The Effects Centella asiatica Extract and Its Component Araliadiol on Dementia Prevention

Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that severely impairs memory and activities of daily living. In an aging society like Japan, the physical, mental, and economic burdens associated with caregiving and medical expenses are substantial, making it an increasingly serious social issue. This review focuses on Centella asiatica, used in Ayurveda for its memory-enhancing effects, and introduces examples of plant-derived components from traditional medicine applied in drug discovery and preventive medicine. We have fractionated Centella asiatica extracts and identified the active component araliadiol. We have also demonstrated that Centella asiatica extracts and araliadiol exhibit potent cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Furthermore, araliadiol improved drug-induced cognitive impairment. This review summarizes the preventive effects of Centella asiatica extracts and araliadiol against dementia, based on our previous research findings.