Part 3: The Secrets of Centella Asiatica Unveiled by Modern Science

Part 3: The Secrets of Centella Asiatica Unveiled by Modern Science – Key Components and Mechanisms of Action

3.1. Introduction: From Traditional Wisdom to Scientific Evidence

For thousands of years, humanity has known and utilized the remarkable healing power of Centella asiatica through experience. From the legend of a wounded tiger rolling in a field of this herb to recover, to the documented benefits in traditional medical texts across various cultures, its wisdom has been passed down through generations.

Now, modern science is lifting the veil on that ancient wisdom, revealing the secrets hidden within Centella asiatica one by one. What specific components of this plant exert such powerful effects? And through what sophisticated mechanisms do these components promote health in our bodies? In this chapter, we will delve deeply into the main active compounds and their mechanisms of action, as identified through advanced analytical techniques and rigorous research methodologies. Let's see how traditional wisdom shines even brighter when met with modern science.

3.2. The Core of Centella: Triterpenoid Saponins

At the heart of Centella asiatica's diverse pharmacological effects lies a group of pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins, collectively known as 'Centelloids.' These compounds can constitute about 1% to as much as 8% of the plant's dry weight, with the content varying depending on its origin and growing conditions. These saponins have an amphiphilic structure, consisting of a hydrophobic (water-repelling) triterpenoid backbone and a hydrophilic (water-attracting) sugar chain, a characteristic believed to be crucial for their biological activity. Within the plant, these triterpenoids also act as defense substances against pathogens, known as phytoanticipins.

The key active ingredients are as follows:

Madecassoside

Chemical Structure: [Image placeholder] (Note: PubChem CID 34540-22-2 also refers to madecassoside.)
Description: A trisaccharide derivative of madecassic acid, bonded with three sugar molecules. Its molecular formula is $C_{48} H_{78} O_{20}$ , and its molecular weight is approximately 975.1 g/mol.
Key Benefits: Contributes to powerful anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant action, promotion of wound healing (especially effective for burn wounds), enhancement of collagen synthesis, and improvement of skin barrier function.

Asiaticoside

Chemical Structure: [Image placeholder] (Note: PubChem CID 52912190 and ChemSpider ID 10128466 also refer to asiaticoside.)
Description: A trisaccharide derivative of asiatic acid, bonded with three sugar molecules. Its molecular formula is $C_{48} H_{78} O_{19}$ , and its molecular weight is approximately 959.1 g/mol.
Key Benefits: Plays a crucial role in the wound healing process, particularly by promoting Type I collagen synthesis, which contributes to skin regeneration and elasticity. It has also been reported to improve blood vessel elasticity, and to have antioxidant and neuroprotective effects.

Madecassic Acid (or Brahmic Acid)

Chemical Structure: [Image placeholder]
Description: A pentacyclic triterpenic acid, it is the aglycone (non-sugar part) of madecassoside. Its molecular formula is $C_{30} H_{48} O_{6}$ , and its molecular weight is approximately 504.7 g/mol.
Key Benefits: Exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and is known to be involved in the process of collagen synthesis.

Asiatic Acid

Chemical Structure: [Image placeholder]
Description: A pentacyclic triterpenic acid, it is the aglycone part of asiaticoside. Its molecular formula is $C_{30} H_{48} O_{5}$ , and its molecular weight is approximately 488.7 g/mol.
Key Benefits: Possesses excellent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. It is involved in collagen synthesis, and some studies have also suggested its potential as an anti-cancer agent.

These triterpenoid saponin components are the core of Centella asiatica's healing power. The 'oside' forms (e.g., madecassoside, asiaticoside) are glycosides with attached sugars, while the 'acid' forms (e.g., madecassic acid, asiatic acid) are the aglycones without sugars. Within the plant, the glycosides act as storage or transport forms, which can be hydrolyzed by external stress or enzymatic action into the more active aglycone forms. This conversion process can significantly impact the expression of the plant's pharmacological effects, and a similar metabolic process may occur within the human body.

In addition, Centella asiatica contains various other triterpenoid saponins such as brahmoside, brahminoside, and centelloside, which contribute to its complex pharmacological actions.

3.3. The Other Powerhouses of Centella: Flavonoids, Phenolic Acids, and Caffeoylquinic Acids

The efficacy of Centella asiatica is not limited to its triterpenoid saponins. Various polyphenolic compounds also play a significant role in its pharmacological actions, especially its antioxidant effects.

