Gotu Kola
Centella asiatica
Traditional Asian herb used for cognitive enhancement, anxiety reduction, and wound healing support.
Gotu kola is a swamp plant used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Known as 'the herb of longevity,' it's been used to enhance memory, reduce anxiety, and support skin healing. Contains triterpenoids that support collagen synthesis and may have neuroprotective effects. Often confused with (but unrelated to) kola nut.
Mechanisms of Action
Neuroprotection
Supports brain cell health and function
GABA Modulation
May enhance calming GABA signaling
Collagen Synthesis
Supports wound healing and skin health
Recommended Dose
500-1000mg extract (or 1-2g dried herb)
Optimal Timing
- With meals
- Split into 2-3 doses
Take with food
Best Form
Standardized extract (triterpene content)
Alternatives: Dried herb, Tincture, Tea
Extracts standardized to triterpene content (asiaticoside, madecassoside) are more consistent.
Duration
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 8 weeks
Cycling: Traditional Ayurvedic use suggests cycling. Try 6-8 weeks on, 2 weeks off.
Note: Can be taken any time. Some prefer morning for cognitive effects. Does not contain caffeine despite name similarity to kola nut.
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Cognitive Enhancement
Improved memory and mental clarity
Anxiety Reduction
Calming effects without drowsiness
Skin Health
May support wound healing and collagen
Avoid — may affect pregnancy
Avoid due to rare hepatotoxicity reports
Who Should NOT Take This
- Liver disease
- Scheduled surgery (stop 2 weeks prior)
Drug Interactions
Rare liver toxicity reported; avoid combining
May have additive calming effects
May affect blood sugar
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Reduce dose
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Take in evening if problematic
Tip: Discontinue; cycle usage
Warnings
- Rare cases of liver toxicity reported — cycle usage
- Not related to kola nut — contains no caffeine
- Stop 2 weeks before surgery
Top studies from 14+ peer-reviewed papers
Meetam T et al. • Journal of evidence-based integrative medicine (2024)
“More robust and well-designed clinical trials with large-scale and prolonged follow-up durations are required to clarify the benefits and risks of these agents.”
Key Findings:
- We reviewed the literature based on data from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials.
- A total of 23 clinical trials were identified in this review; most clinical trials were ranked as having uncertain results (level of evidence 2b; n = 16).
- More robust and well-designed clinical trials with large-scale and prolonged follow-up durations are required to clarify the benefits and risks of these agents.
Kushwah S et al. • Current neuropharmacology (2023)
“The main objective of this research is to provide a systematic review of herbal drugs that are easily accessible and effective for the treatment of AD.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.”
Key Findings:
- A rich knowledge base of traditional herbal plants (Turmeric, Gingko, Ashwagandha, Shankhpushpi, Giloy, Gotu kola, Garlic, Tulsi, Ginger, and Cinnamon) combined with modern science could suggest new functional leads for Alzheimer's drug discovery.
- In this article Ayurveda, the ancient Indian herbal medicine system based on multiple clinical and experimental, evidence have been reviewed for treating AD and improving brain functioning.
- This article presents a modern perspective on the herbs available in the ancient Indian medicine system as well as their possible mechanisms of action for AD treatment.
- The main objective of this research is to provide a systematic review of herbal drugs that are easily accessible and effective for the treatment of AD.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.
Gregory J et al. • Biomolecules (2021)
“It is hoped that these medicinal plants can be used in drug discovery programs for identifying safe and efficacious small molecules for AD.”
Key Findings:
- Methods-This article systematically reviews recent studies that have investigated the role of neuroprotective herbs and their bioactive compounds for dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease and pre-Alzheimer's disease.
- PubMed Central, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases of articles were collected, and abstracts were reviewed for relevance to the subject matter.
- Conclusions-Medicinal plants have great potential as part of an overall program in the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline associated with AD.
- It is hoped that these medicinal plants can be used in drug discovery programs for identifying safe and efficacious small molecules for AD.
Roe AL et al. • Current neuropharmacology (2021)
“Data gaps are highlighted for both efficacy and safety to bring attention to unmet needs and future research.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.”
Key Findings:
- Overall, nearly one-quarter (23%) of adults currently take a supplement to maintain or improve brain health or delay and reverse dementia.
- However, other botanicals that affect stress, focus, attention, and sleep have also been procured by dietary supplement companies developing products for improving both, short and long-term brain health.
- Botanicals are discussed in terms of available clinical efficacy data and current safety profiles.
- Data gaps are highlighted for both efficacy and safety to bring attention to unmet needs and future research.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.
Chandrika UG et al. • Advances in food and nutrition research (2015)
“All rights reserved.”
Key Findings:
- However, detailed scientific approaches on clinical trials regarding health benefits and nutritional values of C. asiatica are limited, hindering the perception of its benefits, mechanisms, and toxicity in order to develop new drug prototypes.
- In vitro studies have shown that the method of processing C. asiatica has an impact on its nutritional values and health-related beneficial compounds.
- The composition of its compounds is influenced by different biotic and abiotic factors which need to be studied in detail to provide information to the public in order to maximize the usage of this valuable plant.© 2015 Elsevier Inc.
- All rights reserved.
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.