Comparative analysis of the transcriptome and efficacy of bioactive Centella asiatica exosomes on skin cells

Abstract Studies on plant-derived natural products that have no side-effects have attracted great attention from the cosmetics industry. Plant-derived exosomes are nanovesicles (30–150 nm in size) that contain biomolecules, which protect plants from stress and pathogens. In this study, we determined the availability of physiologically active Centella asiatica (Cica) extract and Cica exosome for cosmetic use with human keratinocytes using an in vitro efficacy assay, transcriptome analysis, and miRNA profiling. In vitro efficacy analysis revealed that Cica extract and Cica exosome have regenerative and wrinkle-improving effects. Comparative transcriptome analysis between Cica exosome- and Cica extract-treated-human keratinocytes revealed 46% more gene expression in Cica exosome-treated cells than Cica extract-treated cells; moreover, the expression of marker genes involved in skin aging and regeneration was upregulated. miRNA analysis of Cica exosomes identified 11 novel miRNAs. Prediction of miRNA targets revealed that Cica exosomal miRNA can inhibit genes involved in melanin biosynthesis and dermatitis. Transcriptome analysis confirmed that the predicted human target genes were downregulated by Cica exosome miRNA compared with the control. Thus, Cica exosomes and Cica extracts can have a positive effect on skin regeneration, wrinkle improvement, and skin barrier improvement. Cica exosomal miRNA has potential whitening and anti-dermatitis effects.