Gotu Kola Leaf Powder
Also known as: Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., Gotu kola, Indian pennywort, Brahmi, Centella asiatica
Overview
Gotu kola, scientifically known as *Centella asiatica*, is a perennial herb native to Asia, widely used in traditional medicine. The leaf powder, derived from the plant's aerial parts, contains bioactive triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside) and triterpenic acids (asiatic acid, madecassic acid), as well as flavonoids and volatile oils. It has been traditionally used to promote wound healing, enhance cognitive function, reduce anxiety, and serve as a general tonic. Standardized extracts are available to ensure consistent levels of active compounds. Research on gotu kola is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, although the overall number of high-quality studies remains limited. Evidence is mixed, showing some positive findings in specific populations, particularly regarding cognitive benefits after stroke, but lacking robust support for broad cognitive or mood enhancement in healthy adults.
Benefits
Gotu kola has shown potential benefits in specific areas. A randomized controlled trial indicated that gotu kola extract (750 mg/day and 1000 mg/day) improved cognitive impairment after stroke, demonstrated by significant increases in MoCA-Ina scores over 6 weeks (p < 0.001). Systematic reviews suggest that *C. asiatica* may enhance wound healing through improved angiogenesis and collagen synthesis, although clinical data are limited. Some RCTs have reported modest improvements in mood and anxiety; however, systematic reviews and meta-analyses do not consistently support significant cognitive or mood benefits in healthy adults. Animal studies suggest potential for reducing stress-induced behaviors, but human data are lacking. The strongest evidence supports cognitive improvement in post-stroke patients, with moderate effect sizes. Benefits have been observed within 6 weeks in this population.
How it works
Gotu kola's mechanism of action involves several biological pathways. Its triterpenoids may protect neurons from oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to neuroprotective effects. It promotes wound healing by stimulating fibroblast proliferation and collagen production, enhancing angiogenesis and collagen synthesis. In the central nervous system, it may modulate neurotransmitter systems and reduce oxidative stress. It interacts with skin and connective tissue to enhance wound healing and tissue repair. Molecular targets include fibroblast growth factor and collagen I, which are involved in tissue repair, as well as antioxidant enzymes. Triterpenoids are absorbed orally, but bioavailability and pharmacokinetics in humans are not well characterized.
Side effects
Gotu kola is generally considered safe at recommended doses. Common side effects are rarely reported, but mild gastrointestinal upset is possible. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) include skin rash, headache, and dizziness. Rare side effects (<1%) include hepatotoxicity, although this is based on case reports and not confirmed in controlled studies. There is limited data on drug interactions, but there is potential for additive effects with sedatives or CNS depressants. Contraindications include pregnancy (due to limited safety data) and known hypersensitivity. Use with caution in individuals with liver disease or those taking hepatotoxic medications. It is important to monitor liver function in susceptible individuals and to discontinue use if adverse reactions occur.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of gotu kola is 750 mg/day for cognitive effects in post-stroke patients. Optimal dosage ranges are typically between 750–1000 mg/day of a standardized extract. The maximum safe dose is not well established, but up to 1000 mg/day has been used in clinical studies without significant adverse effects. It is typically taken once or twice daily with meals. Standardized extracts are preferred for consistency. It is best taken with food to enhance absorption. No required cofactors have been identified. Due to limited data, exceeding recommended dosages is not advised, and individuals should consult with a healthcare professional before use.
FAQs
What are the cognitive benefits of Gotu Kola?
Most robust evidence is in post-stroke patients; benefits in healthy adults are uncertain. It may offer modest cognitive improvement in specific populations, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment.
Is Gotu Kola safe?
Gotu Kola is generally safe; adverse effects are rare and mild. However, monitor liver health in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions and discontinue use if adverse reactions occur.
How should I take Gotu Kola?
It is best taken with meals, which may improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset. Follow recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional before use.
What are the expected results from taking Gotu Kola?
Modest cognitive benefits may be seen in specific populations. It is not a cure-all, and there is limited evidence for broad cognitive or mood benefits in healthy adults.
Is Gotu Kola the same as Bacopa?
No, Gotu kola is distinct from *Bacopa monnieri*, although both are sometimes called brahmi. They have different chemical compositions and effects.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28878245/ – This systematic review of RCTs examined the effects of *Centella asiatica* on cognitive function and mood. The review included 5 RCTs using *C. asiatica* alone and 6 RCTs using it in combination with other herbs, finding mixed results with some studies reporting cognitive and mood benefits, but overall evidence was inconclusive due to heterogeneity in study design and outcome measures.
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-gotu-kola-89566 – This article provides an overview of the potential health benefits of Gotu Kola, including its traditional uses and purported effects on cognitive function, wound healing, and anxiety. It highlights the need for more research to confirm these benefits and establish optimal dosages. The article serves as a general informational resource on Gotu Kola.
- https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol17no2/standardized-extract-from-the-gotu-kola-leaves-improves-suicidal-behavior-in-stressed-rats-subjected-to-social-isolation/ – This study investigates the effects of a standardized extract from Gotu Kola leaves on suicidal behavior in stressed rats subjected to social isolation. The research suggests that the extract may improve suicidal behavior in these animals. However, it is important to note that these findings are based on animal studies and may not directly translate to humans.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/6/3266 – This systematic review examines the role of *Centella asiatica* in wound healing. The review found that *C. asiatica* may enhance wound healing through improved angiogenesis and collagen synthesis. However, the authors noted that there is a need for more high-quality clinical trials to confirm these findings.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2016/2795915 – This RCT evaluated the effect of gotu kola extract on cognitive impairment after stroke. The study found that significant improvement in MoCA-Ina scores with 750 mg/day and 1000 mg/day gotu kola extract (p < 0.001). However, the study was not blinded, and the comparator was folic acid, not placebo, which limits the strength of the conclusions.
