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Organic Gotu Kola extract

Also known as: Gotu Kola, Indian Pennywort, Asiatic Pennywort, Centella asiatica

Overview

Centella asiatica, commonly known as Gotu Kola, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to wetlands in Asia. It has been a staple in traditional Ayurvedic and Asian medicine for centuries, valued for its diverse therapeutic properties. The plant is rich in a variety of bioactive compounds, including triterpenoids (such as asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and asiaticoside), carotenoids, vitamins B and C, proteins, minerals, flavonoids, volatile oils, tannins, and polyphenols. These constituents contribute to its reported cognitive-enhancing, wound-healing, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Gotu Kola extracts are often standardized to ensure consistent levels of these key triterpenoids. While preclinical and some clinical studies support its traditional uses, particularly for cognitive function and antioxidant activity, more comprehensive systematic reviews and large-scale, long-term human trials are needed to fully establish its efficacy and safety profile.

Benefits

Gotu Kola offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in cognitive function and antioxidant support. A significant randomized controlled trial demonstrated that Gotu Kola extract (750 mg and 1000 mg daily) led to significant improvements in cognitive function, as measured by the MoCA-Ina test, in patients with vascular cognitive impairment after stroke. Specifically, the 1000 mg group showed a mean improvement of 5.6 points and the 750 mg group 4.94 points over 6 weeks, which were statistically significant compared to a folic acid control group. This suggests a moderate to large effect size for cognitive enhancement in this specific population. Furthermore, preclinical studies, particularly in animal models, indicate strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, with Gotu Kola ameliorating cerebral oxidative stress and inflammation in conditions like type-2 diabetes. While human studies on wound healing are limited, preclinical evidence supports this traditional use. The cognitive benefits are particularly relevant for post-stroke patients and the elderly experiencing mild cognitive impairment. The observed improvements in cognitive function can manifest within 6 weeks, though sustained effects require further investigation.

How it works

The therapeutic actions of Gotu Kola are primarily attributed to its active triterpenoid compounds, including asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and asiaticoside. These compounds are believed to exert their effects through multiple biological pathways. They possess significant neuroprotective and antioxidant properties, which help to combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. This protective action contributes to improved neuronal health and function. Gotu Kola may also modulate inflammatory pathways, reducing systemic and cerebral inflammation. Additionally, it is thought to enhance vascular health, which can improve blood flow to the brain and support cognitive functions. While the exact molecular targets are not fully elucidated, the overall mechanism involves supporting brain health through antioxidant defense, anti-inflammatory actions, and potential modulation of neurotransmitter systems, thereby contributing to enhanced cognitive performance.

Side effects

Gotu Kola is generally considered safe for consumption, but there are important safety considerations, particularly regarding potential hepatotoxicity. While most studies report no significant adverse effects at commonly used dosages, rare cases of liver damage have been reported. These instances of hepatotoxicity typically resolve upon discontinuation of the supplement, with liver enzyme levels returning to normal. There are also rare, poorly documented reports of immune-mediated hepatotoxicity. Common side effects are not well-documented, with most clinical trials indicating a low incidence of adverse events. No significant drug interactions have been widely reported, but caution is advised when combining Gotu Kola with other medications, especially those metabolized by the liver, due to the limited comprehensive data. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions should use Gotu Kola with extreme caution and under medical supervision. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also consult a healthcare professional before use, as specific studies in these populations are lacking. Overall, while generally well-tolerated, monitoring for liver function is prudent, especially with prolonged use or in susceptible individuals.

Dosage

The recommended dosage for Gotu Kola extract, particularly for cognitive benefits, ranges from 750 mg to 1000 mg per day. Clinical studies have shown that a minimum effective dose appears to be around 750 mg daily, standardized to contain specific triterpenoids. This dosage is typically divided into two doses per day. For optimal results, dosages up to 1000 mg per day have been used in studies without significant adverse effects. There is currently no established maximum safe dose, but doses up to 1000 mg per day have been well-tolerated in research settings. The timing of administration does not appear to be critical, but consistent daily intake is recommended. It is advisable to use standardized dry extract forms to ensure consistent potency and accurate dosing. While absorption factors are not extensively studied, the observed effects suggest adequate bioavailability. There are no known required cofactors for the effective utilization of Gotu Kola.

FAQs

Is Gotu Kola safe for long-term use?

While generally considered safe, there are rare reports of potential liver toxicity. It's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for long-term use, especially if you have pre-existing liver conditions, and monitor liver function.

How long does it take to see cognitive benefits from Gotu Kola?

Improvements in cognitive function, particularly memory and executive function, have been observed within 6 weeks of consistent daily supplementation in clinical studies.

Can Gotu Kola interact with medications?

No significant drug interactions have been widely reported, but due to limited comprehensive data, caution is advised, especially if taking liver-metabolized drugs. Consult your doctor before combining.

What is the best form of Gotu Kola to take?

Standardized dry extract forms are recommended to ensure consistent dosing of the active triterpenoid compounds, such as asiatic acid and asiaticoside, which are responsible for its benefits.

Research Sources

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1155/2016/2795915 – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effectiveness of Gotu Kola extract (750 mg and 1000 mg) compared to folic acid in 48 patients with vascular cognitive impairment after stroke. The study found significant improvements in MoCA-Ina scores for both Gotu Kola groups over 6 weeks, indicating its potential for cognitive enhancement in this population.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1155/2016/2795915 – This PDF version of the RCT provides detailed methodology and results, confirming that Gotu Kola extract at 750 mg and 1000 mg daily significantly improved cognitive function in post-stroke patients with vascular cognitive impairment within 6 weeks, as measured by the MoCA-Ina test.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26602573/ – This source provides information on the general properties and traditional uses of Centella asiatica, highlighting its rich composition of triterpenoids and other phytonutrients. It supports the plant's traditional applications in wound healing and its potential as an antioxidant and neuroprotective agent.
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Effectiveness-of-Gotu-Kola-Extract-750%E2%80%89mg-and-with-Farhana-Malueka/5ce647d13be28de3f6af342df7b65caa289d436d – This paper discusses the effectiveness of Gotu Kola extract in improving vascular cognitive impairment, referencing the study that showed significant improvements in MoCA-Ina scores. It also mentions an animal study where C. asiatica ameliorated cerebral oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in diabetic rats, suggesting broader neuroprotective effects.
https://tnsroindia.org.in/JOURNAL/issue85/ISSUE%2085%20-%20AUG%202024%20-%20FULL%20TEXT%20PART%2003.pdf – This source, likely a journal issue, contains a paper that discusses Gotu Kola supplementation in combination with multicomponent exercise. It suggests that Gotu Kola may improve executive function by decreasing TNF-α levels, although detailed study parameters like sample size and duration are not specified.