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© Steven Foster
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Botanical name: Centella asiatica
Parts of Gotu Kola used and where is Gotu Kola grown
This plant grows in a widespread distribution in tropical, swampy areas, including parts of
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and South Africa. It also grows in Eastern Europe. The
roots and leaves are used medicinally.
Historical or traditional use of Gotu Kola (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Gotu kola has been important in the medicinal systems of central Asia for centuries. In Sri
Lanka, it was purported to prolong life, as the leaves are commonly eaten by elephants.
Numerous skin diseases, ranging from poorly healing wounds to leprosy, have been treated with
gotu kola. Gotu kola also has a historical reputation for boosting mental activity and for
helping a variety of illnesses, such as high blood
pressure, rheumatism, fever, and nervous disorders. Some of its common applications in Ayurvedic medicine include heart disease, water retention, hoarseness, bronchitis, and coughs in children, and as a poultice for many skin
conditions.1
Active constituents of Gotu Kola
The primary active constituents of gotu kola are saponins (also called triterpenoids),
which include asiaticoside, madecassoside and madasiatic acid.2 These saponins may
prevent excessive scar formation by inhibiting the production of collagen (the material that
makes up connective tissue) at the wound site. These constituents are also associated with
promoting wound healing. One preliminary trial in humans found that a gotu kola extract
improved healing of infected wounds (unless the infection had reached bone).3
Additionally, a review of French studies suggests that topical gotu kola can improve healing
of burns and wounds.4 Clinical trials have also shown it
can help those with chronic venous
insufficiency5 6 Another trial found gotu kola extract helpful for
preventing and treating enlarged scars (keloids).7
How much Gotu Kola is usually taken?
Dried gotu kola leaf can be made into a tea by adding 1–2 teaspoons (5–10
grams) to about 2/3 cup (150 ml) of boiling water and allowing it to steep for ten to fifteen
minutes. Three cups (750 ml) are usually suggested per day. Fluid extract (1/2–1
teaspoon (3–5 ml) per day) or a tincture (2–4 teaspoons (10–20 ml) per day)
are sometimes recommended. Standardized extracts containing up to 100% total saponins
(triterpenoids), 60 mg once or twice per day, are frequently used in modern herbal
medicine.8
Are there any side effects or interactions with Gotu Kola?
Except for the rare person who is allergic to gotu kola, no significant adverse effects are
experienced with internal or topical use of this herb.9
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with gotu kola.
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purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in
vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article.
The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of
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References:
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