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Gotu Kola Leaf Extract

Q: Is Gotu kola safe?

Gotu kola is generally safe, but rare cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported. Monitoring liver enzymes is advised, especially with pre-existing liver conditions.

Q: When should I take Gotu kola?

Consistent dosing is recommended, but the timing of administration does not appear critical. Choose a time that is easy to remember and stick to it.

Q: What results can I expect from taking Gotu kola?

Cognitive improvements may be expected, particularly in working memory and overall cognitive function, but individual results can vary. It is not a cure-all.

Q: What is the proper dosage of Gotu Kola?

Optimal dosages range from 750 mg to 1000 mg per day, based on available clinical data. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Also known as: Centella asiatica, Gotu kola, Asian pennywort, Spadeleaf, Coinwort, Tiger grass, Brahmi

Overview

Gotu kola, scientifically known as *Centella asiatica*, is a creeping herb native to Southeast Asia and Australia, with a long history in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. The plant's leaves contain active compounds like asiaticoside, centelloside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid. It is traditionally used to enhance cognitive function, promote wound healing, and manage stress. Research suggests potential benefits for cognitive function, particularly in post-stroke patients, and for stress reduction. However, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety. Gotu kola is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, and topical creams, with standardized extracts recommended for consistent dosing.

Benefits

Gotu kola has shown potential benefits in cognitive function, particularly in post-stroke patients. A study found that 750 mg and 1000 mg daily doses significantly improved cognitive function as measured by the MoCA-Ina test after 6 weeks (p < 0.001). Additionally, a meta-analysis suggests it may improve working memory, though evidence is not conclusive. Preclinical studies indicate that Gotu kola extract may reduce stress-induced behavioral traits and elevated plasma cortisol levels. The cognitive benefits have been specifically observed in patients with cognitive impairment after stroke, with moderate effect sizes. Further research is needed to confirm long-term benefits.

How it works

Gotu kola's active compounds, such as asiaticoside and madecassoside, are believed to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. These compounds may enhance cognitive function by improving neuronal health and reducing oxidative stress. The extract interacts with the central nervous system, potentially influencing neurotransmitter activity and neuroprotection. The triterpenoid glycosides in Gotu kola may target various molecular pathways involved in inflammation and oxidative stress. Bioavailability studies are ongoing to understand absorption factors, with dietary considerations affecting absorption.

Side effects

Gotu kola is generally considered safe, but rare cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported. Common side effects (greater than 5%) include dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, skin disorders, and drowsiness. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) have limited data, but monitoring for liver enzyme elevations is recommended. Hepatotoxicity, although rare (less than 1%), has been reported, possibly due to idiosyncratic or immune-mediated mechanisms. Caution is advised when using Gotu kola with other medications, especially those affecting the liver. Patients with known liver conditions should avoid Gotu kola. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should use Gotu kola with caution due to limited safety data.

Dosage

Recommended dosages of Gotu kola range from 750 mg to 1000 mg per day, based on clinical data showing cognitive benefits. There is no established maximum safe dose, but doses above 1000 mg per day are not commonly studied. Consistency in dosing is recommended, and the timing of administration does not appear to be critical. Standardized extracts with known concentrations of active compounds are recommended to ensure consistency and efficacy. Bioavailability can be influenced by dietary factors, and standardized extraction methods are crucial for consistent absorption. There is no clear evidence on required cofactors, but a balanced diet may enhance bioavailability.

FAQs

Is Gotu kola safe?

Gotu kola is generally safe, but rare cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported. Monitoring liver enzymes is advised, especially with pre-existing liver conditions.

When should I take Gotu kola?

Consistent dosing is recommended, but the timing of administration does not appear critical. Choose a time that is easy to remember and stick to it.

What results can I expect from taking Gotu kola?

Cognitive improvements may be expected, particularly in working memory and overall cognitive function, but individual results can vary. It is not a cure-all.

What is the proper dosage of Gotu Kola?

Optimal dosages range from 750 mg to 1000 mg per day, based on available clinical data. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Research Sources

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1155/2016/2795915 – This randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 48 patients with cognitive impairment after stroke found significant improvement in MoCA-Ina scores for both 750 mg and 1000 mg Gotu kola extract groups after 6 weeks. The study suggests cognitive benefits of Gotu kola in post-stroke patients, but the small sample size limits generalizability.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.799137/full – This review and methodological study highlights the challenges in clinical evaluation of botanicals, emphasizing the need for standardization, proper characterization of the product, and rigorous clinical trial design. It provides valuable methodological insights for developing optimized products for clinical trials, particularly for botanicals like Gotu Kola.
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 rats indicated that a standardized extract from Gotu kola leaves reduced stress-induced behavioral traits and elevated plasma cortisol levels in stressed rats subjected to social isolation. The findings suggest potential benefits in managing stress-related disorders, but further research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603561/ – This resource provides general information about herbal and dietary supplements, including Gotu Kola. It serves as a reference for understanding the classification and general uses of Gotu Kola within the broader context of herbal medicine.
https://www.e-jer.org/journal/view.php?number=2013600960 – This meta-analysis and systematic review suggests that Gotu kola may improve working memory, but the evidence is not yet conclusive. The findings are limited by the quality and variability of included studies, highlighting the need for more rigorous research in this area.