Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Triterpenoid Centellosides: Bioactivities and Uses in Healthcare Application

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:
Natural Products

Abstract

Triterpenoid centellosides of Centella asiatica (CA) have been used as an ingredient in a wide range of applications that include healthcare. The triterpenoid centellosides’ specific constituents, namely, asiatic acid, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and madecassoside, have been extensively researched and reported to have many health and therapeutic benefits. Its pharmacology in vitro and in vivo presents potential remedies in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, hypertension protection, anti-rheumatoid arthritis, wound healing, brain improvement and neuroprotective effect, gastric ulcer prevention, cardioprotection, anxiolytic activity, and venous hypertension improvement. The clinical study of triterpenoid centellosides has shown its potential in venous hypertension-related improvements. Due to its great prospect and potential, this chapter will present the recent application of triterpenoid centellosides in healthcare covering the pharmacological (in vivo and in vitro) and clinical studies as well as its chemical composition and safety.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 2,999.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 549.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Abbreviations

AA:

Asiatic acid

AS:

Asiaticoside

CA:

Centella asiatica

CIA:

Collagen-induced arthritis

CLP:

Cecal ligation and puncture

IL:

Interleukin

iPLA2:

Phospholipase A2

LPS:

Lipopolysaccharide

MA:

Madecassic acid

MDA:

Malondialdehyde

MS:

Madecassoside

NO:

Nitric oxide

PGE:

Prostaglandin E

ROS:

Reactive oxygen stress

SOD:

Superoxide dismutase

TECA:

Titrated extract of Centella asiatica

TNF-α:

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha

TTF:

Total triterpenic fraction

TTFCA:

Total triterpenoid fraction of Centella asiatica

WHO:

World Health Organization

References

  1. Brinkhaus B, Lindner M, Schuppan D, Hahn EG (2000) Chemical pharmacological and clinical profile of the East Asian medical plant Centella asiatica. Phytomedicine 7:427–448

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Hashim P (2011) Centella asiatica in food and beverage applications and its potential antioxidant and neuroprotective effect. Int Food Res J 18:1215–1222

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Loiseau A, Mercier M (2000) Centella asiatica and skin care. Cosmet toilet 115:63–67

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Srivastava R, Shukla YN, Kumar S (1997) Chemistry and pharmacology of Centella asiatica: a review. J Med Arom Plant Sci 19:1049–1056

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Inamdar PK, Teola RD, Ghogare AB, de Souza NJ (1996) Determination of biologically active constituents in Centella asiatica. J Chromatogr A 742:127–130

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Mangas S, Moyano E, Osuna L, Cusido RM, Bonfill M, Palazon J (2008) Triterpenoid saponin content and the expression level of some related genes in calli of Centella asiatica. Biotechnol Lett 30:1853–1859

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Stafford GI, Pedersen ME, Van Staden J, Jäger AK (2008) Review on plants with CNS-effects used in traditional South African medicine against mental diseases. J Ethnopharmacol 119:513–527

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Chauhan PK, Pandey IP, Dhatwalia VK (2010) Evaluation of anti-diabetic effect of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Centella asiatica leaves on alloxan induced diabetic rats. Adv Biol Res 4:27–30

    Google Scholar 

  9. Li H, Ging X, Zhang L, Zhang Z, Luo F, Zhou Q, Wan J (2009) Madecassoside attenuates inflammatory response on collagen-induced arthritis in DBA/1 mice. Phytomedicine 16:538–546

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Hashim P, Sidek H, Helan MHM, Sabery A, Palanisamy UD, Ilham M (2011) Triterpene composition and bioactivities of Centella asiatica. Molecules 16:1310–1322

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Maquart FX, Chasting F, Simeon A, Brembaut P, Gillery P, Wegrosky Y (1999) Triterpenes from Centella asiatica stimulate extracellular matrix accumulation in rat experimental wounds. Eur J Dermatol 9:289–296

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Coldren CD, Hashim P, Ali JM, Oh SK, Sinskey AJ, Rha C (2003) Gene expression changes in the human fibroblast induced by Centella asiatica triterpenoids. Planta Med 69:725–732

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Oh SK, Rha C, Kadir AA, Ng TL (2004) Use of asiatic acid or asiaticoside for treatment of cancer. US Patent Application 2004/0097463

