Gotu Kola
Uses
Parts Used & Where 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.
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For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Why |
|---|---|
2 Stars Chronic Venous Insufficiency 60 to 120 mg daily of a standardized herbal extract | Gotu kola extracts have been found to be successful in treating CVI in preliminary trials. extracts, standardized to triterpenoid content, have been found successful in small preliminary trials to treat CVI. The amount of extract used in these trials ranged from 60 to 120 mg per day. |
2 Stars Skin Ulcers Apply an ointment or powder containing 1 to 2% herbal extract daily | Gotu kola extracts may be used topically to help speed wound healing. (Centella asiatica) extracts are sometimes used topically to help speed wound healing. Test tube studies have found that extracts of gotu kola high in the active triterpene constituents asiaticosides, madecassoides, asiatic acids, and madecassic acids increase collagen synthesis. An animal study found that topical application of asiaticoside isolated from gotu kola, used in a 0.2% solution, improved healing in nonulcer skin wounds. An overview of three small human clinical trials suggests that topical use of an ointment or powder containing a gotu kola extract high in the active triterpene compounds may speed wound healing in people with slow-healing skin ulcers. These studies used either a topical ointment with a 1% extract concentration or a powder with a 2% extract concentration. People in these studies were typically treated with intramuscular injections of either isolated asiaticosides or the mixed triterpenes three times per week while using the topical ointment or powder. |
2 Stars Wound Healing Take a standardized herbal extract providing 60 mg total triterpenoids once or twice per day | Applying an ointment containing gotu kola may speed healing of skin wounds. One preliminary trial found that a extract helped heal infected wounds (unless they had reached bone). A review of French studies suggests that topical gotu kola can help wounds. One study found gotu kola extract helpful for preventing and treating enlarged scars (keloids). Standardized extracts of gotu kola containing up to 100% total triterpenoids are generally taken, providing 60 mg once or twice per day. Animal studies have shown that constituents in gotu kola, called asiaticosides, increase antioxidant levels during wound healing and facilitate repair of connective tissues. |
1 Star Burns Refer to label instructions | Gotu kola contains substances that inhibit scar tissue from forming, it has been used in the medicinal systems of central Asia for centuries to treat numerous skin diseases. has been used in the medicinal systems of central Asia for centuries to treat numerous skin diseases. Saponins in gotu kola beneficially affect collagen (the material that makes up connective tissue) to inhibit its production in hyperactive scar tissue following burns or wounds. |
1 Star Scars Refer to label instructions | The primary active constituents of gotu kola may prevent excessive scar formation by inhibiting the production of collagen (the material that makes up connective tissue) at the wound site. The primary active constituents of gotu kola are saponins (also called triterpenoids), which include asiaticoside, madecassoside and madasiatic acid. 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). Additionally, a review of French studies suggests that topical gotu kola can improve healing of burns and wounds. Another trial found gotu kola extract helpful for preventing and treating enlarged scars (keloids). |
1 Star Varicose Veins Refer to label instructions | Supplementing with gotu kola may be helpful for varicose veins. Oral supplementation with butcher’s broom or may also be helpful for varicose veins. |
Traditional Use (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
How It Works
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 to Use It
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
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Interactions with Medicines
Side Effects
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
1. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 110-1.
2. Kartnig T. Clinical applications of Centella asiatica (L) Urb. In Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants: Recent Advances in Botany, Horticulture, and Pharmacology, vol. 3., Craker LE, Simon JE (eds). Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press, 1986, 145-73.
3. Morisset R, Cote NG, Panisset JC, et al. Evaluation of the healing activity of hydrocotyle tincture in the treatment of wounds. Phytother Res 1987;1:117-21.
4. Kartnig T. Clinical applications of Centella asiatica (L) Urb. In Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants: Recent Advances in Botany, Horticulture, and Pharmacology, vol. 3., Craker LE, Simon JE (eds). Phoenix, AZ: Oryx Press, 1986, 145-73.
5. Brinkhaus B, Linder M, Schuppan D, Hahn EG. Chemical, pharmacological and clinical profile of the East Asian medical plant Centella asiatica. Phytomedicine 2000;7:427-48.
6. Pointel JP, Boccalon H, Cloarec M, et al. Titrated extract of Centella asiatica (TECA) in the treatment of venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Angiology 1986;37:420-1.
7. Bossé JP, Papillon J, Frenette G, et al. Clinical study of a new antikeloid drug. Ann Plastic Surg 1979;3:13-21.
8. Murray MT. The Healing Power of Herbs. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1995, 173-83.
9. Murray MT. The Healing Power of Herbs. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1995, 173-83.
Last Review: 04-14-2015
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