In vitro antioxidant and collagen restoration activities of a standardized Centella asiatica L. extract formulated with phospholipids

Skin aging is driven by the progressive accumulation of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, leading to fibroblast dysfunction, extracellular matrix degradation, and impaired tissue repair. Centella asiatica L. is a botanical source rich in triterpenes with documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-modulating activities; however, its biological efficacy is often limited by poor solubility and bioavailability. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a standardized Centella asiatica extract formulated with phospholipids (Centextra™) compared with an unformulated dry extract on oxidative stress, inflammatory stimuli and collagen homeostasis in an in vitro model of human dermal fibroblasts. Both products reduced intracellular ROS levels in a dose-dependent manner; however, the phospholipid-formulated extract exhibited significantly greater antioxidant efficacy, decreasing ROS levels to 115%–174% compared with 368% in cells treated with pro-oxidant stimulus (p < 0.0001). Centextra™ also significantly reduced IL-6 (∼75% vs. ∼150% in stimulated cells; p < 0.05) and MMP-1 levels (∼155% vs. higher induction in stimulated cells; p < 0.05). Furthermore, Centextra™ restored collagen levels to 85% vs. 73% impaired by inflammation (p < 0.05) and a greater migratory capacity, whereas the unformulated extract showed limited or no activity across these functional assays. Overall, the phospholipid formulation was associated with enhanced biological activity in this in vitro model, potentially reflecting improved cellular interaction or delivery of bioactive compounds. These findings provide a preliminary scientific rationale for the role of phospholipid-formulated C. asiatica in modulating skin-related contexts. Further studies are required to clarify the underlying mechanisms and confirm these findings in more physiologically relevant models.