GOTU KOLA
Centella asiatica
COMMON NAMES: Asiatic pennywort, Indian pennywort
PARTS USED: Leaves
Gotu Kola a member of the parsley family, has been used for thousands of years in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines. It is native to the warmer regions of both hemispheres, especially abundant in the swampy areas of India and Sri Lanka, parts of Africa, and in the tropical regions of the New World. Gotu Kola has no known toxicity. It is a rich source of vitamin K, and also contains magnesium, calcium and other nutritional properties.
Gotu Kola has a calming effect on the body and is chiefly used to support the central nervous system. It helps to alleviate fatigue and reduce the effects of depression and insomnia. Today, it is primarily used as a brain and nerve strengthening tonic to help improve memory and mental and physical stamina. In clinical studies from India, this herb increased the IQ, mental ability, and behavioral habits of mentally retarded children and in other studies, it has also been shown to improve Alzheimer's symptoms. Gotu Kola can be used to increase brain function, improve concentra tion, learning skills and memory retention capabilities. This herb is the main plant eaten by elephants. That is why it is said that elephants never forget. In Chinese medicine, it is known as the longevity plant for its remarkable rejuvenating qualities and that it will increase the vitality of an 80 year-old person to that of a 40 year-old.
Gotu Kola, a traditional blood purifier, tonic and diuretic, is commonly used for diseases of the skin, blood and to relieve symptoms related to colds and respiratory problems including congestion, fevers and sore throats. Gotu Kola has a positive effect on circulation, improving the flow of blood throughout the body and strengthening the veins and capillaries. It may also be used to support the heart by lowering high blood pressure, promote healthy liver and kidney functions, and to relieve symptoms of neuritis and rheumatism. Antibiotic properties found in Gotu Kola support the immune system and are especially beneficial in treating a variety of skin problems. Gotu Kola contains asiaticoside-an antibiotic-which is used in the Far East to treat leprosy, syphilis, psoriasis, cervicitis, vaginitis and blisters. The tannin in Gotu Kola may potentiate the antibiotic activity of Echinacea. The tannin in tea, made from the herb, may be inactivated by the addition of milk or cream.
The primary active constituents of Gotu Kola are saponins (also called triterpenoids), which include asiaticoside, madecassoside and madasiatic acid. 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 the promotion of wound healing. Clinical trial have shown that Gotu Kola can improve healing of infected burns and wounds, help those with chronic venous insufficiency and prevent and treat enlarged scars (keloids).