Asiaticoside Induces Human Collagen I Synthesis through TGFβ Receptor I Kinase (TβRI Kinase)-Independent Smad Signaling

Abstract

Skin aging appears to be principally related to a decrease in the levels of type I collagen, the primary component of the skin dermis. Asiaticoside, a saponin component isolated from Centella asiatica, has been shown to induce type I collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblast cells. However, the mechanism underlying asiaticoside-induced type I collagen synthesis, especially at a molecular level, remains only partially understood. In this study, we have attempted to characterize the action mechanism of asiaticoside in type I collagen synthesis. Asiaticoside was determined to induce the phosphorylation of both Smad 2 and Smad 3. In addition, we detected the asiaticoside-induced binding of Smad 3 and Smad 4. In a consistent result, the nuclear translocation of the Smad 3 and Smad 4 complex was induced via treatment with asiaticoside, pointing to the involvement of asiaticoside in Smad signaling. In addition, SB431542, an inhibitor of the TGFbeta receptor I (TbetaRI) kinase, which is known to be an activator of the Smad pathway, was not found to inhibit both Smad 2 phosphorylation and Type 1 collagen synthesis induced by asiaticoside. Therefore, our results show that asiaticoside can induce type I collagen synthesis via the activation of the TbetaRI kinase-independent Smad pathway.

Formulation and in vitro Penetration Study of Transfersomes Gel Containing Gotu Kola Leaves Extract (Centella asiatica L. Urban)

“…1 Asiaticoside is a saponin compound isolated from gotu kola, has been proven to increase the synthesis of type 1 collagen in dermal fibroblasts cells through activation of TGF-β. 2 Asiaticoside can be used as a functional ingredient in anti-aging cosmetics. 3 Asiaticoside has a large molecular weight (959.12) therefore it would be difficult to penetrate through the skin.…”

Matrix metalloproteinase, hyaluronidase and elastase inhibitory potential of standardized extract ofCentella asiatica

“…Indcentelloside, thankuniside and isothankuniside are other prime phytoconstituents (Mukherjee, 2002). Triterpenes and their glycosides have the potential to enhance collagen synthesis and they therapeutically used in skin diseases (Kraunsoe et al, 1996;Lee et al, 2006). Centella asiatica has several pharmacological actions, such as increasing cellular hyperplasia and type-I collagen production at the site of injury and help in cross-linking of collagen, elevated stability of acid soluble collagen and increased tensile strength (Wang et al, 2006).…”

Development of Natural Cosmeceuticals: Harnessing Asia's Biodiversity

“…All three terpenes increased free proline. More recently, Lee et al (2006) investigated the effect of asiaticoside on type I collagen synthesis. They postulated that the mechanism of induction of type I collagen synthesis by asiaticoside is through the activation of TβRI kinase-independent Smad pathway.…”