    Google Scholar 

  14. HMPC (2009) Draft Public Statement on Centella Asiatica (L.) Urban, Herba. Eur Med Agency doc. Ref: EMEA/HMPC/579663/2009

    Google Scholar 

  15. Belcaro G, Maquart FX, Scoccianti M, Hosoi M, Cesarone MR, Luzzi R, Cornelli U, Ledda A, Feragalli B (2011) TECA (Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica): new microcirculatory, biomolecular, and vascular application in preventive and clinical medicine. A status paper. Panminerva Med 53:105–118

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Zainol NA, Voo SC, Sarmidi MR, Aziz RA (2008) Profiling of Centella asiatica (L.) Urban extract. Malays J Anal Sci 12:322–327

    Google Scholar 

  17. Krishnaiah D, Devi T, Bono A, Sarbatly R (2009) Studies on phytochemical constituents of six Malaysian medicinal plants. J Med Plants Res 3:67–72

    Google Scholar 

  18. Zheng CJ, Qin LP (2007) Chemical components of Centella asiatica and their bioactivities. J Chin Integr Med 5:348–351

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. James JT, Dubery IA (2009) Pentacyclic triterpenoids from the medicinal herb, Centella asiatica (L.) Urban. Molecules 14:3922–3941

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Zhang XG, Han T, Zhang QY, Zhang H, Huang BK, Xu LL, Qin LP (2009) Chemical fingerprinting and hierarchical clustering analysis of Centella asiatica from different locations in China. Chromatographia 69:51–57

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Rajadurai M, Prince PSM (2006) Preventive effect of naringin on lipid peroxide and antioxidants in isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats: biochemical and histopathological evidence. Toxicology 228:259–268

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Kormin S (2005) The effect of heat processing on triterpene glycosides and antioxidant activity of herbal pegaga (Centella asiatica L. urban) drink. MSc Thesis, UTM, Malaysia (unspecified)

    Google Scholar 

  23. Shukla A, Rasik AM, Dhawan BN (1999) Asiaticoside-induced elevation of antioxidant levels in healing wounds. Phytother Res 13:50–54

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Ponnusamy K, Mohan M, Nagaraja HS (2008) Protective antioxidant effect of Centella asiatica bioflavonoids on lead acetate induced neurotoxicity. Med J Malaysia 63:102

    Google Scholar 

  25. George M, Joseph L, Ramaswamy (2009) Anti-allergic, anti-pruritic and anti-inflammatory activities of Centella asiatica extracts. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med 6:554–559

    Google Scholar 

  26. Kulthong K, Tantisira MH, Niwattisaiwong N, Apipalakul K, Chevapat S, Lawanprasert S (2009) Effects of the standard extract of Centella asiatica (ECa233) on rat hepatic cytochrome P450. Thai J Pharm Sci 33:91–100

    Google Scholar 

  27. Lee YS, Jin DQ, Kwon EJ, Park SH, Lee ES, Jeong TC, Nam DH, Huh K, Kim JA (2002) Asiatic acid, a triterpene, induces apoptosis through intracellular Ca2+release and enhanced expression of p53 in HepG2 human hepatoma cells. Cancer Lett 186:83–91

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Park BC, Bosire KO, Lee ES, Lee YS, Kim JA (2005) Asiatic acids induces apoptosis in SK-MEL-2 human melanoma cells. Cancer Lett 218:81–90

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Babykutty S, Padikkala J, Sathiadevan PP, Vijayakurup V, Abdul Aziz TK, Srinivas P, Gopala S (2009) Apoptosis induction of Centella asiatica on human breast cancer cells. Afr J Trad Compliment Altern Med 6:9–16

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Yutaka S, Shigeru T, Yoshihiro M (2007) Hypoglycemic and antihypertensive activities of Centella asiatica. Assoc J Jpn Soc Med Use Funct Foods 4:109–114

    Google Scholar 

  31. Liu M, Dai Y, Yao X, Li Y, Luo Y, Xia Y, Gong Z (2008) Anti-rheumatoid arthritis effect of madecassoside on type II collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 8:1561–1566

