PNExo™ Exosome-Centella asiatica(PNE-HCA84)

Active Components and Effects of Centella asiatica

Centella asiatica, a herbaceous plant native to Asia, has long been recognized for its therapeutic potential. Modern studies attribute its biological activities to a diverse array of bioactive compounds:

• Pentacyclic Triterpene Compounds: Major constituents include asiatic acid, asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and madecassoside. These molecules promote fibroblast proliferation, stimulate Type I collagen synthesis, and enhance skin repair. Asiaticoside, for example, accelerates wound healing by upregulating Cyclin B1 and PCNA expression. The aglycone forms, being more lipophilic, may facilitate better cellular uptake. Beyond skin-related benefits, these triterpenes also exhibit anti-tumor activities by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis, demonstrate neuroprotective effects through A1R activation and inflammatory mediator suppression, and contribute to metabolic regulation such as blood glucose control and liver protection.
• Flavonoids and Polyphenols: Compounds such as quercetin and kaempferol provide strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, protecting skin cells against oxidative stress and mitigating inflammation by neutralizing free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.
• Other Bioactive Components: Vitamins B1, B2, and C, along with minerals like zinc and copper, support skin barrier integrity, enzymatic activity, and overall cellular metabolism. Polysaccharides and amino acids further enhance skin hydration and tissue regeneration.

What Are Centella asiatica-Derived Exosomes?

Exosomes are membrane-bound vesicles, typically 30-150 nanometers in diameter, actively secreted by cells, including plant cells. As a subtype of extracellular vesicles (EVs), they serve as critical carriers for the transfer of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids (such as miRNA and mRNA) between cells, facilitating intercellular communication and material exchange. In recent years, nano-sized vesicles isolated from plants have been recognized for their similarities to mammalian exosomes in morphology, size, and certain biological functions. These vesicles are often referred to as plant-derived exosomes or plant extracellular nanovesicles. Centella asiatica-derived exosomes specifically refer to natural nanovesicles purified from Centella asiatica tissues. They inherit the biochemical characteristics of the source cells, encapsulating a variety of bioactive compounds native to Centella asiatica within a protective lipid bilayer. This unique structure confers enhanced stability in complex environments and, theoretically, improves their ability to cross biological barriers. As a result, Centella asiatica exosomes offer a promising platform for delivering bioactive molecules directly to target cells, thereby exerting their potential biological activities.

Characterization of Centella asiatica-Derived Nanovesicles (ADNVs). (A) Size distribution of ADNVs by nanoparticle flow analysis. (B) TEM imaging of ADNV morphology. (C) Changes in mean particle size over time. (D) Aggregation behavior under different storage temperatures and durations. (Huang J Y, et al., 2024)

Potential Applications of Centella asiatica-Derived Exosomes

• Skin Repair, Regeneration, and Anti-Aging

  The active components of Centella asiatica, notably asiaticoside and asiatic acid, promote fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and wound healing. Encapsulated within exosomes, these molecules can penetrate deeper skin layers, enhancing regenerative effects. This mechanism supports applications in: Wound Healing and Burn Care: Accelerating cellular proliferation and reducing scar formation by modulating cell cycle proteins and delivering regenerative molecules directly to injured tissues. Scar Prevention and Photoaging Delay: Inhibiting TGF-β pathways to control collagen deposition and utilizing exosome-encapsulated microRNAs to counteract UV-induced skin aging. Barrier Repair and Skin Vitality: Enhancing skin barrier integrity and stimulating dermal matrix remodeling through synergistic actions of triterpenes and exosomal nucleic acids.

• Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Applications

  Centella asiatica compounds exhibit strong anti-inflammatory activities, which are amplified through exosomal delivery. Targeted modulation of inflammatory pathways offers potential in: Dermatological Conditions: Managing psoriasis, eczema, and other inflammatory skin disorders by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and improving local bioavailability. Organ Protection: Delivering asiatic acid to hepatic tissues to mitigate fibrosis via mitochondrial protection and apoptosis regulation of hepatic stellate cells.

• Oncology-Related Research

  Research highlights the anti-tumor potential of asiatic acid and its derivatives, particularly through apoptosis induction and angiogenesis inhibition. Exosomes serve as advanced delivery systems by: Enhancing Drug Targeting: Improving tumor specificity, increasing bioavailability, and reducing systemic toxicity through encapsulation and surface modification strategies. Immune Response Support: Potentially reversing tumor-induced immune suppression by activating T cells and restoring immune surveillance mechanisms.

• Anti-Infective Strategies

  Centella asiatica exhibits antimicrobial activities against pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Exosome technology can: Boost Antimicrobial Efficacy: Facilitate deeper penetration into biofilms and enhance pathogen inhibition through targeted delivery of triterpenes. Strengthen Host Defense: Support leukocyte activation by delivering immune-enhancing compounds like vitamin C more effectively.

