Gotu Kola Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: Gotu Kola, Indian pennywort, Bua-bok, Centella asiatica
Overview
Gotu Kola, scientifically known as *Centella asiatica*, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to wetlands in Asia. It has been a staple in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for centuries. As a supplement, it is often prepared as a glycerite liquid extract, which uses glycerin as a solvent to preserve water-soluble and some alcohol-soluble compounds. This preparation is favored for its potential in cognitive enhancement, wound healing, anti-inflammatory actions, and stress reduction. While research on Gotu Kola is ongoing, it includes a mix of preclinical studies, clinical trials, and some systematic reviews, indicating a moderate level of evidence. The quality of this evidence varies, with some well-designed randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews supporting specific uses, though many studies are smaller in scale or conducted in preclinical models. Its broad traditional use and emerging scientific support position Gotu Kola as a promising botanical for various health applications.
Benefits
Gotu Kola offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily attributed to its triterpenoid compounds. For cognitive function, a 2016 randomized controlled trial demonstrated that Gotu Kola extract (750-1000 mg/day) significantly improved cognitive impairment in post-stroke patients over six weeks, showing good compliance and minimal side effects. This suggests a moderate to strong level of evidence for this specific population. Its anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects are supported by a 2020 systematic review of 109 studies, which found that *C. asiatica* and its triterpenes can reduce inflammation, combat oxidative stress, lower blood glucose, improve insulin resistance, and inhibit weight gain, indicating potential benefits for metabolic syndrome and diabetes. While clinical trials are fewer, the preclinical evidence is robust. Furthermore, a 2024 preclinical study in rats indicated potential anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, showing reduced stress-induced suicidal behavior and cortisol levels, though human data are currently lacking. For wound healing and skin health, a 2022 systematic review highlighted Gotu Kola's role in enhancing healing processes by modulating cytokines and inflammation, although clinical trials in this area are still limited.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of Gotu Kola are primarily attributed to its active triterpenoid compounds, including asiatic acid, madecassoside, and asiaticoside. These compounds exert their effects through multiple mechanisms. They are known to modulate inflammatory pathways, particularly by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), a key regulator of inflammatory responses. They also act as potent antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and enhancing the body's endogenous antioxidant defenses. In terms of neuroprotection, these triterpenoids contribute to brain health by improving antioxidant status and potentially modulating neurotransmitter systems. For skin health and wound healing, they promote collagen synthesis and angiogenesis, crucial processes for tissue repair. The absorption and bioavailability of these compounds can vary depending on the extract type; glycerite extracts specifically preserve water-soluble constituents, which may influence their pharmacokinetic profile compared to other forms like ethanolic extracts.
Side effects
Gotu Kola extracts are generally considered safe, with a low incidence of side effects reported in clinical trials. The most common side effects, if they occur, are typically mild and may include gastrointestinal discomfort, though specific prevalence rates (>5%) are not well documented. Rare side effects (<1%) can include allergic reactions or skin irritation, particularly with topical application. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications widely reported in high-quality studies, suggesting a relatively clean safety profile. However, caution is advised for pregnant individuals due to a lack of sufficient safety data in this population. As with any supplement, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications should consult a healthcare professional before use. While short-term use appears safe, long-term safety data are limited, and continuous monitoring for any adverse reactions is recommended.
Dosage
Dosage recommendations for Gotu Kola are primarily derived from studies using standardized ethanolic extracts, as specific clinical evidence for glycerite liquid extracts is less common. For cognitive benefits, clinical trials have successfully used 750–1000 mg/day of standardized ethanolic extract, administered over a period of six weeks. For glycerite liquid extracts, a common herbal tincture dosage range is 1-3 mL, taken 2-3 times daily. However, it's important to note that this is a general guideline for herbal tinctures and not specific to clinical efficacy for Gotu Kola glycerite. The optimal dosage can vary significantly based on the extract's standardization, the specific health indication, and individual response. While no established maximum dose exists, clinical trials have safely used up to 1000 mg/day of the ethanolic extract. To improve tolerance and absorption, it is often recommended to take divided doses with meals.
FAQs
Is Gotu Kola effective for memory?
Evidence suggests Gotu Kola can modestly improve cognitive function, particularly in post-stroke patients, when taken as a standardized extract at doses of 750-1000 mg/day over 6 weeks.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Short-term use (up to 6 weeks) of Gotu Kola appears safe with a low incidence of side effects. However, long-term safety data are currently limited, and continuous use should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Can glycerite extract be used interchangeably with ethanolic extract?
While both forms contain active compounds, their pharmacological profiles may differ. Clinical evidence primarily supports the efficacy of ethanolic extracts, so direct interchangeability is not fully established.
How soon can I expect to see benefits?
In clinical trials, cognitive improvements were observed after approximately 6 weeks of consistent daily supplementation with standardized Gotu Kola extract.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4908235/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of Gotu Kola extract (750-1000 mg/day) on cognitive impairment in 90 post-stroke patients over 6 weeks. The study found significant improvements in cognitive function compared to a folic acid control, with good patient compliance and no major adverse effects, supporting its potential for neurocognitive benefits in this population.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.568032/full – This systematic review analyzed 109 studies, including 4 clinical trials, to summarize the effects of *C. asiatica* on metabolic, inflammatory, and endocrine diseases. It highlighted the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms of Gotu Kola and its triterpenes, suggesting benefits for conditions like diabetes and metabolic syndrome, though it noted the need for more clinical trials.
- https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol17no2/standardized-extract-from-the-gotu-kola-leaves-improves-suicidal-behavior-in-stressed-rats-subjected-to-social-isolation/ – This preclinical study in a rat model explored the neuropsychiatric effects of standardized Gotu Kola leaf extract. It demonstrated that the extract reduced stress-induced suicidal behavior and lowered cortisol levels, indicating potential anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. However, the study emphasizes that human trials are needed to confirm these findings.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8956065/ – This systematic review focused on the wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects of *C. asiatica*. It concluded that while preclinical data are robust in supporting its role in enhancing wound repair by modulating cytokines and inflammation, clinical trials are still limited. The review underscores the need for more human studies to fully establish its efficacy in wound management.