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Kumar B, Vijayakumar M, Givindarajan R, Pushpangadan P (2007) Ethnopharmacological approaches to wound healing – exploring medicinal plants of India. J Ethnopharmacol 114:103–113

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Gohil KJ, Patel JA, Gaijar AK (2010) Pharmacological review in Centella asiatica: a potential herbal cure-all. Indian J Pharm Sci 72:546–556. doi:10.4103/0250-474X. 78519

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Rush WR, Murray GR, Graham DJ (1993) The comparative steady-state bioavailability of the active ingredients of Madecassol. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 18:323–326

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Liu M, Dai Y, Li Y, Luo Y, Huang F, Gong Z, Meng Q (2008) Madecassoside isolated from Centella asiatica herbs facilitates burn wound healing in mice. Planta Med 74:809–815

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Bonte F, Dumas M, Chaudagne C, Meybeck A (1994) Influence of asiatic acid, madecassic acid and asiaticoside on human collagen I synthesis. Planta Med 60:133–135

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Bian GX, Li GG, Yang Y, Liu RT, Ren JP, Wen LQ, Guo SM, Lu QJ (2008) Madecassoside reduces ischemia-reperfusion injury on regional ischemia induced heart infarction in rat. Biol Pharm Bul 31:458–463

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Incandela L, Belcaro G, De Sanctis MT, Cesarone MR, Griffin M, Ippolito E (2001) Total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica in the treatment of venous hypertension: a clinical prospective, randomized trial using a combined microcirculatory model. Angiology 52:S61–S67

    Google Scholar 

  39. Lu I, Ying K, Wei S, Fang Y, Liu Y, Lin H, Ma L, Mao Y (2004) Asiaticoside induction for cell cycle progression, proliferation and collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts. Int J Dermatol 43:571–578

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Kimura Y, Sumiyoshi M, Samukawa K, Satake N, Sakanaka M (2008) Facilitating action of asiaticoside at low doses on burn wound repair and its mechanism. Eur J Pharmacol 584:415–421

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Liu Y, Gu X, Li Q, Shen L, Dai J, Liu M (2007) Application of asiatic acid and its derivatives to treat pulmonary fibrosis. US Patent 2007/0010459

    Google Scholar 

  42. Zhang LN, Zheng JJ, Zhang L, Gong X, Huang H, Wang CD, Wang B, Wu MJ, Li XH, Sun WJ, Liu YJ, Wan JY (2011) Protective effects on asiaticoside on septic lung injury in mice. Exp Toxicol Pathol 63:519–525

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Singh RH, Narsimhamurthy K, Singh G (2008) Neuronutrient impact of Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy in brain aging. Biogerontology 9:369–374

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Barbosa NR, Pittella F, Gattaz WF (2008) Centella asiatica water extract inhibits iPLA2 and cPLA2 activities in rat cerebellum. Phytomedicine 15:896–900

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. Krishnamurthi RD (2009) Asiatic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene from Centella asiatica, is neuroprotective in a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia. J Neurosci Res 87:2541–2550

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Mook-Jung I, Shin JE, Yun SH, Huh K, Koh JY, Park HK, Jew SS, Jung MW (1999) Protective effects of asiaticoside derivatives against beta-amyloid neurotoxicity. J Neurosci Res 58:417–425

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Soumyanath A, ZhongYP GSA, Yu X, Koop DR, Bourdette D, Gold BG (2005) Centella asiatica accelerates nerve regeneration upon oral administration and contains multiple active fractions increasing neurite elongation in-vitro. J Pharm Pharmacol 57:1221–1229

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Cheng CL, Guo JS, Luk J, Koo MW (2004) The healing effects of Centella extract and asiaticoside on acetic acid induced gastric ulcers in rats. Life Sci 74:2237–2249

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Guo JS, Cheng CL, Koo MW (2004) Inhibitory effects of Centella asiatica water extract and asiaticoside on inducible nitric oxide synthase during gastric ulcer healing in rats. Planta Med 70:1150–1154

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Cao W, Li XQ, Zhang XN, Hou Y, Zeng AG, Xie YH, Wang SW (2010) Madecassoside suppresses LPS-induced TNF-alpha production in cardiomyocytes through inhibition of ERK, p38 and NF-kappaB activity. Int Immunopharmacol 10:723–729

