Centella asiatica L. Phytosome Improves Cognitive Performance by Promoting Bdnf Expression in Rat Prefrontal Cortex

Abstract

A wide range of people in the world use natural remedies as primary approaches against illnesses. Accordingly, understanding the mechanisms of action of phytochemicals has become of great interest. In this context, Centella asiatica L. is extensively used, not only as anti-inflammatory or antioxidant agent but also as brain tonic. On this basis, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the chronic administration of C. asiatica L. to adult male rats was able to improve the expression of Bdnf, one of the main mediators of brain plasticity. Moreover, we assessed whether the treatment could affect the cognitive performance in the novel object recognition (NOR) test. We confirmed the presence of the main compounds in the plasma. Furthermore, C. asiatica L. administration induced an increase of Bdnf in the prefrontal cortex, and the administration of the higher dose of the extract was able to improve cognitive performance. Finally, the increase in the preference index in the NOR test was paralleled by a further increase in Bdnf expression. Overall, we highlight the ability of C. asiatica L. to affect brain functions by increasing Bdnf expression and by enhancing the cognitive performance.

Chronic Treatment with a Phytosomal Preparation Containing Centella asiatica L. and Curcuma longa L. Affects Local Protein Synthesis by Modulating the BDNF-mTOR-S6 Pathway

“…These findings suggest that 10 days of phytosome administration may promote neuroplastic mechanisms by increasing the production of trophic factors as, for example, mBDNF. Accordingly, a similar effect was observed after the administration of a wide range of botanicals as well as pharmacological pure compounds [14][15][16][17][18][19][28][29][30]. Interestingly, both the active principles contained in the phytosome (terpenes from C. asiatica and curcumin from C. longa) may contribute to the effects described in the present paper.…”

“…Curcumin and C. asiatica triterpenes were simultaneously quantified, in the plasma of rats treated with the phytosomal preparation containing C. longa and C. asiatica, by the LC-MS/MS method reported in Sbrini et al, 2020 [15]. Resveratrol was used as internal standard.…”

“…Considering the positive effects of Bdnf, it is not surprising that its alterations are associated with different pathological conditions [11,12]. Hence, it has been demonstrated that different drugs and phytochemicals lead to beneficial effects at molecular levels and improve memory and cognitive functions by targeting Bdnf machinery [13][14][15][16][17][18][19].…”

“…On these bases, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of the chronic administration for 10 days of a phytosomal preparation containing Centella asiatica L. (Gotu kola, Asiatic pennywort) and Curcuma longa L. (Turmeric) (50 mg/kg or 250 mg/kg) on Bdnf expression and on its high affinity receptor TRKB. Furthermore, we assessed whether the increase in Bdnf signaling was paralleled by an upregulation of de novo protein synthesis by focusing on the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a brain region affected by the phytosome ingredients [15,16].…”

Herbal Medicine as Neuroprotective Potential Agent in Human and Animal Models: A Historical Overview

“…madecassic corrosive Asiatic corrosive, isobrahmic corrosive, brahmic corrosive, and betulic corrosive etc. It is able to affect the brain; indeed, it is employed for its cognitive properties as a brain tonic and for its ability to improve learning performance and memory in animal models (69).…”