Triterpenoid-rich fraction of Centella asiatica leaves and in vivo antihypertensive activity

Antihypertensive herbs in scientification of “jamu” program in Indonesia contained Centella asiatica (L.) Urban. The leaf contains several compounds such as triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and resins. The total triterpenic fraction of C. asiatica could treat venous hypertensive microangiopathy, while ethyl acetate fraction of C. asiatica leaf has hypotensive effect in cats. This study aimed to provide triterpenoid-rich fraction of C. asiatica leaf, to analyze asiaticoside contents, and to examine the in vivo antihypertensive effect on phenylephrine-induced hypertensive rats by non-invasive tail-cuff method. The results showed that triterpenoid contents in chloroform fraction of C. asiatica (CFCA) were more dominant than the flavonoid/phenolic contents. TLC-densitometric data showed that asiaticoside contents of CFCA were 0.402 ± 0.02%. The CFCA showed antihypertensive effect on phenylephrine-induced hypertensive rats. The ED50 values, a parameter of drug potency, of these effects on systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure were 10.40 ± 0.98, 9.05 ± 1.95, and 9.37 ± 1.69 mg/kg, respectively.