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Wijeweera P, Arnason JT, Koszycki D, Merali Z (2006) Evaluation of anxiolytic properties of Gotukola (Centella asiatica) extracts and asiaticoside in rat behavioral models. Phytomedicine 13:668–676

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Wollina U, Abdul-Naser MB, Mani R (2006) A review of the microcirculation in skin in patients with chronic venous insufficiency: the problem and the evidence available for therapeutic options. Int J Low Extrem Wounds 5:169–180. doi:10.1177/1534734606291870

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Rulo A, Griffin M, Ricci A, Ippolito E, De Sanctis MT, Incandela I, Cachio M, Bucci M (2001) Microcirculatory effects of total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica in chronic venous hypertension: measurement by laser Doppler TcPO2 and leg volumetry. Angiology 52:S45–S48

    Google Scholar 

  54. Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, Rulo A, De Sanctis MT, Incandela I, Cachio M, Bavera P, Ippolito E, Bucci M, Griffin M, Geroulakos G, Dugall M, Buccella S, Kleymeght CM (2001) Effects of the total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica in venous hypertensive microangiopathy: a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Angiology 52:S15–S18

    Google Scholar 

  55. Cesarone MR, Laurora G, De Sanctis MT, Incandela L, Grimaldi R, Marelli C et al (1994) The microcirculatory activity of Centella asiatica in venous insufficiency. A double blind study. Minerva Cardioangiol 42:299–304

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Montecchio GP, Samaden AM, Carbone S, Vigotti M, Siragusa S, Piovella F (1991) Centella asiatica triterpenic fraction (CATTF) reduces the number of circulating endothelial cells in subjects with post phlebetic syndrome. Haematologica 76:256–259

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Belcaro GV, Rulo A, Grimaldi R (1990) Capillary filtration and ankle edema in patients with venous hypertension treated with TTFCA. Angiology 41:12–18

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Pointel JP, Boccalon H, Cloarec M, Ledevehat C, Joubert M (1987) Titrated extract of Centella asiatica (TECA) in the treatment of venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Angiology 38:46–50

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  59. WHO (2011) Centella asiatica (L.) Urban. WHO West Pacific region. http://www.wpro.who.int/internet/files/pub/70/87a.pdf. Accessed 10 Jan 2011

  60. Kartnig T (1988) Clinical applications of Centella asiatica (L) Urban. In: Cracker LE, Simon JE (eds) Herbs, spices and medicinal plants. Oxyx Press, Phoenix, pp 145–173

    Google Scholar 

  61. Boely C (1975) Indication of titrated extract of Centella asiatica in phlebology. Gaz Med Fr 82:741–744

    Google Scholar 

  62. Pan Y, Abd-Rashid BA, Ismail Z, Ismail R, Mak JW, Pook PCK, Er HM, Ong CE (2010) In vitro modulatory effects on three major human cytochrome P450 enzymes by multiple active constituents and extracts of Centella asiatica. J Ethnopharmacol 1130:275–283

    Article  Google Scholar 

  63. Pan Y, Abd-Rashid BA, Ismail Z, Ismail R, Mak JW, Pook PCK, Er HM, Ong CE (2011) In vitro modulatory effects of Andrographis paniculata, Centella asiatica and Orthosiphon stamineus on cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19). J Ethnopharmacol 133:881–887

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Halal Science Research, Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Putra Infoport, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

    Dr. Puziah Hashim (Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences)

Authors
  1. Dr. Puziah Hashim
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Puziah Hashim .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Botany Department, M.L. Sukhadia University, Durga Nursery Road, Udaipur, 313001, Rajasthan, India

    Kishan Gopal Ramawat

  2. Institute of Vine and Wine Sciences, Biological-Active Plant Substances Study, University of Bordeaux, 210 Chemin de Leysotte CS 50008, Villenave d'Ornon, 33882, France

    Jean-Michel MĂ©rillon

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this entry

Cite this entry

Hashim, P. (2013). Triterpenoid Centellosides: Bioactivities and Uses in Healthcare Application. In: Ramawat, K., MĂ©rillon, JM. (eds) Natural Products. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-22144-6_167

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation