Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 17, 2025 3 days, 16 hours, 54 minutes ago
Medical News: Ancient Herbal Remedy Offers New Hope for Skin Health
A recent study from Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan has revealed that Centella asiatica, a traditional medicinal plant, may play a crucial role in protecting skin cells from aging and damage. Researchers have found that this powerful herb helps prevent oxidative stress-induced cell death and may contribute to healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
Centella Asiatica Protects Skin Cells from Aging and Damage
Understanding Skin Aging and Damage
The outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis, is composed primarily of keratinocytes, a type of skin cell essential for maintaining moisture, elasticity, and overall skin health. However, over time, these cells can be damaged by environmental factors such as ultraviolet radiation, pollution, and stress. One of the primary culprits behind skin aging is oxidative stress, which occurs when harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulate and cause cellular damage. This
Medical News report highlights how oxidative stress accelerates the aging process by triggering apoptosis (cell death) and cellular senescence (a state where cells stop dividing but remain in the skin, contributing to aging and inflammation).
Centella asiatica has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to promote wound healing and skin regeneration. However, until now, there has been limited scientific evidence regarding its ability to combat oxidative stress-related skin aging. The new findings provide compelling evidence that Centella asiatica could be a key player in preventing premature skin aging.
The Study and Its Key Findings
Researchers conducted their study on human epidermal keratinocytes, a type of skin cell commonly used to model skin aging and damage. The team exposed the cells to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a well-known oxidative stress inducer that mimics environmental damage to the skin. When cells were exposed to H2O2, the researchers observed a significant increase in cell death, oxidative stress markers, and signs of cellular senescence and apoptosis.
However, when the cells were treated with Centella asiatica extract before exposure to hydrogen peroxide, several remarkable changes were noted:
-Reduced Cell Death: The extract significantly improved cell viability, preventing the H2O2-induced decline in living skin cells.
-Antioxidant Boost: It lowered levels of harmful ROS while increasing antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase, which help neutralize oxidative damage.
-Anti-Aging Effects: Cells treated with Centella asiatica showed a significant reduction in senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-gal), a key marker of aging skin cells.
-Protection Against Apoptosis: The plant extract inhibited apo
ptosis by reducing the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9, enzymes responsible for programmed cell death.
These findings suggest that Centella asiatica offers a natural defense against skin aging by reinforcing antioxidant defenses and reducing the impact of oxidative stress on skin cells.
What This Means for Skin Care
The discovery that Centella asiatica can prevent oxidative damage and promote skin cell longevity opens new possibilities for skincare and anti-aging treatments. Given its strong antioxidant and protective properties, it may become a key ingredient in future cosmetic and dermatological formulations aimed at preventing premature aging.
The research also underscores the importance of antioxidants in maintaining healthy skin. As oxidative stress is responsible for nearly 70% of skin aging, natural compounds like Centella asiatica may offer a promising, plant-based solution for protecting and rejuvenating the skin.
Conclusion
The study confirms that Centella asiatica has significant protective effects against oxidative stress, cellular aging, and apoptosis in human epidermal keratinocytes. By reducing oxidative damage, boosting antioxidant enzyme activities, and preventing cell death, this ancient herb may help improve overall skin health and slow down visible signs of aging. Further research is needed to explore its full potential in human applications, but these findings provide a strong foundation for its use in modern skincare and dermatology.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Biology
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/14/2/202
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/american-study-finds-that-the-herb-centella-asiatica-promotes-healthy-aging-by-inducing-distinct-dna-methylation-changes
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/study-shows-that-centella-asiatica-extract-aids-in-memory-and-other-cognitive-issues-
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/anti-aging
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