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Limited evidenceJoints & skin

Gotu Kola

The "brain tonic" claims do not survive meta-analysis, which found no benefit in any cognitive domain. The better (though still weak) evidence is for chronic venous insufficiency, and there are credible case reports of drug-induced liver injury.

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What the science says

  • Cognitive function Limited evidence

    A meta-analysis of 11 RCTs (5 of Centella alone, 6 of Centella-containing products) found no significant difference from placebo in any cognitive domain. The only positive pooled findings were short-term mood effects one hour after dosing: increased alertness (SMD 0.71, 95% CI 0.01-1.41) and decreased anger (SMD -0.81, 95% CI -1.51 to -0.09).

  • Chronic venous insufficiency Limited evidence

    A systematic review of 8 studies found that titrated Centella extract significantly improved microcirculatory parameters, including transcutaneous pO2/pCO2, rate of ankle swelling and venoarteriolar response, with reported relief of leg heaviness, pain and oedema. Most trials were old, small and inadequately reported, giving unclear risk of bias.

  • Wound healing and scars Limited evidence

    Asiaticoside and madecassoside have well-described effects on collagen synthesis in cell and animal models, and topical Centella preparations are widely used for scars and striae. Controlled human trials are few, small and mostly of topical rather than oral use.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseVenous insufficiency trials used 60-180 mg/day of titrated extract of Centella asiatica (TTFCA/TECA, standardized to roughly 40% asiaticoside). Cognitive and mood studies used 250-750 mg/day of dried leaf extract. Traditional dosing is 1-4 g/day of dried herb; European guidance suggests limiting continuous oral use to about 6 weeks.
SafetyCommon effects are mild: nausea, headache and drowsiness. The notable risk is hepatotoxicity, with multiple published case reports of cholestatic or hepatocellular hepatitis after weeks to months of oral gotu kola, resolving on withdrawal and in some cases recurring on rechallenge. Several European regulators advise limiting continuous courses to around 6 weeks and avoiding it in liver disease or alongside hepatotoxic drugs. Topical use can cause contact dermatitis. It may add to sedatives and, theoretically, to hypoglycaemic and lipid-lowering drugs. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How to take it

TimingTiming does not matter.
With food?Take it with food to reduce nausea.
Worth knowingKeep courses to about six weeks - the published liver injury cases cluster around continuous use over weeks to months.

Interactions

With medications

  • methotrexate, high-dose paracetamol, isoniazid and other hepatotoxic drugs

    Gotu kola has caused cholestatic and hepatocellular hepatitis on its own, and the risk stacks. do not combine

  • benzodiazepines, Z-drugs and other sedatives

    Additive drowsiness. avoid driving until you know how it affects you

With other supplements

  • kava, high-dose green tea extract and other liver-risk supplements

    Additive hepatotoxicity risk from herbs each independently implicated in liver injury. do not stack them

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does gotu kola improve memory or brain function?

No: a meta-analysis of 11 randomised trials found gotu kola no better than placebo in any cognitive domain. The only positive pooled findings were short-term mood effects one hour after dosing.

Does gotu kola help varicose veins or poor circulation?

Limited evidence from 8 mostly old, small studies suggests titrated gotu kola extract improves microcirculation and eases leg heaviness, pain and swelling in chronic venous insufficiency. Trials used 60-180 mg/day of extract.

Is gotu kola safe for the liver?

Gotu kola has multiple case reports of hepatitis after weeks to months of oral use, resolving on withdrawal. Keep courses to about six weeks, avoid it with liver disease, and do not combine it with hepatotoxic drugs or other liver-risk herbs such as kava.

Scientific references

Where to buy

NOW Foods, Gotu Kola, 450 mg, 100 Veg Capsules

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