Gotu Kola: Benefits, Dosing, Where To Buy, And More!

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Key Information

Gotu Kola improves cognitive function and mood:

Gotu Kola enhances memory, learning, and attention span. It also acts as an antidepressant and anxiolytic by balancing brain chemicals.

Gotu Kola protects against neurodegenerative diseases:

Gotu Kola prevents the accumulation of toxic plaques, increases blood flow, and boosts antioxidant activity in the brain. It may help with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy.

Gotu Kola benefits skin health and wound healing:

Gotu Kola stimulates collagen synthesis and reduces inflammation in the skin. It may help with stretch marks, psoriasis, and skin aging.

Gotu Kola has other potential health benefits:

Gotu Kola may improve digestion, sleep quality, and venous insufficiency. It may also have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.

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Hey there. Welcome to my review of Gotu Kola!

Gotu Kola is a natural compound used as a nootropic for hundreds of years in traditional medicine.

As someone interested in natural cognitive enhancement, gotu kola is one of those nootropics with many upsides and few downsides.

The clinical evidence shows that Gotu Kola delivers mood boosts, improved focus, memory and learning enhancement, sleep improvements, and even skin benefits.

To learn more about this ancient cognitive enhancer, I spent over 15 hours combing through the research and testing different products, and have summarized everything I’ve found in the article below.

So if you’re ready to discover the wonders of Gotu Kola let’s jump into it!

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Where To Buy Gotu Kola

Ancient Healing Nootropic

Gotu Kola

4.5
  • Gotu Kola is an herbal nootropic w. traditional use in ayurvedic and Chinese medicines

  • Traditionally prized for its sedative effects

  • Proven cognitive enhancement effects in human and animal trials

  • Cognitive Benefits include – Memory/Learning enhancement, mood, neuroprotection

  • Best use for Depression/Anxiety, Brain aging

Gotu Kola, also known as Centella asiatica, is an herb commonly used in traditional medicine practices. It has been reported to have a wide range of potential health benefits due to its high content of bioactive compounds, including triterpenoids and flavonoids. Some of the reported benefits of Gotu Kola include improved cognitive function, reduced anxiety and stress, enhanced wound healing, and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, some studies suggest that Gotu Kola may have antioxidant properties and could potentially protect against chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of Gotu Kola and its mechanisms of action.


Gotu Kola – An Overview

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Gotu Kola is also known as “Indian pennywort”

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is a powerful medicinal herb that is widely used in traditional eastern medicine. It is used for:

  • Neuroprotection
  • Raising mood and fighting depression/anxiety
  • Improving sleep
  • Skincare and wound healing
  • Anti-epilepsy

It is a perennial plant native to the wetlands of Asia and is not to be confused with the kola nut.

It has been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, and in China, it is considered one of the “miracle elixirs of life”.

The famous Chinese herbalist Li Ching Yuen claimed that Gotu kola helped him live an incredibly long life (197 or 256 years old, depending on which records you believe)

While you might not quite see those results yourself, it is evident that Gotu kola does have some beneficial therapeutic properties.

And you don’t have to take the work of ancient traditions, either. Research has started to back up these claims.1Howes MJ, Houghton PJ. Plants used in Chinese and Indian traditional medicine for improvement of memory and cognitive function Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2003

Gotu kola has recently gained attention in the West for its anti-anxiety and nootropic effects.

It’s also used for treating a variety of skin conditions, as well as illnesses like fever, and gastrointestinal problems.2Brinkhaus B, Lindner M, Schuppan D, Hahn EG. Chemical, pharmacological and clinical profile of the East Asian medical plant Centella asiatica Phytomedicine. 20003Howes MJ, Houghton PJ. Plants used in Chinese and Indian traditional medicine for improvement of memory and cognitive function Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2003

What Does Gotu Kola Do?

Gotu Kola For Memory and Learning

Gotu kola is known to re-vitalize the brain and nervous system, increase attention span and combat aging.

This could have an effect on cognition in healthy people.4Brinkhaus B, et al. Chemical, pharmacological and clinical profile of the East Asian medical plant Centella asiatica Phytomedicine. 2000

Giving Gotu extract to healthy test subjects for 2 months positively influenced overall cognitive performance in all of the subjects studied.5Sushma Tiwari, et al. EFFECT OF CENTELLA ASIATICA ON MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT(MCI) AND OTHER COMMON AGE-RELATED CLINICAL PROBLEMS Digest Journal of Nanomaterials and Biostructures.2008

A 2008 clinical study of 60 elderly subjects with mild cognitive deficiency indicated that Gotu extract for 6 months led to a significant cognitive improvement.6Sushma Tiwari, et al. EFFECT OF CENTELLA ASIATICA ON MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT(MCI) AND OTHER COMMON AGE-RELATED CLINICAL PROBLEMS Digest Journal of Nanomaterials and Biostructures. 2008

In animal studies, Gotu kola improved memory in rats. Researchers suspected that this may be due to its effects on glutathione.

