Protective effects and possible mechanisms of Centella asiatica (L.) urban extract against acute and chronic liver injury: Evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies

Abstract

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) has become a significant health care problem worldwide. Centella asiatica (L.) urban was traditionally used to prevent or treat various diseases, yet whether it works on hepatic injury remains unclear. In this study, multiple experimental models with different damage degrees and types of liver injury have been established to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of an n-butanol extract of Centella asiatica (CA-BU). Our results revealed that CA-BU improved hepatocyte L02 cells survival from H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative damage in a concentration-dependent manner. We further verified the hepatoprotective effects of CA-BU in mice models of acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury (one of the most common DILIs clinically) and CCl 4 -induced acute chemical liver injury, and a rat model of chronic alcoholic steatohepatitis. Furthermore, network pharmacology approaches were performed to explore the underlying mechanisms, and we predicted AKT1, EGFR, VEGFA, and STAT3 as the potential therapeutic targets. In follow-up studies, we will focus on targets verification and provide a deeper insight into the mechanisms of CA-BU against liver damage. Finally, we hope that these findings will provide new ideas and insights for the treatment of acute or chronic liver injury in the clinic.

Protective Effect of Centella asiatica on AlCl3 and D-Galactose Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats through the Alleviation of Oxidative Stress as Demonstrated by Histological Changes in Liver

“…Supplementing the rats with CA has a shown to have preventative effect on the breakdown of the antioxidant defense system. Our findings concur with information from related rat research [30,31]. According to this study, CA may have antioxidant capabilities because of its ability to scavenge free radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation.…”

Comparison of the Antioxidant Potency of Four Triterpenes of Centella asiatica against Oxidative Stress

“…Choi et al reported that C. asiatica leaf extract significantly ameliorated increases in ALT and T-bilirubin compared to increases induced by dimethylnitrosamine, which can cause acute and chronic liver injury [29]. The n-butanol extract of C. asiatica protected hepatocyte cell viability against oxidative damage [30]. In a previous study, quercetin, the aglycone form of rutin, exhibited enhanced cytoprotective activity against oxidative stress compared to rutin, the glycoside form [31].…”

“…Antioxidants 2024, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 14 which can cause acute and chronic liver injury [29]. The n-butanol extract of C. asiatica protected hepatocyte cell viability against oxidative damage [30]. In a previous study, quercetin, the aglycone form of rutin, exhibited enhanced cytoprotective activity against oxidative stress compared to rutin, the glycoside form [31].…”

Uncovering the Anti-Angiogenic Mechanisms of Centella asiatica via Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

“…Some studies used the method of network pharmacology to explore the potential therapeutic targets and biological mechanisms of CA in the treatment of fibrotic disorders, but only one or six compounds were involved [ 12 , 13 , 14 ]. In addition, through the combination of network pharmacological prediction and experimental verification, it was reported in the literature that CA can improve cardiac hypertrophy, hypertrophic scar, and liver injury [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. The study of network pharmacology regarding CA involved very few components and has not yet been applied to an anti-angiogenesis activity.…”