Flavonoids: Centella asiatica contains a variety of flavonoids, including quercetin and its glycoside rutin, kaempferol and its glycosides, catechin, naringenin, apigenin, and luteolin. These flavonoids act as powerful antioxidants, scavenging cell-damaging free radicals and helping to regulate inflammatory responses.
Phenolic Acids: Chlorogenic acid and its isomers and derivatives are found in Centella asiatica. Chlorogenic acid is also a well-known antioxidant component that exhibits cell-protective effects.
Caffeoylquinic Acids (CQAs): Centella asiatica contains several isomers of dicaffeoylquinic acid, such as 1,3-, 1,5-, 3,4-, 3,5-, and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid. These CQAs are noted for their particularly strong antioxidant effects and have been studied for their neuroprotective effects through the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) pathway, a key cellular antioxidant defense system.

These polyphenolic compounds—flavonoids, phenolic acids, and CQAs—work in synergy with the core triterpenoid saponins to support the diverse health benefits of Centella asiatica. They play a crucial role in the antioxidant network that protects the body from oxidative stress, a mechanism that is key to anti-aging and the prevention of various chronic diseases.

3.4. The Mechanisms of Action, Proven by Science

Let's explore the key mechanisms through which the active components of Centella asiatica exert their effects in our bodies, as revealed by modern scientific research.

Strengthening the Skin Barrier & Promoting Collagen Synthesis Centella asiatica is well-known for its excellent effects on skin health and regeneration, supported by numerous scientific studies.

Increased Collagen Synthesis: Asiaticoside, a key component, promotes the synthesis of Type I collagen, a major component of the skin's dermal layer. This is achieved by activating the Smad pathway (promoting Smad 2 and Smad 3 phosphorylation and the binding of Smad 3 with Smad 4), which is independent of the TGF-β receptor I kinase in fibroblasts. Madecassoside has also been reported to induce collagen expression by activating the SMAD signaling pathway. This promotion of collagen synthesis increases skin elasticity and strength, playing a vital role in wrinkle improvement and wound healing.

Promoting Fibroblast Proliferation: The Titrated Extract of Centella Asiatica (TECA) and its individual components (asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside) promote the proliferation of fibroblasts. This can be achieved by stimulating cell migration from surrounding tissues to the wound site or through the expression or activation of specific growth factors within the wound. As a result, the total protein, collagen, and hydroxyproline content (an indicator of collagen synthesis) in the wound area increase.

Regulating the Extracellular Matrix (ECM): In addition to collagen, it stimulates the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), especially hyaluronic acid, strengthening the skin's structure and enhancing its moisture-retention capacity.

Improving Skin Hydration and Reducing TEWL: In human clinical trials, cosmetic formulations containing Centella asiatica extract have been shown to significantly increase skin surface hydration and reduce Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). This indicates that it is effective at improving skin barrier function to prevent moisture loss and enhance moisturization.

Potent Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Action Centella asiatica has traditionally been used to treat inflammatory skin conditions and wounds, owing to its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Anti-inflammatory Mechanism: The extract and its components intervene in various stages of the inflammatory response. For instance, they can regulate the activity of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), an enzyme crucial for producing inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and leukotrienes. They are also reported to effectively reduce inflammation by inhibiting the activation of key signaling pathways like NF-κB (Nuclear Factor-kappa B) and JAK/STAT3, and by inhibiting the action of another inflammatory enzyme, phospholipase A2 (PLA2).

Antioxidant Mechanism: Polyphenolic compounds like caffeoylquinic acids activate the Nrf2 pathway, a major cellular antioxidant defense system, to exert protective effects. The extract also demonstrates multifaceted antioxidant capabilities by directly reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increasing the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH).

Neuroprotection and Cognitive Improvement Known as a 'brain herb' in Ayurveda, Centella asiatica is also being studied for its positive effects on the nervous system.

Neurotrophic Effects: The extract and components like asiatic acid have been shown to promote dendritic arborization and synapse formation, which are crucial for the growth and development of nerve cells. This may be achieved through the regulation of the ERK1/2 and Akt signaling pathways.
Neuroprotection: It has been observed to protect nerve cells from the neurotoxicity caused by beta-amyloid (a primary cause of Alzheimer's disease), improve mitochondrial dysfunction, and enhance the intracellular antioxidant state. Specifically, asiatic acid inhibits mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in neurons by reducing the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and increasing the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Inhibition: Some studies report that Centella asiatica extract can inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for memory and learning. This suggests its potential to contribute to cognitive improvement.

In this way, the various active components of Centella asiatica work together in a complex manner to exhibit a wide range of physiological activities, from promoting skin health and alleviating inflammation to reducing oxidative stress and improving cognitive function. This multi-target, multi-component approach is a unique strength of natural products compared to single-compound-based drugs, and it is why Centella asiatica continues to gain attention in modern medicine and healthcare.

3.5. Part 3 Conclusion: The Power of Centella, Reilluminated by Science

In this chapter, we have examined the key active ingredients hidden within Centella asiatica and their remarkable mechanisms of action, as revealed by modern scientific research. We confirmed that a synergy of triterpenoid saponins—madecassoside, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and asiatic acid—along with various polyphenolic compounds like flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids, creates the plant's diverse benefits.

