Centella asiatica as a Model Biomass for Sustainable Production of Biochemicals via Green Extraction and Purification Technologies: A Comprehensive Field-to-Market Review

<i>Centella asiatica</i> has emerged as a strategic biomass for the sustainable production of high-value biochemicals at the interface of traditional medicine and modern biotechnology. This review consolidates the current knowledge on its phytochemical diversity, emphasizing triterpenoid saponins-asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid-as core bioactive molecules relevant to pharmaceutical, dermatological, nutraceutical, and functional-ingredient applications. Advances in green extraction technologies, including ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted, ohmic-heating, and supercritical CO<sub>2</sub> systems, have demonstrated superior efficiency in recovering high-purity biochemicals while significantly reducing solvent use, energy demand, and environmental impact compared with conventional methods. Complementary analytical and standardization platforms, such as HPLC, UPLC, and GC-MS, enable rigorous quality control across the entire value chain, supporting the development of reproducible and regulatory-compliant biochemical extracts. From a biomass valorization and biorefinery perspective, <i>C. asiatica</i> offers multiple metabolite streams that align with circular economy and field-to-market sustainability principles. Key challenges remain, including agronomic variability, scaling up green extraction, and supply chain resilience. However, emerging solutions, such as Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) guided cultivation, plant tissue culture, metabolic engineering, and integrated biorefinery frameworks, show strong potential for establishing a reliable and environmentally responsible production system. Collectively, <i>C. asiatica</i> represents a model species for sustainable biochemical production, combining scientific efficacy with industrial, economic, and ecological relevance.

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Publication Details

Journal
Molecules
Published
2026-02-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31030526
Primary Topic
Medicinal Plants and Neuroprotection
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Centella asiatica as a Model Biomass for Sustainable Production of Biochemicals via Green Extraction and Purification Technologies: A Comprehensive Field-to-Market Review

Waqas Razzaq, Jean Baptiste Mazzitelli, Maryline Abert Vian, Anne Sylvie Fabiano Tixier
Molecules
Medicinal Plants and Neuroprotection
article

Centella asiatica as a Model Biomass for Sustainable Production of Biochemicals via Green Extraction and Purification Technologies: A Comprehensive Field-to-Market Review

Waqas Razzaq, Jean Baptiste Mazzitelli, Maryline Abert Vian, Anne Sylvie Fabiano Tixier
article en

Abstract

<i>Centella asiatica</i> has emerged as a strategic biomass for the sustainable production of high-value biochemicals at the interface of traditional medicine and modern biotechnology. This review consolidates the current knowledge on its phytochemical diversity, emphasizing triterpenoid saponins-asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid-as core bioactive molecules relevant to pharmaceutical, dermatological, nutraceutical, and functional-ingredient applications. Advances in green extraction technologies, including ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted, ohmic-heating, and supercritical CO<sub>2</sub> systems, have demonstrated superior efficiency in recovering high-purity biochemicals while significantly reducing solvent use, energy demand, and environmental impact compared with conventional methods. Complementary analytical and standardization platforms, such as HPLC, UPLC, and GC-MS, enable rigorous quality control across the entire value chain, supporting the development of reproducible and regulatory-compliant biochemical extracts. From a biomass valorization and biorefinery perspective, <i>C. asiatica</i> offers multiple metabolite streams that align with circular economy and field-to-market sustainability principles. Key challenges remain, including agronomic variability, scaling up green extraction, and supply chain resilience. However, emerging solutions, such as Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) guided cultivation, plant tissue culture, metabolic engineering, and integrated biorefinery frameworks, show strong potential for establishing a reliable and environmentally responsible production system. Collectively, <i>C. asiatica</i> represents a model species for sustainable biochemical production, combining scientific efficacy with industrial, economic, and ecological relevance.

MoleculesVol. 31(3)
Université d'Avignon et des Pays de Vaucluse (FR), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (FR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 67%
Medicinal Plants and Neuroprotection
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