Gotu Kola
Centella asiatica
An Ayurvedic and Asian herb used for wound healing, circulation, and cognition. Its triterpenes support collagen and blood vessels, with the best evidence for chronic venous insufficiency and wound healing.
What is Gotu Kola?
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a small herbaceous plant used for centuries in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Indonesian medicine for wound healing, skin conditions, circulation, and as a 'brain tonic.' Despite the name, it is unrelated to the kola nut and contains no caffeine. Its activity comes from a group of triterpenoid saponins.
Known Health Benefits
How It Works
Gotu kola's triterpenes (asiaticoside, madecassoside, and their acids) stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen and strengthen connective tissue and blood-vessel walls — the basis for its use in wound healing and venous insufficiency. They improve microcirculation and reduce capillary leakage, easing leg swelling. In the nervous system, Centella compounds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and possibly BDNF- and dendrite-supporting effects, which may underlie traditional cognitive and anxiolytic uses.
What Research Says
The strongest evidence is for chronic venous insufficiency, where standardized Centella extract (total triterpenic fraction) reduces leg swelling, heaviness, and capillary leakage in multiple trials, and for wound and scar healing, where topical and oral forms accelerate healing and improve scar quality. Smaller studies suggest anxiolytic and cognitive effects. Quality varies, placing overall evidence in the moderate tier.
Active Compounds
Triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid)
Forms & Bioavailability
The triterpene saponins are absorbed orally, and standardized 'total triterpenic fraction' extracts are used in most positive venous trials. Topical preparations deliver the actives directly to wounds and scars. Taking with food may aid absorption.
Dosage Guidance
| Use Case | Dosage |
|---|---|
| Venous insufficiency / varicose veins | 60–180 mg triterpenes daily |
| Wound / scar healing | Oral extract and/or topical |
| Anxiety / cognition | Standardized extract per label |
Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing.
Potential Side Effects
Generally well tolerated; may cause drowsiness, stomach upset, or, rarely, liver issues with prolonged high doses. Skin irritation possible with topical use.
Who Should Avoid It
- Liver disease (rare hepatotoxicity with prolonged high doses)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Before surgery (sedation; stop in advance)
- Concurrent sedatives or hepatotoxic drugs
Pregnancy & Lactation
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
Known Drug Interactions
May add to sedatives and to medications affecting the liver; theoretical interaction with diabetes and cholesterol drugs.
Evidence Classification
Supported by cohort studies, case-control studies, or multiple observational studies with consistent findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gotu kola used for?
Its best-evidenced uses are improving chronic venous insufficiency (leg swelling, heaviness, varicose-vein symptoms) and promoting wound and scar healing, both through its collagen- and blood-vessel-strengthening triterpenes. It's also traditionally used for anxiety and as a cognitive tonic.
Does gotu kola help varicose veins?
Yes — standardized gotu kola extract has good clinical support for chronic venous insufficiency, the condition underlying varicose veins, reducing leg swelling and capillary leakage. It pairs well with horse chestnut and measures like compression and leg elevation.
Is gotu kola good for the skin?
Gotu kola is widely used in skincare ('cica' products) because its triterpenes boost collagen and aid wound and scar healing and skin barrier repair. Both oral and topical forms are used for healing and improving the appearance of scars.
References
- Centella asiatica in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency: a review. Chong NJ, Aziz Z. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med (2013)View study
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This entry is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement regimen, especially if you take medications or have health conditions.