Bottom Line: Gotu kola has not been shown to treat or prevent cancer.
Gotu kola is a plant extract that contains many biologically active compounds. Although this botanical has been studied extensively in the laboratory, very few studies have been conducted in humans. Laboratory studies have found a range of effects including improved wound healing, anti-inflammatory effects, and an ability to raise blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Studies in humans have suggested that gotu kola can decrease venous pressure in people with venous insufficiency and may be able to relieve anxiety.
To treat burns Laboratory data suggest that gotu kola aids in wound healing, but human data is lacking.
To lower high blood pressure No scientific evidence supports this use. Several clinical trials show that gotu kola can reduce venous hypertension in patients with chronic venous insufficiency, but there is no evidence that this herb can treat typical (arterial) high blood pressure.
To treat psoriasis Laboratory experiments suggest that gotu kola can reduce inflammation, but there is no proof from clinical trials that it can treat psoriasis.
For sedation One preliminary study in humans found that gotu kola can decrease people's "startle response."
To treat chronic venous insufficiency Several clinical trials support this use.
Anxiety: A group of researchers looked into the ability of gotu kola to reduce anxiety. They did this by measuring something called the acoustic startle response (ASR) in 40 volunteers. Half of the volunteers were randomly given a single 12 gram dose of gotu kola, and 20 were given a placebo pill, and their ASR was measured 30 and 60 minutes later. Volunteers who took gotu kola had a smaller ASR (meaning they were less easily startled than people in the placebo group). However, volunteers who took gotu kola did not report having a less anxious mood, so it is still unclear whether this botanical will be effective in reducing anxiety.
Chronic venous insufficiency: In a randomized, controlled trial, 94 patients with venous insufficiency were assigned to take either (1) 120 mg/day of gotu kola, (2) 60 mg/day of gotu kola, or (3) a placebo pill. After two months, people who were taking gotu kola, regardless of the dose, had an improvement in the symptoms of heaviness and edema (swelling) in their legs compared to people taking the placebo pill. In addition, people taking gotu kola had better venous tone than people taking the placebo.
Gotu kola should not be confused with kolanut. Gotu kola does not contain any caffeine and has not been shown to have stimulant properties.
Depending on where gotu kola is grown, the content of active compounds in this herb can vary widely. Products should have standardized content of the following compounds: asiaticoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and madecassoside.
This product is regulated by the F.D.A. as a dietary supplement. Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific standardized conditions. This product may not contain the labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or effectiveness.
You have diabetes and are taking hypoglycemic medication or insulin (in theory, gotu kola may interfere with blood glucose levels. Take with caution and ask your doctor).
You are taking medication to lower your cholesterol (In theory, gotu kola may interfere with these drugs. Ask your doctor).
Extracts from the leaf and the entire plant of gotu kola are used for a variety of conditions including venous insufficiency, varicose veins, wound healing, scleroderma, and scars. There is a significant amount of in vitro data, but few human studies. In vivo analysis indicates that madecassoside, an active component of gotu kola, may repress ischemia-reperfusion injury following myocardial infarction (4) as well as collagen II-induced arthritis (5). Topical application of gotu kola, specifically asiaticoside-containing fractions, enhanced burn wound healing (6). Furthermore, gotu kola may improve cognitive function and mood in the elderly (7). It is thought to act on connective tissue, increasing collagen formation and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and act as an anti-inflammatory. In addition, several studies demonstrate a reduction in lower extremity edema with gotu kola as compared to placebo for patients with chronic venous insufficiency (1)(2)(3). Possible adverse effects include headache, contact dermatitis, pruritus, and elevations in blood glucose. There are no known drug interactions, but gotu kola may theoretically interact with hypoglycemic agents.
The triterpenoids are considered to be the active constituents in gotu kola. They seem to be involved in wound healing and decreasing venous pressure in venous insufficiency. The glycoside madecassoside has anti-inflammatory properties, while asiaticoside appears to stimulate wound healing by stimulating collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis as well as promoting angiogenesis through growth factor and cytokine expression (6). The asiaticosides might also elevate blood glucose and cholesterol levels. There is preliminary evidence that gotu kola might be beneficial in Alzheimer's disease, act as a sedative, and have analgesic properties (9).
Gotu kola should not be confused with kolanut. Gotu kola does not contain any caffeine and has not been shown to have stimulant properties. There are wide variations in terpenoid concentrations depending on the location in which gotu kola is grown. Products should be standardized as to asiaticoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and madecassoside content.
Reported: Contact dermatitis, pruritus, photosensitization, and headache; reduced fertility may occur in women wishing to become pregnant. Toxicity: Hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and sedation have occurred following consumption of higher doses.
Hypoglycemics / Insulin: Theoretically gotu kola may interfere with blood glucose levels. Anti-hyperlipidemics: Theoretically gotu kola may interfere with cholesterol lowering agents.
Klovekorn W, et al. A randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, half-side comparison with a herbal ointment containing Mahonia aquifolium, Viola tricolor and Centella asiatica for the treatment of mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. Nov 2007;45(11):583-591. Because an ointment containing Centella asiatica, Mahonia aquifolium, and Viola tricolor has successfully been used to treat eczema in children, a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, half-side comparison study was undertaken to determine if it could also improve mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis in adults. Eighty-eight participants randomly applied the treatment ointment and the placebo control to either the left or right side of the body for 4 weeks (2 applications per day) after which erythema, edema, oozing, excoriation, and lichenification was assessed. No significant improvements were detected in the treatment group as compared to the control group; however, further analysis of patients living in colder climates (¡Ü 10¡ã C) detected a significant improvement in the treated areas. Because the ointment consists of a combination of herbs, further studies using each individual herb should be performed. Furthermore, studies using a parallel group design are required.
Wattanathorn J, et al. Positive modulation of cognition and mood in the healthy elderly volunteer following the administration of Centella asiatica. J Ethnopharmacol. Mar 5 2008;116(2):325-332. In this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, 28 participants (> 61 years of age) received either gotu kola extracts (250, 500, or 750 mg daily) or placebo in order to determine the effect of gotu kola on cognitive function and mood. After 2 months, cognitive function (as assessed by event-related potential and the computerized assessment battery test) and mood (using Bond-Lader visual analogue) was determined. The greatest improvements in mood and cognitive function were detected in those receiving the 750 mg dose of gotu kola. Further long-term studies will help determine the mechanism by which gotu kola influences age-related changes in mood and cognitive function.
