Gotokola Extract
Also known as: Gotu kola, Indian pennywort, Asiatic pennywort, Gotokola Extract, Centella asiatica
Overview
Centella asiatica, commonly known as Gotu kola, is a perennial herbaceous plant widely utilized in traditional medicine, particularly in Southeast Asia. The extract, derived from the whole herb, is recognized for its potential in cognitive enhancement, wound healing, skin conditions, and circulatory disorders. Its therapeutic properties are primarily attributed to active triterpenes, including asiaticoside, madecassoside, and asiatic acid. While research on Gotu kola encompasses preclinical studies, clinical trials, and systematic reviews, the overall quality and consistency of evidence vary, indicating a need for more extensive, high-quality randomized controlled trials to solidify its efficacy across all purported benefits. It is typically consumed as an herbal supplement.
Benefits
Gotu kola offers several evidence-based benefits. For cognitive function, a randomized controlled trial demonstrated that daily doses of 750 mg and 1000 mg significantly improved cognitive impairment in stroke patients over 6 weeks, suggesting neuroprotective effects. In chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a systematic review indicated that *C. asiatica* might alleviate symptoms like edema and leg heaviness, though the evidence was limited by methodological heterogeneity. Mood and alertness also show improvement, with a systematic review and meta-analysis reporting increased self-reported alertness and calmness, and decreased anger, at 750 mg/day over two months, without significant adverse effects. Furthermore, clinical studies support its role in skin health and wound healing, attributing these effects to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Preliminary evidence also points to potential benefits for digestive disorders, liver fibrosis, and gastric mucosal protection, but these areas require more robust clinical investigation.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Gotu kola are primarily mediated by its triterpenoid compounds, such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, and asiatic acid. These active constituents exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects within the body. In skin health and wound healing, they modulate mitochondrial function and enhance collagen synthesis, facilitating tissue repair. For neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement, these compounds are believed to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in neural tissues. The absorption and bioavailability of Gotu kola are influenced by the extract's standardization, with ethanol-based extracts (e.g., 10:1 ratio) commonly used in clinical studies to ensure consistent delivery of active compounds.
Side effects
Gotu kola extract is generally considered safe, with most clinical trials reporting mild or no adverse effects. The most commonly observed mild side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, such as flatulence, nausea, and decreased appetite, along with headache, sedation, and occasional skin rashes, particularly when used in combination products. While isolated case reports of hepatotoxicity exist, no liver toxicity was observed in randomized controlled trials. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications widely reported in the reviewed studies. However, due to limited safety data, caution is advised for special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Dosage
Effective dosages of Gotu kola extract in clinical trials typically range from 750 mg to 1000 mg daily. These dosages usually refer to standardized extracts, often prepared with 70% ethanol and a 10:1 extract ratio. For cognitive impairment post-stroke, a duration of 6 weeks at these doses has shown benefits, while cognitive and mood effects were observed over two months. The extract is commonly available in capsules, with typical doses of 375-500 mg per capsule, often taken twice daily. Absorption may be enhanced when taken with food, and no specific cofactors are generally required. It is important to adhere to recommended dosages and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially for long-term use or specific health conditions.
FAQs
Is gotu kola effective for cognitive decline?
Yes, an RCT showed improvement in post-stroke cognitive impairment at 750-1000 mg/day for 6 weeks, suggesting benefits for cognitive function.
Are there safety concerns with gotu kola?
Gotu kola is generally safe with mild side effects like GI discomfort. No serious adverse events were reported in clinical trials, but caution is advised for specific populations.
How long does it take to see effects from gotu kola?
Cognitive and mood benefits have been observed within 6 weeks to 2 months of consistent supplementation.
Can gotu kola be used for skin conditions?
Yes, clinical studies support its use for improving wound healing and skin repair due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4908235/ – This RCT investigated the efficacy of Gotu Kola extract (750-1000 mg/day) in stroke patients with cognitive impairment over 6 weeks. It found significant improvements in cognitive function compared to a folic acid control, highlighting its potential neuroprotective effects. The study used a high-quality, GMP-certified extract and monitored compliance well, though it had a moderate sample size and short duration.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.568032/full – This comprehensive narrative review explores the broad therapeutic potential of *C. asiatica*, including its neurological and skin health benefits, and discusses underlying molecular mechanisms. It synthesizes findings from preclinical and clinical studies, emphasizing the plant's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but also notes the need for more rigorous RCTs to confirm many of its purported effects.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3594936/ – This systematic review evaluated the use of *Centella asiatica* for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). It suggests potential benefits for CVI symptoms like edema and leg heaviness, but highlights significant heterogeneity in outcome measures and methodological issues across studies. The review concludes that while promising, the evidence is limited and more standardized research is needed.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-09823-9 – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the cognitive and mood effects of *C. asiatica* supplementation. It reported increased self-reported alertness and calmness, and decreased anger, with no serious adverse effects, over durations up to two months. The study notes that while findings are consistent, the number of high-quality RCTs is limited, and effect sizes are small.
