Gotu Kola

Latin Name: Centella asiatica (3, 6, 8, 12)

Part(s) Used: leaf (6, 9), whole herb (3, 4, 12)

Energetics: cooling (6, 7, 12), moistening (12)

Key Actions: Adaptogen (6, 8), nootropic (6, 8, 12), trophorestorative [skin,
connective tissue] (3, 6, 8), anti-inflammatory (6, 12)

Medicinal Uses:
Gotu kola’s claim to mainstream fame is its nootropic, or brain boosting,
function (8). The Ayurvedic tradition uses it for that purpose and categorizes
it as a “medhya rasayana” or brain tonic (12). Research has supported this use, as well as several others.

In contrast to most herbs, gotu kola has been the subject of several clinical investigations (2). One study,
with the help of twenty-eight human volunteers, found that a gotu kola extract enhanced working
memory (11). Study participants also noted improvement in mood (11). A non-human study further
evaluated its potential for use in Alzheimer’s disease and found that it provided several benefits when used
in this way (4).

Gotu kola also exhibits trophorestorative action on the skin and connective tissue. Four triterpenes in
particular were found to stimulate collagen synthesis, stimulate the release of fatty acids, and potentially
protect against UVB damage (10). It has also been shown to be beneficial for burn wounds (13); possibly, in
part, due to its anti-inflammatory action (5). Glycosides contained in gotu kola have been shown to inhibit
certain pro-inflammatory enzymes, which then inhibits the inflammatory process (5).

Gotu kola’s use as an adaptogen does not seem to have generated much research at this point. There was
one 1996 study that showed its antistress action; hypnotic action was also noted (1).

Other Uses:
Food herb (3, 8, 12)
Scar/ wound ointment (3, 6, 8)

Preparations and Dosages:

Hot infusion or super infusion – 1 tsp [per cup] up to three times per day, or use as part of a super infusion
blend (9)
Tincture (fresh 1:2 in 75% (3) or 95% (9)) (dried 1:5 in 50% alcohol) – 2 to 5 mL, one to three times per day
(9)

Cautions:
Likes to grow in sludgy conditions; possible Escherichia coli contamination – choose
source wisely! (6, 8)
High doses may cause headaches and palpitations (6, 12)
Fresh leaf may cause contact dermititis (12)
May inhibit conception, should not be used during pregnancy (9)
This monograph is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
Sources:
1. Antistress activity of aqueous extract of leaves of centella asiatica. linn by in vivo methods.
(2012). Asian Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Science, 2(3).
2. Brinkhaus, B., Lindner, M., Schuppan, D., & Hahn, E. G. (2000). Chemical, pharmacological and
clinical profile of the east asian medical plant centella asiatica. Phytomedicine, 7(5), 427-448.
3. Cech, R. (2016). Making Plant Medicine. Williams, OR: Herbal Reads LLC.
4. Chiroma, S., Baharuldin, M., Taib, C., Zulkhairi, A., Jagadeesan, S., Adenan, M., Mahdi, O., &
Moklas, M. (2019). Centella asiatica protects d-Galactose/AlCl3 mediated Alzheimer’s disease-like
rats via PP2A/GSK-3β signaling pathway in their hippocampus. International Journal of Molecular
Sciences, 20(8), 1871 – 1885.
5. George, M., Joseph, L., & Ramaswamy (2009). Anti-allergic, anti-pruritic, and anti-inflammatory
activities of Centella asiatica extracts. African journal of traditional, complementary, and alternative
medicines, 6(4), 554–559.
6. Gotu kola monograph. https://herbarium.theherbalacademy.com/monographs/#/monograph/3054
7. Gotu kola monograph. https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/gotu-kola
8. Groves, M. N. (2016). Body into Balance: An herbal guide to holistic self-care. North Adams, MA:
Storey Publishing.
9. Groves, M. N. (2019). Grow Your Own Herbal Remedies: How to create a customized herb garden to
support your health & well-being. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.
10. Hashim, P., Sidek, H., Helan, M. H. M., Sabery, A., Palanisamy, U. D., & Ilham, M. (2011). Triterpene
composition and bioactivities of centella asiatica. Molecules, 16(2), 1310-1322.
11. Wattanathorn, J., Mator, L., Muchimapura, S., Terdthai, T., Pasuriwong, O., Piyawatkul, N.,
Yimtae, K., Sripanidkulchai, B., Singkhoraard, J. (2008). Positive modulation of cognition and mood
in the healthy elderly volunteer following the administration of centella asiatica. Journal of
Ethnopharmacology, 116(2), 325-332.
12. Winston, D. (2019). Adaptogens: Herbs for strength, stamina, and stress relief. Rochester, VT:
Healing Arts Press.
13. Wu, F., Bian, D., Xia, Y., Gong, Z., Tan, Q., Chen, J., & Dai, Y. (2012). Identification of Major Active
Ingredients Responsible for Burn Wound Healing of Centella asiatica Herbs. Evidence-based
complementary and alternative medicine, 2012, 848093 - 848106.
14. PICTURE:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Annales_gnrales_des_sciences_physiques_(1819-
1821)_(18411229531).jpg

This monograph is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.