Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsHow to StoreSimilar SupplementsSources & What to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
How to Store
Similar Supplements
Sources & What to Look For
Gotu kolais a perennial plant of theparsleyfamily.Its medicinal uses include boosting cognitive function and promoting wound healing, though more research is needed to confirm health benefits derived fromsaponincompounds in the plant.
Side effects of gotu kola are rare and generally mild, but some people experience more severe symptoms. Gotu kola also presents the risk of drug interactions, especially at higher doses.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Uses of Gotu Kola
Like many natural products, people may use gotu kola for various reasons. There are several studies assessing gotu kola for the following potential uses. Keep in mind, though, that no supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Brain-Related Effects
In a small clinical study from 2008, results suggest that older adults—with a mean age of roughly 65 years old—may benefit from gotu kola. In fact, older adults experienced better moods. What’s more, the study participants showed improved cognitive function.Cognitive function may include the following abilities:
A more recent study compared the effects of gotu kola and folic acid for improving cognitive function in people who had experienced a stroke. The results showed that gotu kola at 750 mg or 1,000 mg was more effective than folic acid in improving cognitive function post-stroke.
Another study looked at the metabolism ofCentella asiaticaand its effects on cognition. Study authors foundCentella asiaticawas associated with increasing the production of choline, an essential nutrient with documented benefits for learning and memory. They concludedCentella asiaticamay be useful in mitigating cognitive impairment and warrants further study.
The lack of more comprehensive research warrants further well-designed clinical trials with appropriate gotu kola doses.
Blood Circulation
Historically, gotu kola had many uses. Today, people might use it as aphlebotonic(which tones the walls of veins).In other words, people might use it forchronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
CVI is a medical condition that tends to happen in your legs. In this condition, your blood vessels have trouble circulating (moving) blood back toward the heart.So, you may have some swelling as the blood pools in your legs. People with CVI may also experience ulcers.
In a systematic review, phlebotonics—like gotu kola—slightly relieved swelling compared to aplacebo(a substance without medication). But gotu kola didn’t seem to heal any ulcers. Because these were short-term studies, well-designed clinical trials with longer-term data in a larger group of people remain necessary.
Wound Healing
A small clinical trial compared gotu kola to silver sulfadiazine (SSD) in study participants withburn wounds. In this study, gotu kola took an ointment dosage form called Centiderm.
Results from this clinical trial suggest that Centiderm may benefit people with burn wounds. But in this study, the burn wounds had to cover less than 10% of the total body surface area (TBSA) and appear on the limbs (arms or legs). Moreover, the burn wounds had to be only 48 hours old or less.
Another small study of 60 participants evaluated the effects of a polymeric spray film solution containingCentella asiatica.Researchers concluded the product was beneficial as an acute wound medication, which could shorten healing time with no adverse effects.
However, in another small study, herbal creams—like gotu kola—didn’t seem to prevent or delayradiodermatitis. The study participants received radiation in this clinical trial as part of their breast cancer treatment. Radiodermatitis is a skin reaction to or side effect of radiation.
Since these studies garnered mixed results and study sample sizes are small, larger, well-designed studies are needed.
What Are the Side Effects of Gotu Kola?
Like many medications and natural products, taking gotu kola may result in certain side effects.
Common Side Effects
In general, the side effects of gotu kola are rare.But the following side effects are possible at higher doses:
You may also notice some skin-related side effects with topical forms of gotu kola, such as skin allergy and a burning sensation.
Severe Side Effects
Severe allergic reaction is a serious side effect possible with any medication. If you’re having a severe allergic reaction to gotu kola, symptoms may include breathing difficulties, itchiness, and rash.
Another potentially serious side effect may include liver problems.If you’re having liver problems, symptoms may include dark-colored urine and yellowing of the eyes.
Your healthcare provider may advise against using gotu kola if any of the following applies to you:
Dosage: How Much Gotu Kola Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
Though there are studies of gotu kola use in humans, more extensive, well-designed studies are still necessary.Moreover, gotu kola has various dosage forms, which may treat different medical conditions.
For these reasons, there are no guidelines for the appropriate dosage of gotu kola for any condition. If you take gotu kola, follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations or label instructions.
