Potential of Gotu kola (Centella asiatica L.) Extract Nanophytosome in Topical Therapy: A Study on TEWL and Antioxidant Activity

Asiaticoside in Centella asiatica exhibits antioxidant and skin-hydrating properties. Gotu kola (Centella asiatica L.), which is known to have various therapeutic benefits. Centella asiatica extract contains active compounds such as asiaticoside, madecasoside, asiatic acid, and madecasic acid, where asiaticoside has pharmacological activity as an antioxidant that can fight free radicals and stimulate type 1 collagen synthesis in fibroblast cells. This study formulated Centella asiatica extract nanophytosome using soy lecithin and evaluated their effects on TEWL and antioxidant activity. Nanophytosome were prepared by the thin-layer hydration method, resulting in four formulas: F1 (blank), F2 (0.25%), F3 (0.5%), and F4 (0.75%). All formulas showed good organoleptic properties, skin-compatible pH (4.1–5.8), particle sizes <200 nm, PDI <0.5, and zeta potentials above ±30 mV, indicating good stability. Antioxidant activity increased with higher extract concentrations, correlating with enhanced skin protection and hydration potential. One-way ANOVA revealed significant differences among formulas (p < 0.05), with Formula 4 showing the greatest reduction in TEWL and the best moisturizing effect. These results indicate that Centella asiatica nanophytosome can be effectively formulated with stable physical characteristics and potential skin protection effects.