Anti-proliferative activities of Centella asiatica extracts on human respiratory epithelial cells in vitro

Centella asiatica or “pegaga” is well known for its ability in promoting wound healing. This study focused on the effect of C. asiatica on the proliferation of human respiratory epithelial (RE) cells. RE cells were cultured using co-culture techniques until first passage (P1). Viability cell test by tryphan blue dye exclusion assay showed that there was high percentage of cell viability at both P0 (74%) and P1 (91.61%). Triplicate tetrazolium dye (MTT assays) were carried out with different concentrations of C. asiatica from 15.6, 31.3, 62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1000, until 2000 ppm. The higher the concentration of C. asiatica, the more inhibitory effect was seen. C. asiatica aqueous extract at concentration 1000 and 2000 ppm demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) inhibitory effect on human RE cells proliferation on day 4 and 7 after treatment. This provides potential use of C. asiatica extract for the treatment of conditions with respiratory epithelial cells overgrowth.   Key words: Centella asiatica, respiratory epithelial cells, anti-proliferative.