Centella asiatica Tissue Culture-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: A Multifaceted Approach to Skincare Applications

Abstract Background Centella asiatica has long been used as a medicinal herb in traditional Asian medicine. Its wound healing, skin improvement, and neuroprotective properties have been widely studied. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted by cells and contain bioactive components with therapeutic properties. Objectives This study aims to characterize EVs isolated from C. asiatica tissue culture and investigate their therapeutic properties using in-vitro assays and UVB-induced damage mouse model. Methods EVs were isolated from C. asiatica tissue culture and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cytotoxicity, anti-oxidation, anti-melanin, and anti-inflammation of the EVs were evaluated by MTT assay, tyrosinase assay and RT-qPCR in chemical or in vitro assays. A UVB-induced photodamage mouse model was established to assess the anti-inflammation effect of EVs in vivo . Gels with or without EVs were applied to the damage site and skin appearance was observed daily and skin histopathology was analyzed on day 7 by H&E and immunohistochemical staining. Results C. asiatica EVs were found to contain high levels of polyphenol and mitigated hydrogen peroxide-induced intracellular ROS. The EVs were further able to reduce intracellular melanin content and tyrosinase activity, and exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating expression of pro-inflammatory genes COX2 as well as nitric oxide production. In mice with UVB-induced skin damage, daily application of C. asiatica EV gel reduced skin epidermis thickness and inflammation compared to UVB-only or blank gel at seven days after UV irradiation. Conclusions The beneficial effects of C. asiatica EVs on skin quality warrant further studies as promising agents in skin care applications.