Centella asiatica Improves Physical Performance and Health‐Related Quality of Life in Healthy Elderly Volunteer

Abstract

Recently, oxidative stress has been reported to contribute an important role in the decline of physical function as age advances. Numerous antioxidants can improve both physical and psychological performances resulting in the increase of health-related quality of life (HQOL). Therefore, we hypothesized that Centella asiatica, a medicinal plant reputed for nerve tonic, strength improvement and antioxidant activity, could improve the physical performance and HQOL especially in the physical satisfaction aspect, of the healthy elderly volunteer. To test this hypothesis, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial was performed. Eighty healthy elderly were randomly assigned to receive placebo or standardized extract of C. asiatica at doses of 250, 500 and 750 mg once daily for 90 days. The subjects were evaluated to establish baseline data of physical performance using 30-s chair stand test, hand grip test and 6-min walk test. The health-related quality of life was assessed using SF-36. These assessments were repeated every month throughout the 3-month experimental period using the aforementioned parameters. Moreover, 1 month after the cessation of C. asiatica treatment, all subjects were also evaluated using these parameters again. The results showed that after 2 months of treatment, C. asiatica at doses of 500 and 750 mg per day increased lower extremity strength assessed via the 30-s chair stand test. In addition, the higher doses of C. asiatica could improve the life satisfaction subscale within the physical function subscale. Therefore, the results from this study appear to support the traditional reputation of C. asiatica on strength improvement, especially in the lower extremities of the elderly. C. asiatica also possesses the potential to be a natural resource for vigor and strength increase, in healthy elderly persons. However, further research is essential.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Callus, Cell Suspension and Cell Line Selection for Flavonoid Production from Pegaga (<i>centella asiatica</i> L. urban)

“…In contrast to other medicinal plants, C. asiatica has been subjected to quite extensive experimental and clinical investigations (Brinkhaus et al, 2000;Supaporn et al, 2010), particularly in the treatment of leprosy and wound healing which has shown encouraging results (Mato et al, 2009). According to Cheng and Koo (2000), the effect of wound healing may be due to its up-regulation of human collagen I expression that subsequently increases the tensile strength of wounds.…”

Medicinal Property of Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) from the Selection of Traditional Applications to the Novel Phytotherapy

“…Volunteers were asked to perform a series of strength tests while taking controlled doses of the plant. Physical strength was improved as the time it took to complete the tests was reduced and feelings of vitality were increased [9].…”

“…Antioxidants curb age-related physical and cognitive declines and also contribute to a positive influence in psychological capacity [9]. To determine the positive influence and antioxidant functions of C. asiatica, Mato et al tested the positive influence and antioxidant functions of C. asiatica on physical ability, physical satisfaction and emotional wellness and outlook in healthy elderly volunteers [9]. Mato et al defined health as a "dynamic state of well-being characterized by a physical, mental and social potential affected by "health" [9].…”

“…To determine the positive influence and antioxidant functions of C. asiatica, Mato et al tested the positive influence and antioxidant functions of C. asiatica on physical ability, physical satisfaction and emotional wellness and outlook in healthy elderly volunteers [9]. Mato et al defined health as a "dynamic state of well-being characterized by a physical, mental and social potential affected by "health" [9]. C. asiatica was a candidate herbal remedy for improved physicality in healthy elderly because of its antioxidant compounds.…”

Exotische Heilpflanzen (7)

“…Die aktuelle Forschung befasst sich mit der antimikrobiellen, zytotoxischen und antioxidativen Wirkung [3], der Wirkung bei venöser Insuffizienz sowie der Verwendung zur Verbesserung der Hirnleistung [2,4,5].…”