Increasing glutathione levels may improve memory according to some research.7Veerendra Kumar MH, Gupta YK. Effect of different extracts of Centella asiatica on cognition and markers of oxidative stress in rats J Ethnopharmacol. 20028Yabuki Y, Fukunaga K. Oral administration of glutathione improves memory deficits following transient brain ischemia by reducing brain oxidative stress Neuroscience. 2013

According to brain mapping studies, Gotu kola can influence neuronal morphology (neural pathways) and promote the higher brain function of young mice.9Rao SB, Chetana M, Uma Devi P. Centella asiatica treatment during postnatal period enhances learning and memory in mice Physiol Behav. 2005

Evidence For Antidepressant Therapy

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Gotu Kola has historically been considered a mood elevator

Gotu kola has been used for centuries as a mood elevator. And now, there’s clinical evidence to back it up.

This nootropic may act as an anti-depressant by balancing amino acid levels through its natural terpenes.10Chen Y, et al. Effect of total triterpenes from Centella asiatica on the depression behavior and concentration of amino acid in forced swimming mice Zhong Yao Cai. 2003

Terpenes are a class of naturally occurring organic compounds, which may have a variety of effects on the human body.

The antidepressant effect of triterpenes of Gotu kola may come from these terpenes increasing the contents of monoamines in the brain.

This could lead to an overall increase in neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin that regulate mood and emotion in a positive way.11Chen Y, et al. Effects of total triterpenes of Centella asiatica on the corticosterone levels in serum and contents of monoamine in depression rat brain Zhong Yao Cai. 2005

One study saw a favorable improvement in mood and other age-related conditions in subjects with mild cognitive impairment.12Sushma Tiwari, et al. EFFECT OF CENTELLA ASIATICA ON MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT(MCI) AND OTHER COMMON AGE-RELATED CLINICAL PROBLEMS Digest Journal of Nanomaterials and Biostructures. 2008

Gotu Kola And Anxiety

Gotu kola Shows promise as an anxiety treatment by binding to cholecystokinin (CCK) receptors.13Bradwejn J, Zhou Y, Koszycki D, Shlik J. 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

Research shows that CCK can have potent effects on modulating fear and anxiety circuitry and stress responsiveness.14Mallory E. Bowers, Dennis C. Choi, and Kerry J. Ressler. Neuropeptide Regulation of Fear and Anxiety: Implications of Cholecystokinin, Endogenous Opioids, and Neuropeptide Y, Physiol Behav. 2012

Gotu kola can also stimulate the enzyme decarboxylase, which has a big influence on brain GABA levels.

In fact, it may be able to raise levels of GABA by up to 40% in rats.

GABA is a major inhibitory transmitter, and increasing its transmission may have a big effect on stress and overall feelings of calm.15Awad R, et al. Effects of traditionally used anxiolytic botanicals on enzymes of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2007

In animals, Gotu Kola shows sedative properties, which could potentially make it an anxiolytic nootropic for humans as well.16Wijeweera P, et al. Evaluation of anxiolytic properties of Gotukola–(Centella asiatica) extracts and asiaticoside in rat behavioral modelsPhytomedicine. 2006

Evidence For Alzheimer’s Treatment

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Gotu kola may treat some of the symptoms associated with aging, such as onset of Alzheimer’s

Studies have shown Gotu kola to have a positive effect in the treatment of a condition called “venous insufficiency,” which can significantly increase the odds of forming Alzheimer’s Disease.

Venous insufficiency is a condition in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart.

This can cause a lack of oxygen in the brain, leading to neural degeneration over time.

This can increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s17Manju Liu, et al. Patterns of Chronic Venous Insufficiency in the Dural Sinuses and Extracranial Draining Veins and Their Relationship with White Matter Hyperintensities for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease J Vasc Surg. 2016

Venous insufficiency is also linked to conditions like transient monocular blindness, headaches, spontaneous intracranial hypertension, the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, and total transient amnesia.18Wiśniewski A, et al. The role of chronic venous insufficiency in the pathogenesis of brain diseases Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2013

There is also evidence that Gotu kola can inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), a key enzyme in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

AChE is the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine (ACh), which is a major neurotransmitter.

So, by inhibiting AChE, Gotu kola can increase the amount of ACh in the brain.

Researchers suspect that regulating ACh in the brain is a major factor in fending off the development of Alzheimer’s19Orhan, Gurdal; Orhan, Ilkay; Sener, Bilge. Recent Developments in Natural and Synthetic Drug Research for Alzheimer’s Disease. Letters in Drug Design & Discovery. 2006

Gotu kola may also prevent β-amyloid (beta-amyloid) plaques from forming

The buildup of these toxic plaques is heavily correlated with Alzheimer’s.

