Home Ingredients Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
CognitiveHair, Skin & NailsCardiovascular

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

Centella asiatica
Evidence Level
Moderate
2 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Gotu kola is a small herbaceous plant native to Asia and Africa — used in Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Indonesian healing systems for over 2,000 years for wound healing, cognitive support, and longevity. Distinguished by triterpene saponins (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid) which support collagen synthesis, microcirculation, and have neuroprotective effects. Modern uses include chronic venous insufficiency, scar healing, anxiety, and cognitive function.

Studied Dose 60-120 mg/day standardized extract (~30% total triterpenes); whole herb 1-2 g/day; topical 1-2% TECA cream/gel.
Active Compound Asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid (TECA — Total Triterpenic Fraction of Centella Asiatica).

Benefits

Wound Healing and Scar Improvement (Topical Use, Not Oral)

TECA (Total Triterpenic Fraction of Centella Asiatica) has well-established wound healing effects. This is a topical use: creams and gels are applied to the skin, not swallowed. Trials of topical TECA show improved wound healing and reduced scarring. These skin-applied results do not transfer to an oral capsule.

Supported by Trial 1

Venous Circulation and Leg Oedema Support

Multiple European trials show gotu kola extract (TECA, Centellase®) improves CVI symptoms — leg heaviness, edema, capillary fragility. Mechanism: collagen synthesis support, microcirculation improvement.

Supported by Trial 1

Anxiety and Cognitive Support

A single 12 g oral dose lowered the acoustic startle response (an anxiety marker) in healthy volunteers, not in people diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. A separate 2 month trial in 28 healthy older adults found better working memory only at the highest dose (750 mg/day), with modest mood gains. Both trials are small, so the anxiety and cognition evidence is preliminary.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Skin Healing Support (Topical Use, Not Oral)

This evidence is from TECA applied to the skin, not from oral supplements. Topical products are used to support healing of damaged skin and appear in some scar-care products. Swallowed capsules have not been shown to do this.

Supported by Trial 1

Stretch Mark Support (Topical Creams, Not Oral)

Centella creams are applied to the skin during and after pregnancy for stretch marks. A trial of the topical cream showed fewer stretch marks. This is a skin-applied result, not an outcome from swallowing gotu kola.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

Collagen Synthesis Stimulation

Triterpenes (especially asiaticoside, madecassoside) stimulate fibroblast proliferation and collagen type I and III synthesis. Foundational mechanism for wound healing, scar improvement, and connective tissue applications.

2

Microcirculation Enhancement

Improves capillary integrity and microcirculation — basis for venous insufficiency and capillary fragility applications.

3

GABA Modulation (Anxiolytic)

Some triterpenes modulate GABA-A receptors — basis for anxiolytic effects. Modest activity.

4

Neurotrophic Effects (BDNF)

Animal studies show centella increases BDNF and neurogenesis — basis for cognitive applications. Mechanism for theoretical anti-aging brain effects.

5

Antioxidant / Anti-Inflammatory

Direct antioxidant activity plus anti-inflammatory effects via NF-κB modulation. Contributes to multiple applications.

Clinical trials

1
Gotu Kola TECA for Chronic Venous Insufficiency — Multiple Trials
PubMed

Multiple European clinical trials of TECA (60-120 mg/day) for chronic venous insufficiency.

CVI patients across multiple trials.

Significant improvements in symptoms (leg heaviness, edema, pain) and microcirculation parameters. Small oral TECA trials show reduced leg oedema and improved microcirculation; the independent 2020 Cochrane review rates the phlebotonic class effect on swelling as only slight.

2
Gotu Kola for Anxiety
PubMed

Single-dose clinical trial of gotu kola (12 g dried plant) vs placebo on acoustic startle response in healthy subjects.

40 healthy subjects.

Significantly attenuated startle response (anxiolytic biomarker) vs placebo. Suggested anxiolytic effects without sedation. Single-dose; limited generalizability.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated.
Mild GI distress.
Headache rare.
Drowsiness at higher doses.
Skin reactions / contact dermatitis rare (topical use).
Rare liver enzyme elevations — case reports of hepatotoxicity with gotu kola supplementation, particularly in pre-existing liver disease; uncommon but warrants caution.
Photosensitivity rare.

Important Drug interactions

Sedatives, sleep aids, benzodiazepines — additive sedation at higher doses.
Diabetes medications — modest hypoglycemic effects.
Statins — theoretical hepatic interactions; monitor liver enzymes if combining.
Hepatotoxic medications — additive hepatotoxicity risk; avoid combination in those with elevated liver enzymes.
Anticoagulants — minimal interaction.
Pregnancy — gotu kola topical widely used in pregnancy for stretch marks; oral supplementation has limited safety data; avoid concentrated oral extracts in pregnancy.

