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Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) herb extract 32% Triterpene saponins
Gotu Kola has traditionally been used in a variety of conditions, mainly to enhance the health of the circulatory system, to fortify the immune system and to revitalize the nerves and brain cells. It is said to stimulate the central nervous system, to rebuild energy reserves, to relieve high blood pressure, and to help the body defending against various toxins. Further it may potentially benefit the following conditions: Poor circulation, rheumatism, psoriasis, oedema or ankle swelling, gastric ulcers, surgical scars, radiotherapy injury, haemorrhoids, varicose veins, dementia/poor cognitive function and anxiety. Gotu Kola has been reported to act as an antioxidant and to produce a powerful aid to maintaining good health.
Centella asiatica is a small herbaceous annual plant of the family Apiaceae, native to Australia, Pacific Islands, New Guinea, Melanesia, Malesia and Asia. Common names include Gotu Kola, Asiatic Pennywort, Antanan, Pegaga, and Brahmi (although this last name is shared with Bacopa monnieri and other herbs). It is used as a medicinal herb in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine.
Historical or traditional uses:
Gotu kola is said to be a nootropic or "smart drug" boosting functions and capacities of the brain.
Gotu kola has been known for centuries, valued for treating leprosy and tuberculosis; relieving the pain of rheumatism and arthritis; to increase brain capacity; and for longevity, often being called, the elixir of life. A legendary saying, in reference to gotu kola was: ‘2 leaves a day, keeps old age away’.
Gotu kola 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), anklylosing spondylitis (arthritis of the spine), and rheumatoid arthritis. 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.
Triterpenoids (active compounds in gotu kola) have been shown to soothe anxiety and boost mental function in mice. Because of sedative effects demonstrated in animals, gotu kola has been used to help people with insomnia.
Here is the myth of Professor Li Chung Yun: It was the life history of the renowned Chinese herbalist Professor Li Chung Yun, who lived to the age of 256 years which made the western world aware of the true value of herbs for longevity. Herbs he recommended, most highly, were gotu kola and ginseng. He was born in 1677 and in 1933 the New York Times announced the death of this remarkable Oriental, whose life span had reached over two and a half centuries. The Chinese Government officially recorded his age. Professor Li, at the age of 200 years still gave courses of lectures for 28 weeks at a time, each lecture on longevity lasting 3 hours, at a Chinese University. Those who learned from him, declared that he did not appear older that a man of 50, standing straight, strong and had his own natural teeth and head of hair.
Traditional herbal references recommend 60-180 mg/day, usually consumed in divided doses (20-60mg) 3 times daily for at least 4 weeks.
The information given on this web site describes the common, historical or traditional uses of many herbs. This is for informational purposes only, as we are not advising or prescribing herbs for any specific medical condition or for any specific use. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problems and before using any herbs, herbal extracts, supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
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