Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)

• Description and origin

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.) is a climbing plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is indigenous to India and is known for its fan-shaped leaves and tiny white flowers¹. It grows in wet areas, on the banks of lakes and in tropical and subtropical climate regions².

• History

Gotu kola has traditionally been used in Asia for wounds, leprosy and psoriasis, for increase longevity, revitalise nerve cells and for depression. In Ayurvedic medicine, it has been used for thousands of years to improve memory and cognitive function and features in the classic ancient text: "Sushruta Samhita"³.

• Composition

The active principles of gotu kola are triterpene saponins, primarily asiaticoside. It also contains tannins, mucilages, essential oil, free amino acids, flavonoids and fatty acids⁴.

• Our extract

Extract name: Dry extract of gotu kola standardised to contain 20% triterpenes and 8% asiaticoside

Scientific name: Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.

Part used: Above-ground parts

• Benefits

The main uses of gotu kola extract are the relief of venous insufficiency, varicose veins, avoid the formation of keloids and hypertrophic scars, improving cognitive function and as an anxiolytic.

• Usage, dosage

One dose of our product (2 capsules) contains 40 mg of triterpenes and 16 mg of asiaticoside.

• Studies/research

Gotu kola is used in cases of venous insufficiency by strengthening the veins, maintaining balance in connective tissue and improving microcirculation³. Various studies have found gotu kola extract to improve microcirculation in cases of venous hypertension and venous hypertensive microangiopathy, and to reduce increased capillary filtration in patients with venous hypertension⁵. It is recommended in case of varicose veins and studies have found it to be effective in helping to avoid the occurrence of oedema and microcirculation problems that can occur during long flights⁶. Along with these properties, gotu kola extract has also been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to relieve arthritic pain⁷.