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Gotu Kola Aerial Parts Extract

Also known as: Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, Gotu kola, Brahmi, Centella, Hydrocotyle, Indian pennywort, Luei gong gen, Marsh pennywort, Centella asiatica

Overview

Centella asiatica, commonly known as Gotu kola, is a perennial plant native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. It has been traditionally used in various cultures for its medicinal properties, particularly in wound healing, cognitive enhancement, and skin conditions. The plant contains triterpenes, including asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid, which are believed to contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. While Gotu kola is available in various forms, including dried herbs, extracts, capsules, and topical creams, research on its efficacy and safety is still evolving. The quality of available evidence varies, with some studies showing promising results but often lacking in robust methodology and adequate sample sizes. More rigorous clinical trials are needed to fully understand its benefits and safety profile.

Benefits

Gotu kola has been suggested to have several potential benefits, primarily related to cognitive function and anti-inflammatory effects. A meta-analysis indicated that Gotu kola may improve working memory, although evidence for overall cognitive function, attention, concentration, executive function, or information processing speed is limited. Some studies have shown improvements in cognitive domains such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Trail Making Test (TMT) scores, suggesting potential benefits in executive function. Additionally, Gotu kola has been associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as evidenced by reductions in TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations. Traditional uses include wound healing and skin condition treatment, though modern clinical evidence supporting these uses is limited. The benefits appear to be more pronounced when combined with interventions like exercise training.

How it works

Gotu kola's mechanism of action is primarily attributed to its active compounds, particularly triterpenes like asiaticoside and madecassoside. These compounds exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects, which may contribute to its potential cognitive and other health benefits. The anti-inflammatory effects are mediated through the reduction of inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and IL-6. These triterpenes interact with various body systems, including the nervous system, where they may enhance cognitive function, and the immune system, where they reduce inflammation. The specific molecular targets include pathways involved in inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the bioavailability of Gotu kola's active compounds is a subject of ongoing research.

Side effects

Gotu kola is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, but clinical evidence on its long-term safety is limited. Common side effects are not well-documented, but traditional use suggests it is generally well-tolerated. Uncommon and rare side effects are not well-documented in the literature. Due to its potential effects on various biological pathways, caution should be exercised when using Gotu kola with other medications. No specific contraindications are well-documented, but it is advisable to consult healthcare professionals before use, especially in pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with chronic health conditions. Special caution is advised for use in children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with liver or kidney diseases due to the lack of comprehensive safety data. Allergic reactions are possible, as with any herbal supplement.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Gotu kola is not well-established, but studies have used doses ranging from a single 12-gram oral dose to chronic supplementation over several weeks. Typical dosages in studies range from 500 mg to 2 grams per day of the dried aerial parts or extracts. The maximum safe dose is not established, and long-term safety at high doses is unknown. Timing considerations are not well-defined, but it is generally recommended to take the supplement as part of a daily routine. The form of the supplement can vary, but extracts from the dried aerial parts are commonly used. Absorption factors, such as dietary considerations, can affect the bioavailability of Gotu kola's active compounds.

FAQs

Is Gotu kola safe to use?

Gotu kola is generally recognized as safe, but long-term safety and potential interactions with medications are not well-studied. Consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medications.

When is the best time to take Gotu kola?

There is no specific timing recommended for administration, but consistency in daily dosing is advisable. It can be taken with or without food, depending on individual tolerance and preference.

What results can I expect from taking Gotu kola?

Expected results include potential improvements in working memory and cognitive function, particularly in executive function, though these are not consistently supported across all studies. Individual responses may vary.

Is there strong clinical evidence supporting Gotu kola's benefits?

A common misconception is that Gotu kola has robust clinical evidence supporting its various health benefits, which is not the case. Most benefits are based on traditional use and limited clinical studies.

Research Sources

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.799137/full – This meta-analysis and systematic review examined the cognitive effects of Gotu kola supplementation. The study found that Gotu kola may improve working memory, but there was insufficient evidence to support its benefits in overall cognitive function, attention, concentration, executive function, and information processing speed. The authors highlight the need for more rigorous and well-designed clinical trials to fully understand the cognitive benefits of Gotu kola.
https://www.e-jer.org/journal/view.php?number=2013600960 – This study investigated the effects of multicomponent exercise training with Gotu kola supplementation on cognitive function. Results showed significant improvements in cognitive domains such as MMSE and decreases in TMT scores, indicating potential cognitive benefits. However, these findings were not consistently significant across all cognitive parameters, suggesting that the benefits may be specific to certain cognitive functions.
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/gotu-kola – This resource provides a general overview of Gotu kola, including its traditional uses, potential benefits, and safety considerations. It notes that Gotu kola has been used traditionally for wound healing, skin conditions, and cognitive enhancement, but emphasizes that more research is needed to confirm these benefits. The resource also highlights potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603561/ – This book excerpt provides information on the safety and efficacy of various herbal supplements, including Gotu kola. It discusses the traditional uses of Gotu kola and highlights the need for more rigorous clinical trials to fully understand its benefits and safety profile. The excerpt also mentions potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/gotu-kola-benefits – This article discusses the potential health benefits of Gotu kola, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. It highlights the traditional uses of Gotu kola and summarizes some of the research findings on its effects on cognitive function, wound healing, and skin conditions. The article also mentions potential side effects and precautions.