However, Gotu kola extract was shown to reduce levels of β-amyloid plaques in the hippocampus of mice.

Although there have not been any human studies on this phenomenon, this is a promising clue.20Dhanasekaran M, et al. Centella asiatica extract selectively decreases amyloid beta levels in hippocampus of Alzheimer’s disease animal model Phytother Res. 2009

Gotu kola has been shown to stimulate glutamic acid decarboxylase, an enzyme responsible for GABA metabolism by over 40%.21Awad R, et al. Effects of traditionally used anxiolytic botanicals on enzymes of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2007

Significant reductions in GABA levels have been described in severe cases of AD, which could be underlying the behavioral and psychological symptoms of AD.

So, stimulating GABA production, such as through Gotu kola supplements, may ease the symptoms of this disease.22Solas M, Puerta E, Ramirez MJ. Treatment Options in Alzheimer´s Disease: The GABA Story Curr Pharm Des. 2015

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s is a neurological disease characterized by signs of major oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage.

Current research suggests that Gotu kola’s neuroprotective effects treat some of the symptoms of this disease.

Gotu kola is a powerful antioxidant and can improve the symptoms brought on by oxidative stress.

A 2010 animal study looked at neurotoxicity in rats given Gotu extract versus rats given a placebo.

They then examined the rats for biomarkers of oxidative stress and found significantly lower signs of damage in the rats who took the extract.

They concluded that Gotu kola has a protective effect against mitochondrial damage associated with Parkinson’s.23Haleagrahara N, Ponnusamy K. Neuroprotective effect of Centella asiatica extract (CAE) on experimentally induced parkinsonism in aged Sprague-Dawley rats J Toxicol Sci. 2010

Parkinson’s disease is also associated with dopamine neurotoxicity.

This may be due to a compound called tyrosinase, which can oxidize and damage dopamine receptors. Gotu kola has been found to inhibit tyrosinase in humans.24Blum D, et al. Molecular pathways involved in the neurotoxicity of 6-OHDA, dopamine and MPTP: contribution to the apoptotic theory in Parkinson’s disease Prog Neurobiol. 200125Ilkay Erdogan Orhan. Centella asiatica (L.) Urban: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine with Neuroprotective Potential Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 201226Mahmud Tareq Hassan Khan. Molecular design of tyrosinase inhibitors: A critical review of promising novel inhibitors from synthetic origins Pure And Applied Chemistry. 2009

Another harmful compound associated with Parkinson’s is 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP).

MPTP converts to the neurotoxin MPP+, which can destroy dopaminergic neurons in the brain, leading to Parkinson’s.

In one animal study, Gotu kola exerted a neuroprotective effect against PD by reversing the neurotoxicity induced by this process.

By balancing dopamine levels increasing antioxidant activity, Gotu kola reversed Parkinson’s symptoms in rats.27Xu CL, et al. Asiaticoside: attenuation of neurotoxicity induced by MPTP in a rat model of Parkinsonism via maintaining redox balance and up-regulating the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2012

Anti-Epilepsy

Multiple studies suggest that Gotu kola may be able to decrease the damage caused by epilepsy and seizures, as well as improve recovery afterward.28Gupta YK, et al. Effect of Centella asiatica on pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling, cognition and oxidative stress in rats Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 200329MS Ganachari, eta al. Neuropharmacology of an Extract Derived from Centella asiatica Pharmaceutical Biology. 2004

Gotu Kola Benefits For Skin Care

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Gotu kola has been used for centuries as skincare

This herb can be useful in the treatment of skin diseases, especially in wound healing.

Research shows that it increases the collagen synthesis, while at the same time inhibiting the inflammatory phase of wound healing.30Bylka W. Centella asiatica in dermatology: an overview Phytother Res. 2014

Combined with Vitamin E and collagen, Gotu Kola was associated with fewer women developing stretch marks than in placebo.31GL Young, D Jewell . Creams for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy.(Review) The Cochrane Collaboration. 2005

Preliminary results suggest that Gotu Kola extracts could work as a topical anti-psoriatic agent.32Sampson JH, et al. In vitro keratinocyte antiproliferant effect of Centella asiatica extract and triterpenoid saponins Phytomedicine. 2001

Gotu Kola Shown To Help Digestion

Gotu Kola may improve digestion by improving the function of cholecystokinin (CCK), which in turn improves gallbladder function.33Bradwejn J, 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

Evidence For Sleep Improvement

There is some preliminary evidence that Gotu Kola can improve sleep quality and fight insomnia, at least in patients with cognitive impairment.

