Recent insights into therapeutic potential and nanostructured carrier systems of Centella asiatica: An evidence-based review

Abstract

Introduction: Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. is an authentic herbal medicine that is frequently used in Southeast Asian regions and scientific investigations have demonstrated the benefits of Centella asiatica and its constituents in various health issues. The active constituents of Centella asiatica are pentacyclic triterpenoid (asiatic acid, adecassic acid, madecassoside, and asiaticoside) and saponins. Methods: The study includes a thorough review of prior research findings of an assortment of sources is used to gather data on its therapeutic potential and novel delivery approaches of C. asiatica. This review outlines evidence-based recent updates on the potential therapeutic actions and various nanocarrier types that are employed to deliver the actives of Centella asiatica to address the issues of poor stability, limited bioavailability, and higher metabolism, providing a new way to utilize these bioactive as a first-line treatment for various disorders. Results: The findings revealed that C. asiatica possesses a broad array of therapeutic effects including anti-ulcer, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-osteoporotic, neuroprotective, antioxidant, cardioprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities. Further, various approaches have been examined to overcome these constraints with the development of novel carrier systems including nanoparticles, polymeric nanocarriers, transferosomes, nanoemulsions, nanosuspensions, liposomes, hydrogels, microneedles, and micelles. Discussion: The study involves the importance of C. asiatica as a potential natural resource with a wide range of traditional uses. Its medicinal properties, which include the ability to treat chronic illnesses like cancer as well as fight infections, emphasize the importance of this plant in modern medicine. Future studies should prioritize in vivo and in vitro clinical trials to broaden the understanding of the mechanism involved as well as the development of more advanced delivery approaches in order to improve its utilization in healthcare.

Keywords

• Centella asiatica
• Pharmacological activities
• Nanotechnology
• Drug delivery
• Bioavailability
• Nanocarriers