Condition
Treatment Support
memory enhancer
Application
tincture, capsule, tea
Gotu Kola
(Centella asiatica)
Also know as Indian pennywort
Botanical Information
A creeping, spreading herbaceous perennial from the parsley family with round leaves and trailing stems. The green to lavender flowers are barely noticeable under the leaves.
Working with Gotu Kola
Part(s) Used
Leaf
Herb Forms
Tincture (from fresh plant), capsule, bulk herb, powder
Christopher Hobbs:
“Besides the traditional reputation of gotu kola for improving and preserving memory, mental function, and longevity, clinical studies indicate that it can provide real benefits for cardiovascular health, diabetes, and oral and gum health, as well as reduce anxiety and nervousness.
Studies have shown that gotu kola extract can benefit the circulation in diabetics and shorten the time it takes to heal diabetic ulcers. This same attribute helps diabetics and nondiabetics alike reduce their risk of hypertension and abnormal clotting and plaque formation in the blood vessels. Other studies have supported the traditional uses of gotu kola and shown that the extract helps reduce anxiety and improve memory and mood.
Gotu kola preparations are thought to clear toxins and reduce inflammation, helping ease the symptoms of rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis. The juice or leaves can also be used to stimulate your appetite when needed and promote good digestion. This herb should be used fresh as the dried herb rapidly loses its potency.
You can make or buy creams containing the extract to heal eczema, wounds, and other skin conditions. The herb has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen and help improve the tone of veins near the surface of your skin.
Gotu Kola has a taste of BITTER, SWEET, ACRID and a temperature of COOL.”
Historical Uses
Traditionally, gotu kola was used for a variety of ailments, including skin conditions, leprosy, wounds, mental clarity, anxiety, and as a general longevity tonic. In Ayurvedic medicine, it’s considered a powerful rejuvenative for the mind and body, enhancing memory, calming anxiety, and aiding wound healing.
Modern Clinical Uses
Today, herbalists and naturopaths use gotu kola mainly for its wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and cognitive-boosting properties. It is commonly recommended for wound care, varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, skin conditions (like eczema and psoriasis), and as a mild adaptogen for stress and anxiety.
Chemistry
Gotu kola contains triterpenoids, particularly asiaticoside, madecassoside, and asiatic acid, which are thought to contribute to its therapeutic effects. These compounds are known for their ability to stimulate collagen production and wound healing. Other components include various saponins, flavonoids, and essential oils that support its medicinal actions.
Pharmacology
Pharmacologically, gotu kola has demonstrated neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and wound-healing properties. Its main bioactive compounds influence cellular pathways that stimulate collagen synthesis, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and may protect against oxidative stress. It also seems to have a calming effect on the central nervous system.
Summary of Clinical Trials
Clinical studies on gotu kola have shown promising results, particularly for wound healing, venous insufficiency, and cognitive enhancement. Some studies report improvement in memory and cognitive function, reduced anxiety, and improved microcirculation in chronic venous insufficiency patients. However, more extensive clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and determine optimal doses for specific conditions.
In summary, gotu kola is a versatile herb with a strong safety profile and a range of historical and modern uses, especially for wound healing, cognitive support, and circulatory health.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
Gotu kola has been used as a common culinary green in Asia for centuries, and it is considered to have low toxicity.
It is generally considered safe when used in moderate doses. Side effects are rare but may include mild gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, or drowsiness. High doses or prolonged use have been associated with liver toxicity in some cases, so care should be taken, especially with alcohol-based extracts or those with existing liver conditions. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are generally advised to avoid it unless under professional guidance. Dosage can vary based on the condition being treated and individual tolerance.
Conditions treated with Gotu Kola
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
antiinflammatory
Application
cream
Condition
Treatment Support
mental tonic
Application
tincture, tea, capsule
Condition
Treatment Support
hormone, nervous system regulator
Application
tincture of fresh plant
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
