Asiaticosides Background

Asiaticosides are pentacyclic triterpenoid glycosides derived from the Centella asiatica plant, a tropical medicinal herb native to Madagascar, Southeast Asia, and South Africa.

The primary asiaticosides include asiaticoside and madecassoside, first identified as marker compounds in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

These compounds were discovered through extensive botanical and phytochemical research, with significant variations in content observed across different geographical regions.

Notably, Centella asiatica from Madagascar has been found to contain up to 60 times more asiaticoside compared to Indian varieties [4].

Asiaticosides Systemic Applications

Asiaticosides demonstrate remarkable versatility in systemic applications, offering a wide range of pharmacological properties.

They have been extensively used in treating skin abnormalities, burn injuries, ischaemia, ulcers, asthma, lupus, psoriasis, and scleroderma [2][5].

The compounds exhibit multiple therapeutic activities, including neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and immunomodulatory effects [2][5].

Beyond medicinal applications, asiaticosides are also considered cosmetically beneficial for anti-aging, skin hydration, collagen synthesis, UV protection, and scar healing [5].

Asiaticosides for Brain and Cognition

Asiaticosides have shown promising neuroprotective effects, particularly in addressing neurodegenerative conditions.

Studies demonstrate their ability to reduce Aβ-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and subsequent neurotoxicity associated with Alzheimer's disease [5].

Research indicates that Centella asiatica extracts can modulate the antioxidant defense system and eliminate uncontrolled ROS production in neuroblastoma cells [5].

Additionally, the compounds have been found to increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities, potentially improving cognitive function [8].

Asiaticosides for Eye and Vision

Centella asiatica extracts containing asiaticosides have demonstrated significant potential in preventing age-related eye degeneration.

Studies show the extract can protect retinal pigment epithelial cells against oxidative stress and cytotoxicity [3][6].

Research has confirmed the extract's effectiveness in inhibiting macular degeneration and protecting against retinal damage [6].

The compounds have shown particular promise in preventing visual impairment by promoting rhodopsin production in the retina [3].

Relevant quotes:

"Asiaticoside and madecassoside offer a wide range of pharmacological properties" - Chinese Pharmacopoeia [2]

Relevant NCBI article quotes:

"Aggregated Aβ-induced ROS generation and subsequent neurotoxicity are critical to the pathogenesis of AD; administration of C. asiatica extracts have resulted in overall antioxidant activity." - From "Therapeutic properties and pharmacological activities of asiaticoside and madecassoside" [5]

Functions supported or stimulated:

1. Antioxidant activity

2. Neuroprotection

3. Wound healing

4. Anti-inflammatory response

5. Collagen synthesis

Related benefits:

1. Cognitive enhancement

2. Skin health improvement

3. Wound healing

4. Retinal protection

5. Immunomodulation

Source Information:

Botanical name: Centella asiatica

Asiaticoside content range: 0.006% to 0.114% depending on geographical location [4]

Common names:

1. Gotu Kola

2. Pennywort

3. Indian Pennywort

Citations:

[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11573922/

[2] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jcmm.17635

[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7263902/

[4] https://microbiologyjournal.org/accession-in-centella-asiatica-current-understanding-and-future-knowledge/

[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9983323/

[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8072678/

[7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7009775/

[8] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.568032/full

[9] https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/16/10/1252

[10] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8956065/