Supplement FactsActive ingredient(s): Gotu kola, containing active constituents (parts) called saponins or triterpenoids, which may include asiaticoside, madecassoside, and madasiatic acidAlternative name(s):Gotu kola,Centella asiatica, centella, brahmi, Hydrocotyle, Indian pennywort, Luei gong gen, marsh pennywortLegal status: Legal in most states (United States)Suggested dose: May vary according to the part of the plant, dosage form, and medical conditionSafety considerations:Not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or with children. Gotu kola may also interact with some prescription medications, herbs, and supplements.
Supplement Facts
Active ingredient(s): Gotu kola, containing active constituents (parts) called saponins or triterpenoids, which may include asiaticoside, madecassoside, and madasiatic acidAlternative name(s):Gotu kola,Centella asiatica, centella, brahmi, Hydrocotyle, Indian pennywort, Luei gong gen, marsh pennywortLegal status: Legal in most states (United States)Suggested dose: May vary according to the part of the plant, dosage form, and medical conditionSafety considerations:Not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or with children. Gotu kola may also interact with some prescription medications, herbs, and supplements.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Gotu Kola?
Though side effects are rare, they are possible with long-term use and high doses. So, overdoses with gotu kola might be similar to its common or severe side effects—but exaggerated or excessive.
If you think you’re experiencing an overdose or life-threatening symptoms, get medical help immediately.
Use caution when taking gotu kola with the following medications:
It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Gotu Kola
Because storage instructions may vary for different natural products, carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container. But in general, keep your medications tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet. Try to store your medicines in a cool and dry place.Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to dispose of your medications or supplements.
Some of gotu kola’s potential uses may include brain-related effects (e.g., mood and memory), wound healing (e.g., burns), and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Other supplements that may have similar effects include:
Grape seed extract:People may usegrape seed extractfor several different reasons, includingCVI.Symptoms may include swelling as blood pools in the legs or ulcers.Moderate amounts of grape seed extract are generally safe and well tolerated for up to 11 months of use.Like gotu kola, little information about the effects and safety of grape seed extract while pregnant or breastfeeding is available.
St. John’s wort:People may use St. John’s wort for various reasons, including brain-related effects (e.g., mood and memory) and wound healing.St. John’s wort is generally safe for up to 12 weeks. However, it can interact with numerous medications.It also has side effects, some of which are similar to those of gotu kola.For example, St. John’s wort may cause dizziness, headaches, and digestive system-related effects (e.g., nausea, stomach upset, etc.). But St. John’s wort is likely unsafe while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Don’t take these supplements together or with gotu kola until you talk with your healthcare provider. They can help prevent possible interactions and side effects. They can also ensure you’re giving these supplements a good trial at appropriate doses.
Can ashwagandha and gotu kola be taken together?Although no adverse effects have been reported for taking ashwagandha and gotu kola together, always talk with your healthcare provider before adding supplements to determine if it is safe for you.
Can ashwagandha and gotu kola be taken together?
Although no adverse effects have been reported for taking ashwagandha and gotu kola together, always talk with your healthcare provider before adding supplements to determine if it is safe for you.
Sources of Gotu Kola and What to Look For
There are several different sources of gotu kola.
Food Sources of Gotu Kola
Gotu kola is naturally available as a plant from the parsley family.Gotu kola juice can be added to milk. This plant can also be cooked in fat (e.g., butter).
Gotu Kola Supplements
Gotu kola is available in several forms, including capsules and tablets. If you have difficulties swallowing pills, gotu kola might also be available in liquid and powder dosage forms.Gotu kola is also available in topical products, such as ointments. There are also vegetarian options.
Your specific product will depend on your preference and what you hope to get regarding effects. Each product may work a bit differently, depending on the form. So, following your healthcare provider’s recommendations or label directions is essential.
Summary
Gotu kola is a plant from the parsley family. This plant may have some potential brain-related effects—like improving mood, but results are mixed regarding gotu kola’s effects on cognition (e.g., memory, etc.). Gotu kola may also relieve swelling symptoms in people with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). But this plant has mixed results regarding the healing of ulcers or burns.
Though side effects from gotu kola are rare, they are still possible—especially at high doses and prolonged use. There are also several potential interactions to consider. More high-quality research with extensive and well-designed clinical trials is still necessary to study gotu kola’s effectiveness and safety. Before taking gotu kola, reach out to your pharmacist or healthcare provider to help you safely achieve your health goals.
19 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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