Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola Gotu Kola

(Centella asiatica)

Gotu Kola is used for memory enhancement, psoriasis and support/modulation of connective tissue synthesis. Has also been supportive for venous insufficiency and wound healing. Claims for Gotu Kola also include uses as an antihypertensive, and anticancer agent, and an agent for varicose veins, chronic hepatic disorders, rheumatism, and mental fatigue. Topically, Gotu Kola is used for hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids (topical): Suguna, 1996, Tenni, 1988

Memory Enhancement: Newall, 1996

Psoriasis: Natarajan, 1973

Support/modulation of connective tissue synthesis:
Newall, 1996

Venous insufficiency: Cesarone, 1994, Pointel et al., 1987

Wound healing (topical): Suguna, 1996, Tenni, 1988

Standardized: 10% standardized extract containing Asiaticosides 10mg
1 capsule with water 2 x daily

Whole Herb: (Herb powder) 375mg
1 capsule with water 2 x daily

Pharmacology:

Gotu Kola reportedly stimulates synthesis of hyaluronidase and chondroitin sulfate in connective tissue and is also believed to have an effect on keratinization in areas of infection and to stimulate the reticuloendothelial system. Gotu Kola has also been reported to increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase while decreasing lipid peroxide levels. Topical Gotu Kola is claimed to improve tissue healing, particularly in the skin, connective tissue, lymph, and mucous membranes and also may stabilize connective tissue growth in scleroderma. Gotu Kola has been used to treat venous insufficiency, soft tissue inflammation and infection, and has been used as an adjunct for postsurgical wound healing.

Theoretical Cautions and Contraindications:

Use is contraindicated during pregnancy since some studies have shown it to be an emmenagogue and abortifacient. Large doses may be sedating and hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinery should be avoided. Use with caution in individuals taking sedative medications (e.g., anxiolytics, benzodiazepines) since effects may be additive with other CNS depressants. Topical administration may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. High doses of Gotu Kola may elevate cholesterol levels. A burning sensation may occur when the herb is applied topically.

Theoretical Interactions:

Sedative medications, anxiolytics. High doses of the herb may interfere with the actions of antidiabetic and cholesterol-lowering agents.

References:

Cesarone MR, Laurora G, De Santis MT, et al, "The Microcirculatory Activity of Centella asiatica in Venous Insufficiency. A Double-blind Study," Minerva Cardioangiol, 1994, 42(6): 299-304.

Natarajan S and Paily PP, "Effect of Topical Hydrocotyle asiatica in Psoriasis," Indian J Dermatol, 1973, 18(4): 82-5.

Newell CA, Anderson LA, and Phillipson JD, Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, London, England: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 170-2.

Pointel, J.P., et al. "Titrated Extract of Centella asiatica (TECA) in the Treatment of Venous Insufficiency of the Lower Limbs," Angiology 38:46-50, 1987.

Ramswamy AS, et al, "Pharmacological Studies of Centella asiatica" Indian J Med Res, 1970, 4:160-75

Suguna L, Sivakumar P, and Chandrakasan G, "Effects of Centella asiatica Extract on Dermal Wound Healing in Rats," Indian J Exp Biol, 1996, 34(12): 1208-11.

Tenni R, Zanaboni G, De Agostini MP, et al, "Effect of the Triterpenoid Fraction of Centella asiatica on Macromolecules of the Connective Matrix in Human Skin Fibroblast Cultures," Ital J Biochem, 1988, 37(2): 69-77

Short, R. (ed.), "Clinical Considerations for Specific Herb-Drug Interactions & Potential Adverse Effects of Herbs", Facts and Comparisons The Review of Natural Products, St. Louis (Mo), 1998 Dec; 1-8.

Fetrow, C.W., Avila, J. R., Complementary & Alternative Medicines, Springhouse, PA, 1999.

LaValle, J.B., Krinsky, D.L., Hawkins, E.B, et. al., Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide, Lexi-Comp, USA, 2000.

Gruenwald, J., Brendler, T., Jaenicke, C., PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Ed., Medical Economics Company, NJ, 2000.

Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS (eds.) The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Klein S, Rister RS, translators. Austin (TX): American Botanical Council; Boston (MA): Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Material herein is derived from journals, textbooks, news releases, reference guides, etc. Graham Development, Inc. cannot be held responsible for the validity of the information contained in any reference noted herein or for the misuse of information or any adverse effects by use of any stated materials presented. ©2000 Scientific Herbals-unauthorized reproduction of this document is prohibited.

Gotu Kola Standardized Herbal Supplement 11.99

Gotu Kola Herbal Supplement 375 mg 8.49

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