous architecture with interconnected cavities conducive to facilitating cell migration. Additionally, the hydrogels demonstrated antibacterial properties, as confirmed by antibacterial assays. MTT analysis revealed a positive impact on cell proliferation, with no observed cellular toxicity. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrated that the hydrogels outperformed the control group, treated with gauze, in accelerating wound closure. Notably, the alginate/eggshell membrane/RG roots/Centella asiatica group exhibited the highest percentages of wound closure, re-epithelialization, and gene expression. This hydrogel transcends conventional wound care, harnessing RG's angiogenic magic and centella's collagen-boosting power within a sustainable alginate-eggshell matrix to forge a bioactive bridge between lab bench and bedside. Its triple potential (rapid closure, infection defense, and scar suppression) makes it a promising dressing.

Impaired skin wound healing with excessive inflammation affects millions of patients globally. The resulting chronic pain can severely impact the quality of life for people afflicted by the condition. However, the treatment of skin wounds faces enormous challenges due to complex wound microenvironments. Here, we report the design of bioengineered hybrid nanovesicles (BHNVs) that enable advanced wound healing by concurrently providing effective intercellular junction and inflammation relief. The surface of hybrid nanovesicles is modified by trans-membrane DNA functional structures with a zipper part at the outside and a DNAzyme signal output part at the inside. Asiaticoside, an active ingredient from herbal medicines, and signal recognition DNA complex are encapsulated into the nanovesicles. From both outside and inside, these components of the hybrid nanovesicles work synergistically to address wound healing from both extra- and intracellular perspectives. Upon vesicle-cell fusion, the zipper part at the outside can facilitate cell-cell junction, and the DNAzyme signal output part at the inside can hinder while monitoring inflammatory responses. The released Asiaticoside can improve cell proliferation, enhance angiogenesis, accelerate cell migration/adhesion, and promote wound healing with the combination effect of anti-oxidation and anti-ulceration. Together, BHNVs are shown to successfully accelerate wound healing and prevent inflammation. Favorable therapeutic outcomes are achieved both in vitro and in vivo, indicating a robust modality for local wound management with enhanced therapeutic effects.

Centella asiatica exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and dermal-regenerative activities, yet the in vivo efficacy of an orally administered, dose-standardized extract against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced photoaging has not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the protective effects of a chemically standardized C. asiatica extract (sCAE; 70 mg/g asiaticoside) in UVB-irradiated Skh:HR-1 hairless mice. Animals received oral sCAE (40 or 80 mg/kg/day) for eight weeks during repeated UVB exposure. Comprehensive assessments-including skin biophysical measurements, histological analysis, ELISA, and gene expression profiling-were performed to characterize dose-dependent responses. sCAE significantly reduced wrinkle formation, transepidermal water loss, malondialdehyde accumulation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, while enhancing skin hydration, elasticity, antioxidant enzyme activities, and collagen expression. It also restored hyaluronic acid, ceramide, and their biosynthetic genes, and suppressed matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -9. Notably, the higher dose (80 mg/kg) consistently shifted key parameters toward normal levels, demonstrating a clear dose-response effect. These findings provide the first integrative in vivo evidence that orally administered, asiaticoside-standardized C. asiatica extract mitigates UVB-induced photoaging by concurrently improving barrier lipids, extracellular matrix integrity, inflammation, and oxidative stress, supporting its potential as a nutricosmetic agent for skin health.

Microneedle-mediated transdermal delivery of phytoconstituents represents a sophisticated and emerging paradigm in dermatological therapeutics, bridging the pharmacological efficacy of plant-derived bioactive with the precision of advanced biomedical engineering. Conventional topical dosage forms are often constrained by the formidable barrier function of the stratum corneum, instability of phytochemicals, and suboptimal patient adherence. Microneedle arrays circumvent these limitations by creating transient microchannels that enable minimally invasive, painless, and controlled delivery of therapeutics into the viable epidermal and dermal layers. The bioactive compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, asiaticoside, and glycyrrhizin exhibit multifaceted pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and pro-regenerative effects, which are beneficial for the management of cutaneous pathologies such as psoriasis, eczema, acne vulgaris, and chronic ulcerations. The incorporation of these phytoconstituents into dissolving or hydrogel-forming microneedles enhances their physicochemical stability, facilitates sustained and localized drug release, and minimizes systemic exposure, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy and safety. The utilization of natural, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymers such as chitosan, hyaluronic acid, silk fibroin, and alginate, further augments the structural integrity and bioperformance of microneedle systems while aligning with eco-sustainable pharmaceutical design principles. This integrative strategy signifies a pivotal advancement toward personalized dermatological interventions, enabling precise dosing and targeted pharmacokinetics. The future research should emphasize material innovation, in vivo pharmacodynamic assessment, and large-scale translational studies to validate the clinical potential of phytoconstituent-loaded microneedles as next-generation bioresponsive platforms for skin therapeutics.