Organic Gotu Kola Leaf Extract
Also known as: Gotu kola, Indian pennywort, Tiger grass, *Centella asiatica* (L.) Urban
Overview
*Centella asiatica* is a creeping herb native to tropical and subtropical regions. This botanical has been utilized across traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for various purposes, particularly for enhancing cognitive function, memory, and nerve health, as well as promoting wound healing and skin health. Key active ingredients include triterpenoid glycosides such as asiaticoside and madecassoside, noted for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Although some studies indicate potential benefits, further high-quality clinical trials are necessary to establish the efficacy and safety of gotu kola for its claimed uses.
Benefits
Evidence suggests that gotu kola may improve cognitive function, particularly memory, in patients with vascular cognitive impairment. A study indicated a significant mean increase in MoCA-Ina scores after 6 weeks of administering 1000 mg/day (5.6 points; p < 0.001). A meta-analysis pointed to improvements in working memory, although the evidence for overall cognitive enhancement is inconclusive. Additionally, gotu kola shows promise due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects, which may be supportive for various health concerns.
How it works
The active compounds in gotu kola, such as asiaticoside and madecassoside, exert neuroprotective effects through antioxidant mechanisms, influencing mitochondrial function and synaptic density. These compounds interact with the nervous and immune systems, enhancing cognitive function and modulating inflammatory pathways, thereby potentially protecting against neurodegenerative changes.
Side effects
Gotu kola is generally safe with few reported adverse effects, making it well-tolerated in most individuals. Common side effects observed in >5% of users include dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, and drowsiness. Less common side effects may occur in 1-5% of individuals, such as mild gastrointestinal disturbances. Rarely (<1%), allergic reactions or hepatotoxicity have been reported following topical use. Caution is advised when used alongside medications affecting the liver or nervous system, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should approach its use carefully due to limited safety data.
Dosage
Typical doses for cognitive enhancement lie between 750 mg to 1000 mg per day, with effective dosages of 600 to 1800 mg for dried leaf preparations or standardized extracts. Consistent dosing is essential for maintaining benefits; however, no specific timing guidelines are established. There is no recognized maximum safe dose, though studies indicate 1000 mg/day does not lead to significant adverse effects. Bioavailability of gotu kola extract can vary based on extraction methods, emphasizing the importance of standardized products.
FAQs
Is gotu kola safe to use?
Gotu kola is generally considered safe with mild side effects like dizziness reported. Rare cases of allergic reactions have occurred.
How should gotu kola be taken?
While no specific timing is recommended, consistency in dosing is important for effectiveness. Following recommended dosages is advisable.
What benefits can I expect from gotu kola?
Cognitive improvements, especially in memory, can be seen within several weeks of consistent use, particularly in individuals with cognitive impairments.
Is gotu kola approved for medical conditions?
Gotu kola is not approved as a treatment in the US, despite its traditional uses and emerging clinical evidence.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2021.799137/full – This study outlines the safety and efficacy of gotu kola, highlighting its neuroprotective properties and potential cognitive benefits, though it stresses the need for more rigorous trials.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1155/2016/2795915 – A meta-analysis indicating that gotu kola has positive effects on working memory, though evidence remains insufficient for asserting overall cognitive enhancement.
- https://www.ohsu.edu/benfra-bdsrc/botanicals-interest – This resource discusses the complexities in the development of botanical supplements like gotu kola, emphasizing bioavailability and pharmacokinetic considerations.
- https://www.e-jer.org/journal/view.php?number=2013600960 – An evaluation of gotu kola’s effects, focusing on cognitive impairment and the mechanisms of action, confirming its traditional medical applications.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603561/ – A comprehensive pharmacological overview of *Centella asiatica*, assessing its constituents and pharmacodynamic effects with a note on the need for further clinical investigations.
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