Comparative analysis of bioactive compounds and the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties of <i>Centella asiatica</i>

Centella asiatica and its compounds, such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, madecassic acid, and asiatic acid, have been used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products due to their antiinflammatory and skin-regenerating effects.This study assessed the potential of Jeju-grown Centella asiatica as a substitute for imported varieties by analyzing bioactive compound content and evaluating anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects.Samples collected from three Jeju regions were analyzed monthly using HPLC for triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid).Sangmo-ri samples showed consistently high asiaticoside levels.Seasonal variation was noted, with peak compound levels in August-September.Anti-inflammatory activity, evaluated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and HaCaT keratinocytes, showed that Jeju extracts effectively suppressed NO production and inflammatory cytokines (iNOS, COX-2, IL-1, and IL-6), comparable to or better than Vietnamese and French imports.Wound-healing assays in HaCaT cells revealed that Jeju extracts promoted faster wound closure, particularly from June to August.Overall, Jeju Centella asiatica demonstrates strong potential as a domestic alternative to imported sources, with consistent anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects and high bioactive compound content, primarily when harvested in late summer.