Anti-Aging Benefits of Natural Compounds from Gotu Kola

Greg Howard
21st August, 2024

Anti-Aging Benefits of Natural Compounds from Gotu Kola

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine studied Centella asiatica's effects on UVB-induced skin damage
  • They identified 21 triterpenoids, including five new ones, and analyzed their structures
  • 20 out of the 21 triterpenoids significantly protected skin cells from UVB damage, suggesting potential as anti-photoaging agents
Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, a medicinal plant rich in triterpenoids, has been widely utilized in Asia to treat various skin conditions, including acne. Recent research conducted by Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine has further explored the potential of this plant in combating skin photoaging caused by Ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure[1]. This study isolated 16 known triterpenoids and five previously undescribed triterpenoids from C. asiatica, examining their structures and effects on UVB-induced damage in HaCaT cells, a model for human keratinocytes. Photoaging is a significant concern as UVB radiation is known to penetrate the skin, leading to DNA damage and oxidative stress, which accelerates aging and increases the risk of skin cancer[2]. The search for natural compounds that can mitigate these effects is crucial for developing effective skincare treatments. In this study, the researchers identified 21 triterpenoids, including compounds with unique structures, such as isomers of ursane-type and oleane-type triterpenes with rare aldehyde groups on C-23, and a nor-ursane type triterpenoid. Using NMR spectra and HRESIMS, they elucidated the structures and stereochemistry of these compounds. The anti-photoaging activity of these triterpenoids was tested using a UVB-induced HaCaT cell damage model. HaCaT cells are an established in vitro model for studying keratinocyte behavior under stress conditions like UVB exposure. The study found that 20 out of the 21 compounds significantly increased cell viability and inhibited lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, a marker of cell damage, after UVB exposure. These results suggest that C. asiatica-derived triterpenoids have protective effects against UVB-induced damage, indicating their potential as natural anti-photoaging agents. Previous studies have highlighted the therapeutic potential of C. asiatica in wound healing, anti-microbial, anticancer, and anti-aging applications[3][4][5]. The triterpenoids, including asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, have been shown to promote fibroblast proliferation, increase collagen synthesis, and improve skin tensile strength[5]. Additionally, the plant's extracts have been reported to modulate miRNA expression, which plays a role in cell proliferation and anti-apoptosis mechanisms[3]. These findings align with the current study's results, further validating the anti-photoaging properties of C. asiatica. The study's methodology involved isolating and characterizing the triterpenoids from the whole herb of C. asiatica. The detailed structural analysis using NMR and HRESIMS techniques ensured the accurate identification of the compounds. The use of the UVB-induced HaCaT cell damage model provided a relevant and reliable system to assess the protective effects of the triterpenoids against photoaging. In conclusion, the research conducted by Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine underscores the potential of triterpenoids derived from Centella asiatica as effective natural agents against UVB-induced photoaging. This study builds on previous research by isolating and characterizing new triterpenoids and demonstrating their protective effects in a relevant cell model. The findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of C. asiatica in skincare and highlight the need for further research to develop these compounds into effective anti-photoaging treatments.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Anti-photoaging activity of triterpenoids isolated from Centella asiatica.

Published 18th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114246

Related Studies

2) Molecular mechanisms of UVB-induced senescence of dermal fibroblasts and its relevance for photoaging of the human skin.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2017.01.009

3) Titrated extract of Centella asiatica provides a UVB protective effect by altering microRNA expression profiles in human dermal fibroblasts.

https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2012.1117

4) Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of Centella asiatica (L.) Urban: A comprehensive review.

https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7248

5) Centella asiatica in cosmetology.

https://doi.org/10.5114/pdia.2013.33378


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