• Home

Home > Medical Reference > Complementary Medicine

•    Related Program - Center for Integrative Medicine

Gotu kola

Also listed as: Brahmi; Centella; Centella asiatica; Hydrocotyle; Indian pennywort; Luei gong gen; Marsh pennywort

• Overview
• Plant Description
• Medicinal Uses and Indications
• Dosage and Administration
• Precautions
• Interactions and Depletions
• Supporting Research

Overview

Gotu kola ( Centella asiatica ) has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years in India, China, and Indonesia. Its ability to heal wounds, improve mental clarity, and treat skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis were important reasons for its extensive use in these countries. It has also been called one of the "miracle elixirs of life" because legend has it that an ancient Chinese herbalist lived for more than 200 years as a result of using the herb.

Historically, gotu kola has also been used to treat syphilis, hepatitis, stomach ulcers, mental fatigue, epilepsy, diarrhea, fever, and asthma. Today, American and European herbalists use gotu kola for disorders that cause connective tissue swelling, such as scleroderma, psoriatic arthritis (arthritis occurring in conjunction with psoriasis), ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine), rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and to improve memory and concentration. Recent studies confirm some of the traditional uses and also suggest possible new applications for gotu kola, such as lowering high blood pressure, treating venous insufficiency (pooling of blood in the veins, usually in the legs), boosting memory and intelligence, easing anxiety, and speeding wound healing.

Gotu kola should not be confused with kola nut ( Cola nitida ). Kola nut is an active ingredient in Coca Cola and contains caffeine. Gotu kola has no caffeine, and is not a stimulant.

Plant Description

Gotu kola is a perennial plant native to India, Japan, China, Indonesia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the South Pacific. It is tasteless and odorless and thrives in and around water. It has small fan-shaped green leaves with white or light purple-to-pink flowers, and it bears small oval fruit. The leaves and stems of the gotu kola plant are used for medicinal purposes.

Medicinal Uses and Indications

Treatment

Wound healing and skin lesions

Gotu kola contains triterpenoids, compounds that have been shown to aid in wound healing. For example, animal studies indicate that triterpenoids strengthen the skin, increase the concentration of antioxidants in wounds, and restore inflamed tissues by increasing blood supply. Because of these properties, gotu kola has been used externally for burns, psoriasis, prevention of scar formation following surgery, recovery from an episiotomy following vaginal delivery of a newborn, and treatment of external fistulas (a tear at or near the anus).

You can find gotu kola in many topical preparations for wound healing. Ask your health care provider.

Venous insufficiency and varicose veins

When blood vessels lose their elasticity, blood pools in the legs and fluid leaks out of the blood vessels, causing the legs to swell (venous insufficiency). In a study of 94 people with venous insufficiency, those who took gotu kola reported a significant improvement in symptoms compared to those who took placebo. In another study of people with varicose veins, ultrasound examination revealed improvements in the vascular tone of those who took gotu cola.

High blood pressure

In a study of people with heart disease and high blood pressure, those who took abana (an Ayurvedic herbal mixture containing gotu kola) experienced a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure (pressure on blood vessels when the heart is at rest) compared to those who took placebo. Further studies are needed to determine whether gotu kola alone, some other herb in the Ayurvedic mixture, or the particular combination of all the herbs in the remedy is responsible for the beneficial effect.

Anxiety

Triterpenoids (compounds found in gotu kola) is reported to decrease anxiety and increase mental function in mice. A recent study found that people who took gotu kola were less likely to be startled by a novel noise (a potential indicator of anxiety) than those who took placebo. Although the results of this study are somewhat promising, the dose used in this study was extremely high, making it difficult to draw any conclusions about how gotu kola might be used by people with anxiety.

Scleroderma

One study involving 13 females with scleroderma found that gotu kola decreased joint pain, skin hardening, and improved finger movement.

Insomnia

Because of sedative effects demonstrated in animals, gotu kola is used to help people with insomnia.

Dosage and Administration

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to get your problem diagnosed before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day.

Gotu kola is available in teas and as dried herbs, tinctures, capsules, tablets, and ointments. Products should be stored in a cool, dry place and used before the expiration date on the label.

Pediatric

There is currently no information in the scientific literature about the use of gotu kola for children. Therefore, it is not recommended for those under 18 years old.

Adult

The adult dosage of gotu kola may vary depending on the condition being treated. An appropriately trained health care provider can help you choose the right dose for you.

