Gotu Kola
Centella asiatica is an Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine herb known as the 'herb of longevity.' It has been used for centuries to enhance memory, promote wound healing, and reduce anxiety. Modern research confirms it increases BDNF, enhances collagen synthesis, improves microcirculation, and has anxiolytic effects. Unlike most adaptogens, gotu kola has clinical evidence for improving memory and attention in healthy adults.
Dosage
Standard: 500-1000 mg standardized extract daily (triterpenes: asiaticoside, madecassoside). Traditional dose: 1-2 grams dried herb as tea. ECa 233 is a well-studied standardized extract. Can be taken morning or evening — mild enough for bedtime use.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
2-4 hours (asiaticoside, madecassoside)
Administration
Oral (capsules, extract, tea, tincture). ECa 233 standardized extract for consistent dosing.
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Mechanism of Action
Triterpene saponins (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid) are the primary bioactives. They increase BDNF expression in the hippocampus via CREB and ERK/MAPK pathways, promoting neuroplasticity, synaptogenesis, and memory formation. They enhance collagen type I synthesis through stimulation of fibroblasts and improve microcirculation via VEGF and angiopoietin modulation. Anxiolytic effects occur through positive allosteric modulation of GABA-A receptors (possibly at the benzodiazepine or neurosteroid site) and reduction of acoustic startle response (amygdala modulation). Gotu kola inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE), mildly increasing synaptic acetylcholine. Anti-inflammatory effects come from NF-kB inhibition (IkB stabilization) and TNF-alpha suppression. Asiatic acid may also activate PPAR-gamma.
Regulatory Status
Dietary supplement. Traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Pharmacopoeia-listed in multiple countries.
Risks & Safety
Common
Very well-tolerated. Mild GI upset, drowsiness.
Serious
Rare hepatotoxicity reported — avoid with liver disease and limit use to 6-week cycles.
Rare
Headache, dizziness, skin sensitivity to sunlight.
Compare Gotu Kola With
Research Papers
9Published: February 19, 2013
AI Summary
Centella asiatica is effective in improving treatment of small wounds, hypertrophic wounds as well as burns, psoriasis and scleroderma. Research results indicate that it can be used in the treatment of photoaging skin, cellulite and striae.
Published: September 3, 2020
AI Summary
The results showed that C. asiatica and its triterpenoids had extensive beneficial effects on neurological and skin diseases, which were confirmed through clinical studies. However, further clinical studies are urgently required due to the low level of evidence and lack of patients.
Published: April 7, 2021
AI Summary
Methods-This article systematically reviews recent studies that have investigated the role of neuroprotective herbs and their bioactive compounds for dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease and pre-Alzheimer's disease.
Published: February 7, 2020
AI Summary
The herbal biomedicines are intended to treat atopic dermatitis (St. John's wort, licorice, tormentil, bitter substances, evening primrose), psoriasis (araroba tree, lace flower, barberry bark, indigo, turmeric, olibanum, St.
Published: September 30, 2015
AI Summary
C. asiatica is one of the most commonly used green leafy vegetables (GLVs) in some countries including Sri Lanka due to its high amounts of medicinally important triterpenoids and beneficial carotenoids. In vitro studies have shown that the method of processing C.
Published: October 25, 2022
AI Summary
Following the interventions, the EXE and EXE+GK had significantly higher MMSE (P<0.01), Digit Span Forward test (DSF) (P<0.01), Digit Span Backward test (P<0.01) scores, and lower Trail Making Test parts A (P<0.01) and B (P<0.01) and lower 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (P<0.
Published: November 19, 2021
AI Summary
In particular, a significant body of scientific research exists on the therapeutic properties of preparations of C. asiatica or its triterpenes in the treatment of skin diseases. The present study is aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the beneficial effects of C. asiatica on skin diseases.
Published: September 25, 2024
AI Summary
Recent research has provided new insights into its efficacy, particularly through topical applications. Advances in formulation and delivery will continue to enhance the plant's therapeutic potential, offering promising solutions for effective wound management.
Published: March 17, 2023
AI Summary
The species are depicted and described, together with their active components and nootropic effects, and evidence of their efficacy is presented. The available data suggest that including extracts from these plants in medicinal products to treat cognitive disorders can have substantial potential therapeutic benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gotu Kola used for?
Centella asiatica is an Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine herb known as the 'herb of longevity.' It has been used for centuries to enhance memory, promote wound healing, and reduce anxiety. Modern research confirms it increases BDNF, enhances collagen synthesis, improves microcirculation, and has anxiolytic effects. Unlike most adaptogens, gotu kola has clinical evidence for improving memory and attention in healthy adults.
What are the side effects of Gotu Kola?
Common: Very well-tolerated. Mild GI upset, drowsiness. Serious: Rare hepatotoxicity reported — avoid with liver disease and limit use to 6-week cycles. Rare: Headache, dizziness, skin sensitivity to sunlight.
How is Gotu Kola administered?
Gotu Kola is administered via oral (capsules, extract, tea, tincture). eca 233 standardized extract for consistent dosing..
What is the half-life of Gotu Kola?
The half-life of Gotu Kola is 2-4 hours (asiaticoside, madecassoside).
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