Gotu Kola

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a slender, creeping that grows in swampy areas of India, Madagascar, and the tropics. Extracts of the plant contain a number of triterpenoid compounds. The components are extracted from the dried herb. Gotu kola is not related to Kola nut and has no caffeine.

Health Benefits

Gotu Kola may reduce swelling in the legs due to venous insufficiency.1 The triterpenoid compounds in Gotu Kola may induce would healing activity.2 Gotu Kola supplementation may aid in preventing insomnia and other sleep disorders.3 Gotu Kola may be able to decrease severity of generalized anxiety disorder in adults, delay the onset of cognitive decline in the elderly, and protect brain from neurotoxicity.4-6 Gotu kola has been used to improve cognitive function in Ayurvedic medicine.6

References

  1. Pointel JP, Boccalon H, Cloarec M, Ledevehat C, Joubert M. Titrated extract of Centella asiatica (TECA) in the treatment of venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Angiology. 1987 Jan;38(1 Pt 1):46-50. PubMed PMID: 3544968.
  2. Biswas TK, Mukherjee B. Plant medicines of Indian origin for wound healing activity: a review. Int J Low Extrem Wounds. 2003 Mar;2(1):25-39. PubMed PMID: 15866825.
  3. Cauffield JS, Forbes HJ. Dietary supplements used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Lippincotts Prim Care Pract. 1999 May-Jun;3(3):290-304. Review. PubMed PMID: 10711131.
  4. Jana U, Sur TK, Maity LN, Debnath PK, Bhattacharyya D. A clinical study on the management of generalized anxiety disorder with Centella asiatica. Nepal Med Coll J. 2010 Mar;12(1):8-11. PubMed PMID: 20677602.
  5. Wattanathorn J, Mator L, Muchimapura S, Tongun T, Pasuriwong O, Piyawatkul N, Yimtae K, Sripanidkulchai B, Singkhoraard J. Positive modulation of cognition and mood in the healthy elderly volunteer following the administration of Centella asiatica. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Mar 5;116(2):325-32. PubMed PMID: 18191355.
  6. Gray NE, Sampath H, Zweig JA, Quinn JF, Soumyanath A. Centella asiatica Attenuates Amyloid-β-Induced Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction. J Alzheimers Dis. 2015;45(3):933-46. doi: 10.3233/JAD-142217. PubMed PMID: 25633675; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4412033.