Centella asiatica
Triterpenoid-rich herb that enhances collagen synthesis, supports neuroprotection, and reduces anxiety — unrelated to kola nut.
Gotu kola is a swamp plant used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Known as 'the herb of longevity,' it's been used to enhance memory, reduce anxiety, and support skin healing. Contains triterpenoids that support collagen synthesis and may have neuroprotective effects. Often confused with (but unrelated to) kola nut.
Supports brain cell health and function
May enhance calming GABA signaling
Supports wound healing and skin health
How Gotu Kola works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
500-1000mg extract (or 1-2g dried herb)
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Standardized extract (triterpene content) | Recommended |
| 💊Dried herb | Alternative |
| 💧Tincture | Alternative |
| 🍵Tea | Alternative |
Extracts standardized to triterpene content (asiaticoside, madecassoside) are more consistent.
Minimum: 4 weeks
Optimal: 8 weeks
Cycling: Traditional Ayurvedic use suggests cycling. Try 6-8 weeks on, 2 weeks off.
Note: Can be taken any time. Some prefer morning for cognitive effects. Does not contain caffeine despite name similarity to kola nut.
Improved memory and mental clarity
Calming effects without drowsiness
May support wound healing and collagen
Avoid — may affect pregnancy
Avoid due to rare hepatotoxicity reports
May have additive calming effects
Rare liver toxicity reported; avoid combining
May affect blood sugar
Tip: Reduce dose
Tip: Take with food
Tip: Take in evening if problematic
Tip: Discontinue; cycle usage
Top studies from 12+ peer-reviewed papers
Meetam T et al. • Journal of evidence-based integrative medicine (2024)
“More robust and well-designed clinical trials with large-scale and prolonged follow-up durations are required to clarify the benefits and risks of these agents.”
Kushwah S et al. • Current neuropharmacology (2023)
“The main objective of this research is to provide a systematic review of herbal drugs that are easily accessible and effective for the treatment of AD.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.”
Gregory J et al. • Biomolecules (2021)
“It is hoped that these medicinal plants can be used in drug discovery programs for identifying safe and efficacious small molecules for AD.”
Roe AL et al. • Current neuropharmacology (2021)
“Data gaps are highlighted for both efficacy and safety to bring attention to unmet needs and future research.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.”
Chandrika UG et al. • Advances in food and nutrition research (2015)
“However, detailed scientific approaches on clinical trials regarding health benefits and nutritional values of C. asiatica are limited, hindering the perception of its benefits, mechanisms, and tox...”
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