References

1. Hashim P. Centella asiatica in food and beverage applications and its potential antioxidant and neuroprotective effect. International Food Research Journal. 2011, 18(4) .
2. Bylka W, Znajdek‐Awiżeń P, Studzińska‐Sroka E, et al. Centella asiatica in dermatology: an overview. Phytotherapy Research. 2014, 28(8): 1117-1124. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5110
3. Sun B, Wu L, Wu Y, et al. Therapeutic potential of Centella asiatica and its triterpenes: a review. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2020, 11: 568032. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.568032
4. Buranasudja V, Rani D, Malla A, et al. Insights into antioxidant activities and anti-skin-aging potential of callus extract from Centella asiatica (L.). Scientific Reports. 2021, 11(1): 13459. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-92958-7
5. Khotimah H, Dewi Lestari Ismail D, Widasmara D, et al. Ameliorative effect of gel combination of Centella asiatica extract transfersomes and rosemary essential oil nanoemulsion against UVB-induced skin aging in Balb/c mice. F1000Research. 2022, 11: 288. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.109318.1
6. Huang J Y, Cao X Y, Wu W F, et al. Investigating the proliferative inhibition of HepG2 cells by exosome-like nanovesicles derived from Centella asiatica extract through metabolomics. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2024, 176: 116855. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116855
7. Zhao C, Wu S, Wang H. Medicinal Plant Extracts Targeting UV-Induced Skin Damage: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2025, 26(5): 2278. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26052278

Case Study 1: Centella asiatica Extract Offers In Vitro UVB Protection (An I S, 2012)

A study evaluated the protective effects of a titrated extract of Centella asiatica (TECA) on human HaCaT keratinocytes exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. TECA treatment significantly reduced UVB-induced cytotoxicity, enhancing cell survival. MicroRNA (miRNA) profiling revealed that TECA altered the expression of multiple miRNAs in damaged keratinocytes. Bioinformatic analyses, including target gene prediction and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, showed that these miRNAs were associated with the regulation of apoptosis and cell proliferation pathways. The results suggest that Centella asiatica extract protects keratinocytes from UVB damage, at least partly by modulating miRNA expression and promoting cellular survival and growth mechanisms. This study advances understanding of the molecular pathways through which Centella asiatica exerts cytoprotective effects on human skin cells.

Figure 1. Cytotoxicity and UVB Protective Effects of TECA in HaCaT Cells. (A) WST-1 assay showing cytotoxicity of TECA in HaCaT cells after 24 hours. (B) TECA enhances cell viability following UVB exposure. Data are means ± SD from three independent experiments; *p < 0.05 vs. control.

Figure 2. TECA-Induced miRNA Expression Changes in UVB-Irradiated HaCaT Cells. (A) TECA treatment upregulated and downregulated miRNAs by >1.5-fold in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. (B) Quantification of differentially expressed miRNAs after TECA treatment.

Case Study 2: Centella asiatica-Derived Nanovesicles Show In Vitro Anti-Proliferative Effects. (Huang J Y, 2024)

A study explored Centella asiatica-derived nanovesicles (ADNVs), isolated via high-speed centrifugation and characterized by TEM. These ADNVs were internalized by HepG2 liver cancer cells in vitro, inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Mechanistically, ADNVs caused G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, increased ROS, damaged mitochondria, and modulated apoptotic proteins. The vesicles contain miRNAs targeting cancer-related pathways and influenced HepG2 cell metabolism, particularly amino acid and lipid biosynthesis. These findings suggest Centella asiatica-derived extracellular vesicles hold potential as plant-derived nanomedicines for research into areas like cancer immunotherapy.

Figure 1. Internalization and Anticancer Effects of Centella asiatica-Derived Nanovesicles on HepG2 Cells. (A) Uptake of Dio-labeled ADNVs by HepG2 cells. (B) CCK-8 assay showing dose- and time-dependent inhibition of cell viability. (C–D) Flow cytometry analysis of apoptosis after ADNV treatment. (E) Cell cycle distribution changes in HepG2 cells. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001 vs. control.

Figure 2. Effects of Centella asiatica-Derived Nanovesicles on ROS Generation and Mitochondrial Function in HepG2 Cells. (A) Intracellular ROS levels increased dose-dependently after ADNVs treatment. (B) Quantification of ROS signal intensities. (C) ADNVs reduced mitochondrial membrane potential in HepG2 cells, indicating mitochondrial damage.

References

1. An I S, An S, Choe T B, et al. Centella asiatica protects against UVB-induced HaCaT keratinocyte damage through microRNA expression changes. International Journal of Molecular Medicine. 2012, 30(6): 1349-1356 .
2. Huang J Y, Cao X Y, Wu W F, et al. Investigating the proliferative inhibition of HepG2 cells by exosome-like nanovesicles derived from Centella asiatica extract through metabolomics. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2024, 176: 116855. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116855

• What is the source and extraction method of PNExo™ Exosome-Centella asiatica?

  They are isolated from fresh Centella asiatica plant material using advanced techniques such as ultracentrifugation, PEG precipitation, and tangential flow filtration (TFF). These methods ensure the exosomes are highly purified, structurally intact, and biologically active, preserving the plant’s native bioactive compounds.

• How are Centella asiatica exosomes different from traditional extracts?

  Unlike traditional extracts, Centella asiatica exosomes consist of nano-sized vesicles with a lipid bilayer that enhances skin penetration and targeted delivery of actives. This structure offers superior bioavailability and may achieve greater efficacy in skin repair and anti-inflammatory applications compared to extracts.

• What are the storage conditions for PNExo™ Exosome-Centella asiatica?

  It is available as lyophilized powder or frozen liquid. Lyophilized powder should be stored at 4°C for long-term stability, while frozen liquid should be kept at –20°C to –80°C. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided to preserve product activity.

• Can PNExo™ Exosome-Centella asiatica be used in DIY formulations?

  No. It is supplied exclusively for laboratory research and industrial production purposes. It must not be used for personal mixing, food incorporation, or cosmetic DIY projects. Creative Biostructure assumes no liability for any risks caused by unauthorized use.

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