Gotu Kola Extract Concentrate
Also known as: Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, Gotu Kola, Indian pennywort, Asiatic pennywort, Centella asiatica
Overview
Gotu Kola Extract Concentrate is derived from the leaves of *Centella asiatica*, a perennial plant native to Asia, and is a staple in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is primarily used for cognitive enhancement, wound healing, and neuroprotection. The extract contains bioactive triterpenoids, such as asiaticoside and madecassoside, which are believed to mediate its effects. Research on Gotu Kola is growing, with an increasing number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, though high-quality meta-analyses are still limited. Evidence quality varies, with promising but preliminary clinical data supporting cognitive and neuroprotective benefits. It is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and topical creams.
Benefits
Gotu Kola extract has shown potential benefits in several areas. A 6-week RCT indicated that daily doses of 750 mg and 1000 mg improved cognitive impairment post-stroke, with significant improvement in delayed recall memory compared to folic acid. Another 12-week single-blind RCT found that Gotu Kola supplementation (500 mg twice daily) combined with exercise improved working memory in elderly participants compared to placebo, suggesting synergistic benefits. Additionally, a systematic review indicated that topical *Centella asiatica* extracts promote wound healing through enhanced collagen synthesis and angiogenesis. Preclinical studies in rats suggest potential anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects, with Gotu Kola extract reducing stress-induced suicidal behavior traits and plasma cortisol levels.
How it works
Gotu Kola's bioactive compounds, primarily triterpenoids like asiaticoside and madecassoside, modulate several biological pathways. For neuroprotection and cognition, it enhances antioxidant defenses, reduces neuroinflammation, and promotes synaptic plasticity and neurite outgrowth. The improvement in delayed recall may be linked to modulation of hippocampal function and neurotransmitter systems. In wound healing, it stimulates collagen synthesis and angiogenesis via upregulation of growth factors and extracellular matrix components. For stress modulation, it reduces plasma cortisol and modulates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity in animal models. Absorption and bioavailability of triterpenoids can be variable, with oral formulations designed to enhance systemic uptake.
Side effects
Gotu Kola is generally well-tolerated in clinical trials at doses up to 1000 mg/day. The most commonly reported side effects are mild gastrointestinal discomfort. No significant adverse events have been reported in RCTs meeting quality criteria. There are no well-documented drug interactions, but caution is advised when using it with sedatives or CNS-active drugs due to potential additive effects. Due to limited data, it should be avoided during pregnancy. Elderly populations have been studied with no major safety concerns. It is important to note that while generally safe, individual responses can vary, and monitoring for any adverse effects is always recommended.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose is approximately 750 mg/day of standardized extract based on a study on stroke cognitive impairment. The optimal dose range is 750–1000 mg/day for cognitive benefits, while 500 mg twice daily has been used in working memory studies. The maximum safe dose is not well-established, but doses up to 1000 mg/day appear safe in short-term studies. Twice-daily dosing may optimize plasma levels. Standardized extracts with defined triterpenoid content are preferred for consistency. Formulations enhancing the bioavailability of triterpenoids may improve efficacy. No specific cofactors are required, but general nutritional support may aid cognitive effects.
FAQs
Is Gotu Kola safe for long-term use?
Short-term use up to 12 weeks appears safe. Long-term safety data are limited, so caution is advised for extended use.
How soon can cognitive benefits be expected?
Improvements have been observed within 6 to 12 weeks in clinical trials, but individual responses may vary.
Can it be combined with other cognitive enhancers?
No contraindications have been reported, but clinical data on combinations are lacking. Consult with a healthcare professional before combining.
Is topical use effective for wound healing?
Yes, topical formulations have demonstrated efficacy in wound healing, which is distinct from its oral cognitive uses.
Does it help with anxiety or depression?
Preclinical data suggest potential benefits, but clinical evidence is insufficient to support its use for anxiety or depression.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4908235/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of Gotu Kola on cognitive function in post-stroke patients. The study found that both 750 mg and 1000 mg doses of Gotu Kola improved cognitive scores, particularly delayed recall memory, compared to folic acid, suggesting potential benefits for cognitive rehabilitation after stroke.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9650315/ – This single-blind, placebo-controlled RCT examined the impact of Gotu Kola supplementation combined with exercise on working memory in elderly participants. The results indicated that the combination of Gotu Kola (500 mg twice daily) and exercise improved working memory compared to placebo, suggesting a synergistic effect on cognitive function in older adults.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/6/3266 – This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, assessed the wound healing effects of *Centella asiatica*. The review concluded that topical applications of *Centella asiatica* promote wound healing through mechanisms such as enhanced collagen synthesis and angiogenesis, highlighting its potential in dermatological applications.
- https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol17no2/standardized-extract-from-the-gotu-kola-leaves-improves-suicidal-behavior-in-stressed-rats-subjected-to-social-isolation/ – This preclinical study investigated the effects of a standardized Gotu Kola extract on stress-induced suicidal behavior in rats subjected to social isolation. The findings indicated that the extract reduced stress-induced suicidal behavior traits and plasma cortisol levels in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting potential anxiolytic and neuroprotective effects.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.568032/full – This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pharmacological properties of *Centella asiatica* and its potential therapeutic applications. It highlights the various bioactive compounds present in the plant and their mechanisms of action, supporting its traditional use in wound healing, cognitive enhancement, and neuroprotection.
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