From skin regeneration through barrier enhancement and collagen synthesis, to cellular protection via potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, and even neuroprotection and cognitive improvement, Centella asiatica is revealing the scientific evidence to back up its traditional reputation as a 'cure-all' herb.

This scientifically reilluminated power is now becoming closer to our daily lives. In the upcoming Part 4, based on this solid scientific foundation, we will delve into how Centella asiatica is actually used as a cosmetic ingredient to help solve the various skin concerns of modern people, and explore the story of how it came to be at the center of the wildly popular 'CICA' cosmetics trend.

Reference

51. 마데카소사이드 - 대한화장품협회 - 성분사전
52. Madecassoside | RayBiotech
53. http://ko.fengchengroup.org/additive-and-herbal-extracts/herbal-extracts/madecassoside-90-95-bp-ep-usp-cas-34540-22-2.html
54. Centella Asiatica Is A Must – Skin Benefits You'll Love
55. The Ultimate Guide to Centella Asiatica Skincare - TY Cosmetic
56. Therapeutic Potential of Centella asiatica and Its ... - Frontiers
57. Asiaticoside | C48H78O19 | CID 11954171 - PubChem https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Asiaticoside
58. Asiaticoside,(S) | C48H78O19 | CID 52912190 - PubChem https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Asiaticoside_S
59. Asiaticoside | C48H78O19 - ChemSpider https://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.10128466.html
60. Asiaticoside | C48H78O19 - ChemSpider https://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.26631379.html
61. Asiaticoside structure. | Download Scientific Diagram - ResearchGate https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Asiaticoside-structure_fig2_309475844
62. 아시아티코사이드 | 16830-15-2 - ChemicalBook https://m.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_KR_CB7109339.htm
63. Asiaticoside 16830-15-2 | Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.(APAC) https://www.tcichemicals.com/OP/en/p/A3178
64. Asiaticoside | C48H78O19 | CID 11954171 - PubChem https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Asiaticoside#section=2D-Structure
65. Madecassic Acid | C30H48O6 | CID 73412 - PubChem https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/73412
66. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/73412#:~:text=Madecassic%20acid%20is%20a%20pentacyclic,tetrol%20and%20a%20monocarboxylic%20acid.
67. 2,3,6,23-Tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid - PubChem https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/2_3_6_23-Tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic-acid
68. Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Madecassic Acid Derivatives Targeting ERK Cascade Signaling - Frontiers https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/chemistry/articles/10.3389/fchem.2018.00434/full
69. 마데카식애씨드 - 대한화장품협회 - 성분사전 http://kcia.or.kr/cid/search/ingd_word.php?sw=%EB%A7%88%EB%8D%B0%EC%B9%B4%EC%8B%9D%EC%95%A0%EC%94%A8%EB%93%9C
70. madecassic acid (CHEBI:73058) - EMBL-EBI http://www.ebi.ac.uk/chebi/searchId.do?chebiId=73058
71. Malic Acid Structure royalty-free images - Shutterstock https://www.shutterstock.com/search/malic-acid-structure
72. Madecassic Acid | C30H48O6 | CID 73412 - PubChem https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Madecassic-acid#section=2D-Structure
73. Neuroprotective mechanisms of Asiatic acid - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10172897/
74. Asiatic acid = 98 HPLC, Centella asiatica 464-92-6 - Sigma-Aldrich https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/sigma/a2612
75. 아시아틱애씨드 | 464-92-6 https://m.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_KR_CB5109340.htm
76. Ascorbic Acid | C6H8O6 | CID 54670067 - PubChem https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Ascorbic-Acid
77. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Asiatic-Acid#:~:text=Asiatic%20acid%20is%20a%20pentacyclic,and%20exhibits%20anti%2Dangiogenic%20activity.
78. 아시아틱애씨드 - 대한화장품협회 - 성분사전 http://kcia.or.kr/cid/search/ingd_word.php?sw=%EC%95%84%EC%8B%9C%EC%95%84%ED%8B%B1%EC%95%A0%EC%94%A8%EB%93%9C
79. Asiatic Acid | C30H48O5 | CID 119034 - PubChem https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Asiatic-Acid
80. Asiatic Acid (Dammarolic Acid, NSC 166063, CAS Number: 464-92-6) | Cayman Chemical https://www.caymanchem.com/product/11818/asiatic-acid
