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Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain gotu kola. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with their pharmacists or health care providers before starting.
Scientists have studied gotu kola for the following health problems: Anxiety | Preliminary studies suggest that gotu kola may help treat anxiety. More scientific information is needed before gotu kola can be recommended. | Diabetic complications (venous insufficiency, microangiopathy, neuropathy) | Some studies show that gotu kola may help improve blood flow in leg veins and may help with blood vessel damage and nerve damage caused by diabetes. However, more information is needed before gotu kola can be recommended for these problems. | Varicose veins, venous insufficiency | Gotu kola extracts may also have benefits in treating varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. Further research is needed in this area. | Edema (swelling) | Gotu kola has also been used reduce edema in patients with diabetes and in at-risk patients during long flights. | Wound healing | Preliminary data show that gotu kola may help wounds of various causes to heal. Further research is needed to make a recommendation. | Cerebrovascular disease | Preliminary research shows that gotu kola may benefit patients at risk of developing stroke. Further study is needed to confirm these results. | Postphlebitic syndrome | Preliminary research showed improvement in patients with postphlebitic syndrome. Further research is needed to confirm these results. | Gastric ulceration | Several animal studies show benefits in the treatment of gastric ulcer by gotu kola. High-quality studies in humans are necessary to make a recommendation. | Periodontal disease | Preliminary study evaluating the effectiveness of gotu kola and punica granatum together showed a general reduction in signs and symptoms of chronic periodontitis. More information is needed before a conclusion can be drawn. |
Gotu kola has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening. You should consult a health care provider before using gotu kola for any unproven use. Abscesses
Alcoholic liver disease
Alzheimer's disease
Anemia
Antioxidant
Aphrodisiac
Arthritis
Asthma
Birth control
Bladder problems
Blood purifier
Bronchitis
Bruises
Burns
Cancer
Cellulitis
Cholera
Cognitive impairment
Colds
Cutaneous tuberculosis
Dehydration
Depression
Diarrhea
Diuretic
Eczema
Epilepsy
Eye problems
Fatigue
Fever
Fungal infections
Gastritis
Gum disease
Hair loss
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Herpes
High blood pressure
Hot flashes | Immune system boosting
Infections
Inflammation
Jaundice
Keloid prevention
Leprosy
Libido
Liver diseases
Longevity
Lupus
Malaria
Melanoma
Memory enhancement
Menstrual period problems
Mental disorders
Mood changes
Nerve tonic
Pain
Psoriasis
Radiotherapy protection
Restless legs
Scabies
Scar healing
Scleroderma
Shigella infection
Shingles
Skin graft donor wounds
Sleep disorders
Snakebites
Stomach ulcer
Stretch marks
Sunstroke
Syphilis
Tonsillitis
Tuberculosis
Urinary retention
Urinary tract infection
Vaginal discharge |
Allergies Reports exist of allergic rash from using gotu kola on the skin. People with allergies to gotu kola, asiaticoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid or any other parts of gotu kola should avoid using gotu kola. Side Effects Gotu kola seems to be well tolerated when taken by mouth. Stomach discomfort and nausea have been reported in studies. In theory, gotu kola may cause drowsiness and may raise blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Therefore, people with diabetes should avoid gotu kola. Animal studies show that gotu kola may lower the chances of becoming pregnant, but it is not clear if this effect occurs in humans. One animal study suggests that an ingredient of gotu kola, asiaticoside, may have weak cancer-causing effects when applied to the skin. Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding Gotu kola is not recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding because there are not enough scientific studies on the effects of this herb.
Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with your health care provider or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements. Interactions With Drugs Gotu kola may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan); barbiturates, such as phenobarbital; narcotics, such as codeine; and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery. In theory, gotu kola may increase cholesterol levels and may work against cholesterol-lowering drugs. Gotu kola may raise blood sugar levels and may work against drugs that lower blood sugar levels. Patients taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using gotu kola. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. In theory, dexamethasone and phenylbutazone may decrease any wound-healing abilities of gotu kola. Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements Gotu kola may raise blood sugar levels. People using herbs or supplements that may alter blood sugar levels, such as bitter melon ( Momordica charantia), should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using gotu kola. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.
The doses listed below are based on scientific research, publications or traditional use. Because most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied or monitored, safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients even within the same brand. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective. Appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health care provider before starting therapy; always read the recommendations on a product's label. The dosing for unproven uses should be approached cautiously, because scientific information is limited in these areas. Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Oral administration:Doses of 60 to 180 milligrams, divided throughout the day, have been taken by mouth in either tablet or extract form. Centella asiatica juice has been administered orally at 200 milligrams per kilogram and 600 milligrams per kilogram twice daily for five days. Children (Younger Than 18) There is not enough scientific evidence to recommend gotu kola for children at this time.
Gotu kola has been applied in Ayurvedic, traditional Chinese medice, and other folk medicine practices for use in various conditions, including depression and anxiety. This herbal is also commonly used in treating wounds in areas such as India, China and Europe. Although gotu kola has been suggested for many conditions, there is not enough research in humans to recommend it for any health problem. Gotu kola may cause drowsiness, raise blood sugar levels, or increase cholesterol levels. People with diabetes should avoid gotu kola. Safety is not known for children or pregnant women. Asiaticoside, an ingredient normally isolated in centella asiatica, has also been isolated in another plant called schefflera. Consult your health care provider immediately if you have side effects. The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
- Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research
Selected Scientific Studies: Gotu Kola Natural Standard reviewed more than 150 articles to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created. Some of the more recent studies are listed below: - Arpaia MR, Ferrone R, et al. Effects of Centella asiatica extract on mucopolysaccharide metabolism in subjects with varicose veins. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 1990;10(4):229-233.
