What is Gotu Kola? Gotu Kola, also known as Centella asiatica, Brahmi, and Asiatic pennywort, is an ancient herb that has been a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been gaining popularity in the westernized world with so many of its helpful benefits. It has been linked to aiding in external wounds and scarring, and skin conditions (h). It has also been linked to supporting with mental problems such as depression and anxiety as well as improving cognitive function (w).
Skin Conditions and Wounds
According to the US National Society of Medicine, Gotu Kola aids in collagen production that assists in the healing with open wounds (n). It also has antioxidant properties which also assist in the healing process. Because of its properties and its assistance in collagen production, it has also been used as anti-aging serums and lotions. This wondrous plant is also an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial which helps with keeping wounds free of infection as well as assisting in skin conditions which leave the skin with open sores.
Mental Health and Sleep
Mental health problems such as anxiety and depression can come with side effects such as lack of sleep, or a cycle of effects. In a study conducted by University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences on mice, five days of continuous Gotu Kola supplement reduced overall anxiety levels (u). Gotu Kola not only helps with anxiety and stress, but studies on humans have found that it helps with generalized depression over a period of about 3 months (h). A recent study on humans also shows that daily intake of Gotu Kola for specific periods of time enhanced cognitive thinking (h).
Scientific Research and Dosage
The effects of Gotu Kola are continuously being studied through many medical institutions, but these findings are just research that is still being studied to make definitive findings. For a recommendation of dosage, please contact a physician as it differs in each individual case. Please do not take this supplement if you are allergic to it.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
References:
H: Wilson, D.R. (2017, September 19). Everything You Need to Know About Gotu Kola. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/gotu-kola-benefits
N: Indian J Pharm Sci. (2010 Sep-Oct) Pharmacological Review on Centella asiatica: A Potential Herbal Cure-all. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3116297/
U: University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. (2016, April 30) Possible Involvement of Nitric Oxide Modulatory Mechanisms in the Neuroprotective Effect of Centella asiatica Against Sleep Deprivation Induced Anxiety Like Behaviour, Oxidative Damage and Neuroinflammation. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26848139
W: WebMD (2018, April). Gotu Kola [Medical Blog] Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-753-gotu%20kola.aspx?activeingredientid=753&activeingredientname=gotu%20kola