More Cognitive Ingredients

Cognitive
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin commonly supplemented as…
Cognitive
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb from Ayurvedic tradition, widely u…
Cognitive
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin essential for amino acid metabolism, ne…
Cognitive
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) is a cornerstone herb in Ayurvedic medicine with over 3,000 years…

Explore Other Ingredients

Hair, Skin & Nails
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, primarily found in connect…
Immune Support
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble essential nutrient that humans cannot synth…
Bone Health
Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the human body — making up roughly 30%…

Frequently asked questions about Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

What is gotu kola used for?

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a traditional herb used for skin and wound healing, vein and circulation support, and calm cognitive function. It is popular in both Ayurvedic and skincare contexts.

What is gotu kola good for?

It is studied for supporting collagen and wound healing, easing symptoms of venous insufficiency (heavy, swollen legs), and supporting a calm mind and cognition. Its triterpene compounds drive these uses, and it is popular in skincare for scars and firmness.

How much gotu kola should I take?

Studies commonly use about 60 to 180 mg per day of a standardized extract, or larger amounts of dried herb as tea; follow product labeling. Give vein or skin goals several weeks.

Is gotu kola safe?

It is generally well tolerated; high doses may cause drowsiness or, rarely, liver effects, so do not overuse it. Pregnant women should avoid it, and those with liver conditions should check with a doctor.

What is Gotu Kola?

Gotu kola is a small herbaceous plant native to Asia and Africa — used in Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Indonesian healing systems for over 2,000 years for wound healing, cognitive support, and longevity.

What is the recommended dosage of Gotu Kola?

The clinically studied dose is 60-120 mg/day standardized extract (~30% total triterpenes); whole herb 1-2 g/day; topical 1-2% TECA cream/gel. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Gotu Kola safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Gotu Kola is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated. Mild GI distress. It may also interact with some medications. Gotu Kola is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Gotu Kola interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Sedatives, sleep aids, benzodiazepines — additive sedation at higher doses. Diabetes medications — modest hypoglycemic effects. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Gotu Kola?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Gotu Kola as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 2 clinical trials and 5 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(5 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Martinez-Zapata MJ, Vernooij RW, Simancas-Racines D, et al. Phlebotonics for venous insufficiency. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020;11(11):CD003229..PubMedUsed to support: A Cochrane review of oral phlebotonics found the class probably reduces leg swelling slightly (moderate-certainty evidence) but probably makes little or no difference to quality of life, and does not improve ulcer healing. Only two small Centella asiatica trials were included, so gotu-kola-specific effects remain uncertain, and phlebotonics slightly increased adverse events versus placebo.
  2. Bradwejn 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;20(6):680-4. doi: 10.1097/00004714-200012000-00015.PubMedUsed to support: A single 12 g oral dose of gotu kola reduced the peak acoustic startle response versus placebo in 40 healthy adults (20 per group) at 30 and 60 minutes, with no effect on mood, heart rate or blood pressure. This is a single-dose anxiety-marker study in healthy people, not a test of treating an anxiety disorder.
  3. De Sanctis MT, Belcaro G, Incandela L, Cesarone MR, Griffin M, Ippolito E, Cacchio M. 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 Suppl 2:S55-9..PubMedUsed to support: In a randomized, placebo-controlled dose-ranging trial, 4 weeks of oral total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica (90 or 180 mg/day) reduced capillary filtration rate, ankle circumference and ankle edema in patients with venous hypertension, with the higher dose more effective; placebo showed no change. A small trial from a single research group.
  4. Wattanathorn J, Mator L, Muchimapura S, Tongun T, Pasuriwong O, Piyawatkul N, Yimtae K, Sripanidkulchai B, Singkhoraard J. Positive modulation of cognition and mood in the healthy elderly volunteer following the administration of Centella asiatica. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008;116(2):325-32. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2007.11.038.PubMedUsed to support: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 28 healthy older adults took oral Centella asiatica extract (250, 500 or 750 mg/day) for 2 months; only the 750 mg/day dose improved working memory, alongside modest self-rated mood gains. A small early-stage cognition trial.
  5. Hur N, Seo Y, Bae J, Kim YJ, Kim EJ, Choi YJ. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Assessing the Effects of Oral Centella asiatica Extract on Skin Aging-Related Parameters in Middle-Aged Korean Women. Nutrients. 2026;18(10):1505. doi: 10.3390/nu18101505.PubMedUsed to support: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 112 middle-aged women took 200 mg/day of oral Centella asiatica extract for 12 weeks; wrinkle depth measures fell about 11 to 14 percent while placebo changed little, and skin elasticity and brightness improved slightly. This is an industry-affiliated oral skin-aging trial; most gotu kola skin evidence is still topical.