- Belcaro GV, Grimaldi R, et al. Improvement of capillary permeability in patients with venous hypertension after treatment with TTFCA. Angiology 1990;Jul, 41(7):533-540.
- Belcaro GV, Rulo A, et al. Capillary filtration and ankle edema in patients with venous hypertension treated with TTFCA. Angiology 1990;Jan, 41(1):12-18.
- Bilbao I, Aguirre A, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis from butoxyethyl nicotinic acid and Centella asiatica extract. Contact Dermatitis 1995;Dec, 33(6):435-436.
- Boiteau P, Ratsimamanga AR. Asiaticoside extracted from Centella asiatica and its therapeutic uses in cicatrization of experimental and refractory wounds (leprosy, cutaneous tuberculosis and lupus). Therapie 1956;11(1):125-149.
- Bradwejn J, Zhou Y, Koszycki D, et al. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) on acoustic startle response in healthy subjects. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2000;20(6):680-684.
- Cataldi A, Gasbarro V, et al. Effectiveness of the combination of alpha tocopherol, rutin, melilotus, and centella asiatica in the treatment of patients with chronic venous insufficiency. Minerva Cardioangiol 2001;Apr, 49(2):159-163.
- Cesarone MR, Incandela L, et al. Evaluation of treatment of diabetic microangiopathy with total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica: a clinical prospective randomized trial with a microcirculatory model. Angiology 2001;Oct, 52(Suppl 2):S49-S54.
- Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, et al. Microcirculatory effects of total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica in chronic venous hypertension: measurement by laser Doppler, TcPO2-CO2, and leg volumetry. Angiology 2001;Oct, 52(Suppl 2):S45-S48.
- Cesarone MR, Incandela L, et al. Flight microangiopathy in medium- to long-distance flights: prevention of edema and microcirculation alterations with total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica. Angiology 2001;Oct, 52(Suppl 2):S33-S37.
- Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, et al. Increase in echogenicity of echolucent carotid plaques after treatment with total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica: a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Angiology 2001;Oct, 52(Suppl 2):S19-S25.
- Cesarone MR, Belcaro G, De Sanctis MT, et al. Effects of the total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica in venous hypertensive microangiopathy: a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Angiology 2001;52(10 suppl 2):S15-S18.
- Cesarone MR, Laurora G, et al. The microcirculatory activity of Centella asiatica in venous insufficiency: a double-blind study. Minerva Cardioangiol 1994;Jun, 42(6):299-304.
- Cesarone MR, Laurora G, et al. Activity of Centella asiatica in venous insufficiency. Minerva Cardioangiol 1992;Apr, 40(4):137-143.
- Danese P, Carnevali C, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis due to Centella asiatica extract. Contact Dermatitis 1994;Sep, 31(3):201.
- Darnis F, Orcel L, et al. Use of a titrated extract of Centella asiatica in chronic hepatic disorders. Sem Hop 1979;Nov 8-15, 55(37-38):1749-1750.
- De Sanctis MT, Belcaro G, Incandela L, et al. Treatment of edema and increased capillary filtration in venous hypertension with total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica: a clinical, prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized, dose-ranging trial. Angiology 2001;52(10 Suppl 2):S55-S59.
- Dattner AM. From medical herbalism to phytotherapy in dermatology: back to the future. Dermatol Ther 2003;16(2):106-113.
- Dutta T, Basu UP. Crude extract of Centella asiatica and products derived from its glycosides as oral antifertility agents. Indian J Exp Biol 1968;Jul, 6(3):181-182.
- Gonzalo Garijo MA, Revenga Arranz F, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis due to Centella asiatica: a new case. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 1996;May-Jun, 24(3):132-134.
- Huriez C. Action of the titrated extract of Centella Asiatica in the cicatrization of leg ulcers (10 mg tablets): apropos of 50 cases. Lille Med 1971;17(Suppl 3):574-579.
- Incandela L, Cesarone MR, et al. Total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica in chronic venous insufficiency and in high-perfusion microangiopathy. Angiology 2001;Oct, 52(Suppl 2):S9-S13.
- Incandela L, Cesarone MR, et al. Modification of the echogenicity of femoral plaques after treatment with total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Angiology 2001;Oct, 52(Suppl 2):S69-S73.
- Incandela L, Belacaro G, Cesarone MR, et al. Treatment of diabetic microangiopathy and edema with total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica: a prospective, placebo-controlled randomized study. Angiology 2001;52(10 suppl 2):S27-S31.
- Incandela L, Belcaro G, De Sanctis MT, et al. Total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica in the treatment of venous hypertension: a clinical, prospective, randomized trial using a combined microcirculatory model. Angiology 2001;52(10 Suppl 2):S61-S67.
- Montecchio GP, Samaden A, et al. Centella Asiatica Triterpenic Fraction (CATTF) reduces the number of circulating endothelial cells in subjects with post phlebitic syndrome. Haematologica 1991;May-Jun, 76(3):256-259.
- Nebout M. Results of a controlled experiment of the titrated extract of Centella asiatica in a leper population with perforative foot lesions. Bull Soc Pathol Exot Filiales 1974;Sep-Oct, 67(5):471-478.
- Pointel JP, Boccalon H, et al. Titrated extract of Centella asiatica (TECA) in the treatment of venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Angiology 1987;Jan, 38(1 Pt 1):46-50.
- Sastravaha G, Yotnuengnit P, et al. Adjunctive periodontal treatment with Centella asiatica and Punica granatum extracts: a preliminary study. J Int Acad Periodontol 2003;Oct, 5(4):106-115.
Last updated June 22, 2005
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