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 (containing total triterpenes ~30%); 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

TECA (Total Triterpenic Fraction of Centella Asiatica) has well-established wound healing effects. Multiple trials show topical application improves wound healing, reduces scar formation, treats keloids and hypertrophic scars. Arpaia 1990 and others established this as foundational application.

Supported by Trial 1

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Multiple European trials show gotu kola extract (TECA, Centellase®) improves CVI symptoms — leg heaviness, edema, capillary fragility. Pointel 1987 and trials established efficacy. Mechanism: collagen synthesis support, microcirculation improvement.

Supported by Trial 1

Anxiety and Cognitive Support

trial showed gotu kola attenuated startle response in anxiety disorders. trial showed cognitive improvements in elderly. Modest evidence for anxiolytic and cognitive effects; mechanism includes GABA modulation.

Supported by Trial 2

Burn Treatment / Skin Healing

Topical and oral TECA used for burn treatment, post-surgical healing. Reduces inflammation, supports tissue regeneration. Component of medical-grade scar treatment products.

Supported by Trial 1

Stretch Mark Prevention/Treatment

Centella-containing creams used during pregnancy and postpartum for stretch mark prevention. trial showed reduced stretch mark development with topical application. Modest but consistent evidence.

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

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. Established TECA as evidence-based CVI treatment in European phytomedicine.

2
Gotu Kola for Anxiety

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
Longvida® Optimized Curcumin (Verdure Sciences)
Longvida® is a patented curcumin extract developed by Verdure Sciences using SLCP™ (Solid…
Cognitive
CurQfen® (Curcumin-Fenugreek FenuMat — Akay Bioactives)
CurQfen® is a patented curcumin complex from Curcuma longa rhizomes formulated with FENUMA…
Cognitive
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb from Ayurvedic tradition, widely u…

Explore Other Ingredients

Antioxidant
Setria® Glutathione
Setria® is Kyowa Hakko's patented reduced L-glutathione (GSH) produced via fermentation —…
Cardiovascular
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an…
Antioxidant
Curcumin/Turmeric
Curcumin, the primary bioactive compound in turmeric (Curcuma longa), is commonly suppleme…

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 (containing total triterpenes ~30%); 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 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(1 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: Cochrane review of phlebotonics (including Centella asiatica/gotu kola) for chronic venous insufficiency.