81. Asiatic Acid | C30H48O5 | CID 119034 - PubChem https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Asiatic-acid#section=2D-Structure
82. Therapeutic Potential of Centella asiatica and Its Triterpenes: A Review - PMC https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7498642/
83. Moisturizing and Antiinflammatory Properties of Cosmetic ... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4852572/
84. Pharmacological Review on Centella asiatica: A Potential Herbal Cure-all - ResearchGate https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51240147_Pharmacological_Review_on_Centella_asiatica_A_Potential_Herbal_Cure-all
85. Comparative study on anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Caesalpinia crista and Centella asiatica leaf extracts - PMC - PubMed Central https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3983751/
86. Centella asiatica – Phytochemistry and mechanisms of ... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6857646/
87. SCIE급 논문보유 화장품원료_ 병풀추출물(Centella Asiatica Extract) - 네이버 블로그 https://m.blog.naver.com/jslcos/221472188661
88. 저작자표시-비영리-변경금지 2.0 대한민국 이용자는 아래의 조건을 따르는 경우에 한하여 자유롭 - Riss.kr https://www.riss.kr/search/download/FullTextDownload.do?control_no=0d33042c5c98b337ffe0bdc3ef48d419&p_mat_type=be54d9b8bc7cdb09&p_submat_type=b51fa0b5ced94fec&fulltext_kind=a8cb3aaead67ab5b&t_gubun=&convertFlag=&naverYN=&outLink=&searchGubun=true&colName=bib_t&DDODFlag=&loginFlag=1&url_type=&query=%EC%A0%90%EC%A6%9D%EC%A0%9C+%EC%82%BC%ED%88%AC%EC%95%95&nationalLibraryLocalBibno=
89. Centella asiatica in cosmetology - PMC https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3834700/
90. 병풀과 엽산을 함유한 복합미생물 발효 추출물 및 아세틸글루타민 https://www.e-ajbc.org/upload/pdf/10.%20%EB%82%B4%EC%A7%80_%EC%9C%A4%EC%98%81%EB%AF%BC,%EC%9C%A4%EC%A0%95%EC%97%B0,%EC%9E%84%EA%B2%BD%EB%AF%B8,%ED%95%9C%ED%98%95%EC%A7%84,%EA%B9%80%EC%9C%A0%EB%A6%AC,%EC%95%88%EA%B7%9C%EC%A4%91,%EC%95%88%EC%84%B1%EA%B4%80.pdf
91. 활성산소종(Reactive Oxygen Species)으로 유도된 인간진피섬유아세포 손상에 대한 루틴(Rutin)의 항산화 효과 https://www.e-ajbc.org/upload/pdf/8.%EC%9D%B4%EC%84%B1%EB%82%B4.pdf
92. Centella asiatica alleviates psoriasis through JAK/STAT3-mediated ... https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37295572/
93. Recent Updates in Neuroprotective and Neuroregenerative Potential of Centella asiatica https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4975583/
94. :: The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine https://www.jikm.or.kr/m/journal/view.php?number=4856
95. 매선침, 안면마비부터 요통까지 만성질환에 '효과' - 한의신문 https://www.akomnews.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=news&wr_id=53886&sfl=wr_subject%7C%7Cwr_content&stx=%EB%A7%A4%EC%84%A0&sop=or&page=8
96. 시카(CICA)란 , 효능, 성분 :: 병풀의 핵심 성분 - 네이버 블로그 https://m.blog.naver.com/herbnoori/221679079178
97. 시카고 시카 피니쉬 크림(끝장크림) 50ml - 아이소이 https://m.isoi.co.kr/product/goods_detail?ct=113&goods_no=2357
98. Centella Asiatica: Recent cosmeceutical uses for treatment of skin ... https://www.bfopcu.eg.net/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1066&context=journal
99. gsconlinepress.com https://gsconlinepress.com/journals/gscbps/sites/default/files/GSCBPS-2024-0415.pdf
100. Wound healing efficacy of a polymeric spray film solution containing ... https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/abs/10.12968/jowc.2023.32.Sup12.S22
101. A Prospective Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Trial of the Efficacy Using Centella Cream for Scar Improvement - ResearchGate https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327726446_A_Prospective_Randomized_Controlled_Double-Blind_Trial_of_the_Efficacy_Using_Centella_Cream_for_Scar_Improvement
102. A Prospective Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Trial of the Efficacy Using Centella Cream for Scar Improvement https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6166374/
103. 상처 치유, 주름개선 '병풀 추출물' 화장품, 연고, 클렌징, 염색에 사용 : 네이버 블로그 https://blog.naver.com/bi1142/222094887351
104. 동물모델을 이용한 병풀의 항아토피 효능 평가 - YAKHAK HOEJI http://www.yakhak.org/journal/download_pdf.php?doi=10.17480/psk.2023.67.6.354
105. Evaluation of Effects on Skin Quality of a Centella Asiatica ... https://trial.medpath.com/clinical-trial/bbae765d77ad6ef4/centella-asiatica-skin-care-effects

Botaneo Natural Ingredients Lab

Search This Blog