Biological Activities and Stability of a Standardized Pentacyclic Triterpene Enriched Centella asiatica Extract

Pentacyclic triterpenes, mainly, asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and madecassoside are the active constituents of Centella asiatica. A pentacyclic triterpene enriched C. asiatica extract (PRE) was prepared and standardized to contain a total pentacyclic triterpenes not less than 65% w/w. This work was focused on determination of antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of PRE and its stability. The PRE exhibited a satisfactory nitric oxide inhibitory effect, with an $IC_{50}$ value of $64.6{\mu}g/mL$. In addition, the PRE inhibited tyrosinase enzyme activity with an $IC_{50}$ value of $104.8{\mu}g/mL$. In contrast, the PRE possessed only weak antioxidant activity. The PRE was stable over a period of four months when stored as a dried powder but only in a well-closed container protected from light at $4^{\circ}C$. An aqueous alcoholic solution of the PRE was stable at pH values of 5.8 and 7.0, but was not stable at a pH of 8.2. Preparations of the PRE in an aqueous solution should be performed in acidic or neutral conditions.