Benefits
Cognition and memory
In a randomized study in healthy older adults, Centella asiatica supported improvements in cognition, the basis for gotu kola's traditional brain-tonic use.
Mood support
The same research found positive effects on mood, supporting a calm, balanced mental state.
Circulatory and skin support
Gotu kola is also traditionally used to support healthy circulation and skin, linked to its triterpene compounds.
Mechanism of action
Triterpene neuroprotection
Gotu kola's asiaticoside and madecassoside support antioxidant defense and healthy nerve-cell signaling in the brain, a basis for its cognitive effects.
Microcirculation support
The triterpenes support healthy small-blood-vessel function and collagen, relevant to circulation and skin.
Clinical trials
Randomized study of Centella asiatica on cognition and mood in healthy elderly volunteers. (Wattanathorn et al. 2008, Journal of Ethnopharmacology)
Healthy elderly volunteers.
Centella asiatica positively modulated cognition and mood versus placebo.