gotu kola

Botanical name
Centella asiatica
Parts used and where grown
This plant grows in a widespread distribution in tropical, swampy areas, including parts of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and South Africa. It also grows in Eastern Europe. The roots and leaves are used medicinally.
Gotu kola has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Science Ratings - Health Concerns
** - Chronic venous insufficiency
** - Skin ulcers (topical and by intramuscular injection)
** - Wound healing
* - Burns (minor)
* - Scars
* - Scleroderma
* - Varicose veins
*** - Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
** - Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
* - For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Gotu kola has been important in the medicinal systems of central Asia for centuries. In Sri Lanka, it was purported to prolong life, as the leaves are commonly eaten by elephants. Numerous skin diseases, ranging from poorly healing wounds to leprosy, have been treated with gotu kola. Gotu kola also has a historical reputation for boosting mental activity and for helping a variety of illnesses, such as high blood pressure, rheumatism, fever, and nervous disorders. Some of its common applications in Ayurvedic medicine include heart disease, water retention, hoarseness, bronchitis, and coughs in children, and as a poultice for many skin conditions.1
Active constituents
The primary active constituents of gotu kola are saponins (also called triterpenoids), which include asiaticoside, madecassoside and madasiatic acid.2 These saponins may prevent excessive scar formation by inhibiting the production of collagen (the material that makes up connective tissue) at the wound site. These constituents are also associated with promoting wound healing. One preliminary trial in humans found that a gotu kola extract improved healing of infected wounds (unless the infection had reached bone).3 Additionally, a review of French studies suggests that topical gotu kola can improve healing of burns and wounds.4 Clinical trials have also shown it can help those with chronic venous insufficiency5 6 Another trial found gotu kola extract helpful for preventing and treating enlarged scars (keloids).7
How much is usually taken?
Dried gotu kola leaf can be made into a tea by adding 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 grams) to about 2/3 cup (150 ml) of boiling water and allowing it to steep for ten to fifteen minutes. Three cups (750 ml) are usually suggested per day. Fluid extract (1/2–1 teaspoon (3–5 ml) per day) or a tincture (2–4 teaspoons (10–20 ml) per day) are sometimes recommended. Standardized extracts containing up to 100% total saponins (triterpenoids), 60 mg once or twice per day, are frequently used in modern herbal medicine.8
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Except for the rare person who is allergic to gotu kola, no significant adverse effects are experienced with internal or topical use of this herb.9
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with gotu kola.
Source: www.cncahealth.com