It remains to be seen how this effect may carry over into healthy people.34 EFFECT OF CENTELLA ASIATICA ON MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT(MCI) AND OTHER COMMON AGE-RELATED CLINICAL PROBLEMS Digest Journal of Nanomaterials and Biostructures. 2008

How Gotu Kola Works In The Brain

The primary therapeutic compounds of Gotu Kola are a class of organic compounds called triterpenoid saponins.

Researchers believe these organic compounds are responsible for most of this plant’s therapeutic effects.35Kashmira J. Gohil, et al. Pharmacological Review on Centella asiatica: A Potential Herbal Cure-all Indian J Pharm Sci. 2010

Two saponins in particular, asiatic and madecassic acids, are linked to positive effects on brain aging.

Current research considers these two saponins responsible for Gotu Kola’s ability to fight neurodegeneration and promote brain health.36Howes MJ, Houghton PJ. Plants used in Chinese and Indian traditional medicine for improvement of memory and cognitive function Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2003

Gotu kola isn’t just for preserving cognitive function; it can also improve it.

There are preliminary findings that suggest Gotu kola can have multiple nootropic effects.

This herb can decrease anxiety by influencing the GABA system, promoting a calm relaxed state.

It is also possible that it can influence the action of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin (aka the “feel good” chemicals) in the brain.

It may also increase the “brain-derived neurotrophic factor” (BDNF), which is crucial to establishing and strengthening connections in the brain.37Bradwejn J, Zhou Y, Koszycki D, Shlik J. 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

How Much Gotu Kola Should I Take?

Most human studies used approximately 600 mg of dried leaves or extract per day, divided into three doses.

Gotu Kola Potential Side Effects

At high doses, Gotu Kola may cause:

  • Headaches
  • Upset stomach
  • Photosensitivity
  • Drowsiness
  • Transient unconsciousness.

It is suspected that chronic treatment may prevent women from becoming pregnant by causing spontaneous abortion.

You should not take it if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.

Is Gotu Kola Bad For Your Liver

There is some evidence that extended use of Gotu kola may have adverse effects on the liver.

For this reason, using Gotu for more than 6 weeks at a time is not recommended. You should take a 2-week break before taking the herb again.

Gotu Kola Reddit Reviews

[su_quote cite=”u/FromThatOtherPlace” url=”https://amp.reddit.com/r/Nootropics/comments/6rbzji/thanks_gotu_kola/”]It’s the weirdest response to a supplement ever. Stuff I should not be remembering or even thinking about come into my head when using Gotu Kola. [/su_quote][su_quote cite=”MisterYouAreSoDumb” url=”https://amp.reddit.com/r/NootropicsDepot/comments/hyuezs/very_excited_about_gotu_kola/”]It’s a really cool one, not only for stress/sleep, but for skin health as well.[/su_quote][su_quote cite=”gammapanther” url=”https://amp.reddit.com/r/NootropicsDepot/comments/hyuezs/very_excited_about_gotu_kola/”]Gotu Kola is great. My blood pressure is amazing since taking it. Not sure if it’s because I’m less anxious or what.[/su_quote]

Gotu Kola Amazon Reviews

[su_quote cite=”Jacqueline” url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/reviews/B01G7UQMIA/ref=cm_cr_unknown?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=five_star&pageNumber=1″]I stumbled upon this supplement in an article. I bought it for its benefit on the skin and collagen synthesis. I’ve lost a lot of weight recently and hoped it would help with skin elasticity. I’ve been using it for 2 days now, one pill in the morning. I cannot emphasize enough how it has impact my mental clarity! I am mentally more sharp than usual and my memory is excellent! I can recall memories from years ago easily and even was able to completely remember a serial number from one short glance! This isn’t like me at all.. I’ve also seen an improvement in my skin and just two days. The pores in my face have seen to have greatly reduced in size and the redness in my face is gone. To note, I’ve been ingesting 44 grams of hydrolyzed collagen powder daily along with taking this product. I highly suggest doing so as it seems to expedite the results.[/su_quote][su_quote cite=”Country Belle” url=”https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/reviews/B01G7UQMIA/ref=cm_cr_unknown?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=five_star&pageNumber=1″]This helps me focus so much that hours go by before I realize it. Great, especially when I have to focus on something not so interesting to me.[/su_quote][su_quote cite=”Amazon Customer” url=”https://www.amazon.com/Gotu-Kola-Caps-Foods-Pack/dp/B000WSP5UK/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=gotu+kola&qid=1603448584&sprefix=gotu+kol&sr=8-6#aw-udpv3-customer-reviews_feature_div”]Amazing! I remember everything now. Have recommended it to everyone and they are all using it with fantastic results.[/su_quote]

Wrapping Up

Do you have questions about, supplementing with Gotu Kola? Do you have experience supplementing with Gotu Kola? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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References
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Author

Erik Abramowitz is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP), Naturopathic Doctoral student, health coach, and father. He is the primary content creator for HolisticNootropics.com and the host of the Holistic Nootropics Podcast.

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