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Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

Centella asiatica
Evidence Level
Moderate
2 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Gotu kola is a small herbaceous plant native to Asia and Africa — used in Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Indonesian healing systems for over 2,000 years for wound healing, cognitive support, and longevity. Distinguished by triterpene saponins (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid) which support collagen synthesis, microcirculation, and have neuroprotective effects. Modern uses include chronic venous insufficiency, scar healing, anxiety, and cognitive function.

Studied Dose 60-120 mg/day standardized extract (containing total triterpenes ~30%); whole herb 1-2 g/day; topical 1-2% TECA cream/gel
Active Compound Asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid (TECA — Total Triterpenic Fraction of Centella Asiatica)

Benefits

Wound Healing and Scar Improvement

TECA (Total Triterpenic Fraction of Centella Asiatica) has well-established wound healing effects. Multiple trials show topical application improves wound healing, reduces scar formation, treats keloids and hypertrophic scars. Arpaia 1990 and others established this as foundational application.

Supported by Trial 1

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Multiple European trials show gotu kola extract (TECA, Centellase®) improves CVI symptoms — leg heaviness, edema, capillary fragility. Pointel 1987 and trials established efficacy. Mechanism: collagen synthesis support, microcirculation improvement.

Supported by Trial 1

Anxiety and Cognitive Support

trial showed gotu kola attenuated startle response in anxiety disorders. trial showed cognitive improvements in elderly. Modest evidence for anxiolytic and cognitive effects; mechanism includes GABA modulation.

Supported by Trial 2

Burn Treatment / Skin Healing

Topical and oral TECA used for burn treatment, post-surgical healing. Reduces inflammation, supports tissue regeneration. Component of medical-grade scar treatment products.

Supported by Trial 1

Stretch Mark Prevention/Treatment

Centella-containing creams used during pregnancy and postpartum for stretch mark prevention. trial showed reduced stretch mark development with topical application. Modest but consistent evidence.

Mechanism of action

1

Collagen Synthesis Stimulation

Triterpenes (especially asiaticoside, madecassoside) stimulate fibroblast proliferation and collagen type I and III synthesis. Foundational mechanism for wound healing, scar improvement, and connective tissue applications.

2

Microcirculation Enhancement

Improves capillary integrity and microcirculation — basis for venous insufficiency and capillary fragility applications.

3

GABA Modulation (Anxiolytic)

Some triterpenes modulate GABA-A receptors — basis for anxiolytic effects. Modest activity.

4

Neurotrophic Effects (BDNF)

Animal studies show centella increases BDNF and neurogenesis — basis for cognitive applications. Mechanism for theoretical anti-aging brain effects.

5

Antioxidant / Anti-Inflammatory

Direct antioxidant activity plus anti-inflammatory effects via NF-κB modulation. Contributes to multiple applications.

Clinical trials

1
Gotu Kola TECA for Chronic Venous Insufficiency — Multiple Trials
PubMed

Multiple European RCTs of TECA (60-120 mg/day) for chronic venous insufficiency.

CVI patients across multiple trials.

Significant improvements in symptoms (leg heaviness, edema, pain) and microcirculation parameters. Established TECA as evidence-based CVI treatment in European phytomedicine.

2
Gotu Kola for Anxiety — Bradwejn 2000
PubMed

Single-dose RCT of gotu kola (12 g dried plant) vs placebo on acoustic startle response in healthy subjects.

40 healthy subjects.

Significantly attenuated startle response (anxiolytic biomarker) vs placebo. Suggested anxiolytic effects without sedation. Single-dose; limited generalizability.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated.
Mild GI distress.
Headache rare.
Drowsiness at higher doses.
Skin reactions / contact dermatitis rare (topical use).
RARE LIVER ENZYME ELEVATIONS — case reports of hepatotoxicity with gotu kola supplementation, particularly in pre-existing liver disease; uncommon but warrants caution.
Photosensitivity rare.

Important Drug interactions

Sedatives, sleep aids, benzodiazepines — additive sedation at higher doses.
Diabetes medications — modest hypoglycemic effects.
Statins — theoretical hepatic interactions; monitor liver enzymes if combining.
Hepatotoxic medications — additive hepatotoxicity risk; AVOID combination in those with elevated liver enzymes.
Anticoagulants — minimal interaction.
Pregnancy — gotu kola TOPICAL widely used in pregnancy for stretch marks; oral supplementation has limited safety data; AVOID concentrated oral extracts in pregnancy.

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Frequently asked questions about Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

What is Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)?

Gotu kola is a small herbaceous plant native to Asia and Africa — used in Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Indonesian healing systems for over 2,000 years for wound healing, cognitive support, and longevity.

What does Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) do?

Triterpenes (especially asiaticoside, madecassoside) stimulate fibroblast proliferation and collagen type I and III synthesis. Foundational mechanism for wound healing, scar improvement, and connective tissue applications. In clinical research, Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) has been studied for wound healing and scar improvement, chronic venous insufficiency, anxiety and cognitive support.

Who should take Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)?

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) may be most relevant for people interested in cognitive, hair, skin & nails, cardiovascular. It has been clinically studied for wound healing and scar improvement, chronic venous insufficiency, anxiety and cognitive support. As with any supplement, consult your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you have medical conditions or take prescription medications.

How long does Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) take to work?

Most clinical trial effects appear over weeks of consistent use; individual response varies. Acute or same-day effects (where applicable) typically appear within hours, but most cumulative benefits — particularly those affecting biomarkers, mood, sleep quality, or chronic symptoms — require 4-12 weeks of regular use to fully assess. If you don't notice benefit after 12 weeks at the appropriate dose, it may not be your responder.

When is the best time to take Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)?

For cognitive goals, Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is typically taken in the morning with breakfast for sustained daytime effects. Avoid late-day dosing if it affects your sleep. Always check product labeling and follow personalized guidance from your healthcare provider.

Is Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) worth taking?

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) has moderate clinical evidence (Evidence Level 3/5 on NutraSmarts) — meaningful trial support exists, though results are less consistent than top-tier ingredients. Whether it's worth taking depends on your specific goals, what you've already tried, your budget, and your overall supplement strategy. The honest framing: no supplement is essential for most people, and lifestyle factors (sleep, exercise, diet, stress management) typically produce larger effects than any single supplement. Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is most worth trying if its evidence-supported uses align with your specific goals.

What is the recommended dosage of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)?

The clinically studied dose for Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is 60-120 mg/day standardized extract (containing total triterpenes ~30%); whole herb 1-2 g/day; topical 1-2% TECA cream/gel. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) used for?

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is studied for wound healing and scar improvement, chronic venous insufficiency, anxiety and cognitive support. TECA (Total Triterpenic Fraction of Centella Asiatica) has well-established wound healing effects. Multiple trials show topical application improves wound healing, reduces scar formation, treats keloids and hypertrophic scars.