Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Phytochemicals Derived from Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract: An In Vitro and in Silico Approach

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a part of metabolic syndrome instigated by a build-up of excess fat in body parts. In humans, obesity increases the expression of leptin, adipokines, and C-reactive protein plasminogen activators.

Objectives: The study investigated the antioxidant and hypolipidemic efficacy of bioactive components obtained from Centella asiatica (L) leaf extract using in vitro and in silico studies.

Methods: The phytochemicals in C. asiatica (L) extract were analysed using LC-MS analysis. The identified phytochemicals were used for in silico research to predict drug-likeness and molecular docking against anti-obesity targets.

Results: The results showed that IC₅₀ values for DPPH, Nitric Oxide, and ABTS for plant extract are 46μg, 42μg, and 51μg, respectively, and the positive control butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) showed 21μg, 24μg, and 18μg. The high amount of phenolic components in Centella asiatica (L) leaf extract contributes to the improved free radical scavenging action. The molecular docking results are based on interactions between proteins and ligands, as well as interactions between eight bioactive substances. The binding affinity of adiponectin protein is -9.86 kcal/mol, that of IGF1 protein is -8.95 kcal/mol, that of leptin protein is -8.3 kcal/mol, and that of GDF15 protein is -7.86 kcal/mol.

Conclusions: The bioactive phytochemicals from Centella asiatica have shown synergistic effects on multiple proteins involved in lipid metabolism based on the results of in vitro and in silico investigations. Hence, Centella asiatica can be used for obesity related disorders effectively.