Work

Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. in skin health and cosmeceuticals: mechanisms, clinical evidence, and advanced delivery systems

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. is increasingly used in dermatology and cosmeceuticals for wound repair, barrier support, scar modulation, and photoaging. This review synthesizes evidence (2016–May 2025) across molecular mechanisms relevant to cutaneous aging, preclinical efficacy, human clinical outcomes, and delivery systems that improve dermal bioavailability. The principal triterpenoid saponins (asiaticoside, madecassoside) and their aglycones (asiatic acid, madecassic acid), together with polyphenols, act across complementary pathways, including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/small mothers against decapentaplegic proteins (Smad)-driven extracellular matrix (ECM) anabolism; nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3) attenuation; mitigation of oxidative/glycation stress; and photoprotection to improve histologic and biophysical skin endpoints. Human studies, though small and heterogeneous, report improvements in hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), elasticity, and wrinkle appearance, as well as benefits in scar parameters, with good topical tolerability. Advanced carriers such as transfersomes, liposomes, niosomes, phytosomes, nanoemulsions, hydrogels, microneedles, and nanofibers enhance skin penetration, stability, and residence of bioactive compounds from C. asiatica .

Source: Pharmacia

DOI: 10.3897/pharmacia.72.e167217

Authors: Retty Handayani, Raden Maya Febriyanti, Muhaimin Muhaimin, Anis Yohana Chearunisaa

Institution: Padjadjaran University

Language: English

Topic: Skin Protection and Aging

Subfield: Dermatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $107