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Gotu Kola

Also known as: Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort, Jal Brahmi And Mandookaparni, Brahmi, Tsubokusa, Centella Asiatica

Overview

Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) is a traditional medicine that is mostly used and renowned in Ayurveda but has some usage in Traditional chinese usage as well. It is most commonly known as a cognitive enhancing supplement that is somewhat 'interchangeable' with Bacopa monnieri (insofar that the two share many of the same names) but has additional benefits for cardiovascular health (in particular, chronic venous insufficiency), skin regeneration rates and wound healing, and possible benefits to anxiety and rheumatism. In regards to its cognitive enhancing properties, it requires a few weeks to work and seems to cause an increase in neuronal growth (not how many neurons there are, but how far their dendrites branch out). This is due to activating a class of proteins known as MAPKs, which causes a release in a growth factor for neurons called Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). This is a mechanism somewhat similar to Bacopa monnieri and the time-delay in improving cognition is also similar; however, currently there are no studies assessing whether they can be used alongside each other or which one is more potent. It has another independent mechanism where it augments the release of an anti-inflammatory signalling molecule from immune cells, in particular it enhances the secretion of the molecule known as IL-1β from the immune cells known as macrophages; it does this at a remarkably low concentration (in the picomolar range) and is likely relevant to oral supplementation, and if so this could partly explain benefits to chronic venous insuffiency (which are quite proven with human evidence) and its anti-rheumatic benefits (not as proven). Finally, this plant may inhibit a group of enzymes that break down collagen while simultanously increasing the rate that collagen is synthesized; this is thought to underlie the increase in wound healing rate (which is proven in animal research with preliminary human research) and is thought to be the reason why centella asiatica is used as a skin tightening agent as any increase in collagen synthesis (like with creatine) should cause a firmness of the skin.

Benefits

Gotu Kola works through several mechanisms in the body. It enhances cognitive function by increasing neuronal growth through the activation of MAPKs, leading to the release of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). This process promotes the branching of dendrites, which is crucial for cognitive enhancement. Additionally, Gotu Kola augments the release of IL-1β from macrophages, contributing to its anti-inflammatory effects. This mechanism may explain its benefits in chronic venous insufficiency and rheumatism. Furthermore, Gotu Kola inhibits enzymes that degrade collagen while promoting collagen synthesis, which aids in wound healing and skin tightening.

How it works

Gotu Kola has several benefits, including: 1. Cognitive Enhancement: It improves cognitive function by promoting neuronal growth and enhancing memory and learning capabilities. 2. Cardiovascular Health: It is effective in treating chronic venous insufficiency, improving blood flow, and reducing symptoms associated with this condition. 3. Skin Regeneration: It accelerates wound healing and is used as a skin tightening agent due to its ability to increase collagen synthesis. 4. Anti-Anxiety Effects: It has been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve mood states.

Side effects

Most of the human studies on Chronic Venous Insufficiency have used a centella asiatica supplement two to three times a day, with a total saponin dose of 30-60 mg per dose, leading to a total daily range of 60-180 mg. For cognitive enhancement, while there are no human studies, rat studies suggest a dose of 200-300 mg per kilogram of body weight, translating to approximately 2,100-3,300 mg for a 150lb person, 2,900-4,400 mg for a 200lb person, and 3,600-5,500 mg for a 250lb person. A dose of 500mg twice daily has shown anxiety-reducing effects in humans.

Dosage

Gotu Kola is generally considered safe when used appropriately. However, potential side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, dizziness, and skin irritation. It should be used with caution in individuals with liver conditions or those taking medications that affect liver function. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid using Gotu Kola due to insufficient safety data.