Phytochemical screening and biological activity of Centella asiatica (L.) Urban extracts by different methods

Purpose: Study on the effects of extraction methods on the biological activities of Centella asiatica, including antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Research Method: The main components of C.asiatica include triterpenoid saponins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and other health-beneficial compounds found through phytochemical screening. Ethanol extraction is performed using three extraction methods: immersion extraction, ultrasonic extraction, and reflux. Centella asiatica extract was tested for polyphenol content, total flavonoids, total triterpenoid saponins, and the ability to scavenge the free radicals DPPH and ABTS. Findings: The reflux extraction method was more effective than the other extraction methods in extracting chemical components, yielding relatively higher polyphenol, total flavonoid, and total triterpenoid saponins contents. All three types of extracts have the ability to fight oxidation, protecting cells from harmful free radicals. The IC50 value of pennywort extract in DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging tests ranged from 455.52 and 270.05 µg/mL (soaked) < 333.63 and 206.56 µg/mL (ultrasound) < 239.75 and 199.75 µg/mL (reflux). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the two bacterial strains Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was less than 2.188 mg/mL in all three methods. Research limitations: No limitations were encountered. Originality/Value: The development of extraction processes and evaluation of high quality extracts from gotu kola requires a combination of traditional methods and modern technology such as the use of advanced chemical and biological analytical techniques. This may create opportunities for the development of new technologies in the field of herbal extraction.