The standard dose of gotu kola ( Centella asiatica ) varies depending on the preparation:

• Dried herb -- you can make a tea of the dried leaf, three times daily.
• Powdered herb (available in capsules) -- 1,000 - 4,000 mg, three times a day
• Tincture (1:2 w/v, 30 % alcohol) 30 - 60 drops (equivalent to 1.5 - 3 mL -- there are 5 mL in a teaspoon), three times daily
• Standardized extract -- 50 - 250 mg, two to three times daily. Standardized extracts should contain 40 % asiaticoside, 29 - 30 % asiatic acid, 29 - 30 % madecassic acid, and 1 - 2 % madecassoside. Doses used in studies mentioned in the Treatment section range from 20 mg (for scleroderma) up to 180 mg (in one study for venous insufficiency, although most of the studies for this latter condition were conducted using 90 - 120 mg daily).

Precautions

The use of gotu kola for more than 6 weeks is not recommended. People taking the herb for an extended period of time (up to 6 weeks) should take a 2-week break before taking the herb again.

Asiaticoside, a major component of gotu kola, has also been associated with tumor growth in mice. Though more studies are needed, it is wise for anyone with a history of precancerous or cancerous skin lesions -- such as squamous cell, basal cell skin cancer, or melanoma -- to refrain from taking this herb.

Side Effects

Side effects are rare but may include skin allergy and burning sensations (with external use), headache, stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, and extreme drowsiness. These side effects tend to occur with high doses of gotu kola.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnant women should not take gotu kola because it may cause spontaneous abortion. There is little or no information regarding the safety of this herb during breastfeeding, so nursing mothers should refrain from taking this herb.

Pediatric Use

Gotu kola is not recommended for children.

Geriatric Use

People older than 65 years should take gotu kola at a lower than standard dose. The strength of the dosage can be increased slowly over time to reduce symptoms. This is best accomplished under the guidance of an appropriately trained and certified herbalist such as a naturopathic doctor.

Interactions and Depletions

There have been no reports documenting negative interactions between gotu kola and medications to date. Since high doses of gotu kola can cause sedation, individuals should refrain from taking this herb with medications that promote sleep or reduce anxiety.

Supporting Research

Antani JA, Kulkarni RD, Antani NJ. Effect of abana on ventricular function in ischemic heart disease. Jpn Heart J . Nov 1990: 829-835.

Anonymous. Centella asiatica (Gotu kola). Botanical Monograph. American Journal of Natural Medicine. 1996;3(6):22-26.

Belcaro GV, Rulo A, Grimaldi R. Capillary filtration and ankle edema in patients with venous hypertension treated with TTFCA. Angiology. 1990;41(1):12-18.

Biswas TK, Mukherjee B. Plant medicines of Indian origin for wound healing activity: a review. Int J Low Extrem Wounds . 2003;2(1):25-39.

Bradwejn J, Zhou Y, Koszycki D, Shlik J. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of Gotu Kola ( Centella asiatica ) on acoustic startle response in healthy subjects. J Clin Psychopharmacol . 2000;20(6):680-684.

Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions . 2 ^nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publication; 1998.

Brinkhaus B, Linder M, Schuppan D, Hahn EG. Chemical, pharmacological and clinical profile of the East Asian medical plant Centella asiatica . Phytomed . 2000;7(5):427-448.

Cauffield JS, Forbes HJM. Dietary supplements used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders . Lippincotts Prim Care Pract . 1999:3(3):290-304.

DerMarderosian A, ed. Gotu Kola. In: Facts and Comparisons The Review of Natural Products . St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co.: 1999:1-3.

Fetrow C, Avila J . Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines . Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corp.; 1999.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C, Fleming T, Deutsch M, Hamid M, eds. et al. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1 ^st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc..; 1998:729-731.

Kuhn M, Winston D. Herbal Therapy and Supplements: A Scientific and Traditional Approach . Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott; 2001.

LaValle JB, Krinsky DL, Hawkins EB, et al. Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide . Hudson, OH:LexiComp; 2000: 449-450.

McCaleb R. Anti-Cancer Effects of Gotu Kola. HerbalGram . 1996;36:17.

McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook . Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 1997.

Peirce A. Practical Guide to Natural Medicines . New York: Stonesong Press Inc.; 1999:317-318.

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;38(1 Pt 1):46-50.

Shukla A, Rasik AM, Dhawan BN. Asiaticoside-induced elevation of antioxidant levels in healing wounds. Phytother Res . 1999;13(1):50-54.

Subathra M, Shila S, Devi MA, Panneerselvam C. Emerging role of Centella asiatica in improving age-related neurological antioxidant status. Exp Gerontol . 2005;40(8-9):707-15.

Wollina U, Abdel-Nasar MB, Mani R. A review of the microcirculation in skin in patients with chronic venous insufficiency: the problem and the evidence available for therapeutic options. Int J Low Extrem Wounds . 2006;5(3):169-80.

• Review Date: 11/9/2006
• Reviewed By: Ernest B. Hawkins, MS, BSPharm, RPh, Health Education Resources; and Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.