Comparative effects of standardized Centella asiatica extract (ECa 233) and its active compound mixture on proteomics and mitochondrial function

ECa 233 is a standardized extract of Centella asiatica that contains the major active compounds madecassoside (MDS) and asiaticoside (ASS), which can strengthen hippocampal synapses, resulting in a memory-enhancing effect. This study explored the possible mechanisms of ECa 233 related to synaptic enhancement via proteomic analysis. Differentiated SH-SY5Y cells and hippocampal slices obtained from healthy male Wistar rats were treated with dimethyl sulfoxide, ECa 233, or the MDS + ASS mixture. Mitochondrial function and protein expression were examined via proteomic, western blot, and immunofluorescence analyses. Effects on synaptic plasticity were confirmed via electrophysiology using acute hippocampal slices. The treated groups exhibited a significant increase in mitochondrial activity and synaptic plasticity-related protein expression. Upstream Akt-mTOR signaling was significantly enhanced, with the most pronounced effects observed in the MDS + ASS group. However, the ECa 233 group still showed the highest hippocampal synaptic response. Based on our data, both ECa 233 and MDS + ASS were involved in mitochondrial metabolism, with the Akt-mTOR pathway as one of the targets promoting these activities. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of MDS + ASS was essential to achieve the same level of response obtained with ECa 233. Ultimately, the MDS + ASS mixture may enhance cellular plasticity, while the remaining components of ECa 233 may promote specific proteins that play a role in maintaining biological homeostasis.