Introduction
Phytochemistry
Medicinal properties
Clinical evidence
Applications and dosage
Conclusions
References
Further reading
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a traditional medicinal herb with scientifically validated neuroprotective, wound-healing, and vascular benefits. Modern studies confirm that its potent triterpenoid and polyphenolic compounds support brain health, skin repair, and circulatory health.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica). Image Credit: Wassana Panapute / Shutterstock.com
Introduction
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica (L.) Urban), widely revered in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used for centuries as a brain tonic, wound-healer, and rejuvenating herb. Ancient Ayurvedic texts describe Gotu Kola as “Brahmi,” the herb of enlightenment, while TCM highlights its role in promoting longevity and mental clarity.
Ethnobotanically, Gotu Kola is native to tropical regions across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Malaysia, and is also cultivated in Africa and Madagascar. Modern research has confirmed Gotu Kola's neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, thereby bridging traditional wisdom with evidence-based medicine. This revival underscores a growing global shift toward plant-derived therapeutics rooted in traditional systems of medicine.1
Phytochemistry
Gotu Kola contains two dominant phytochemical families with clear relevance to brain and tissue health, which include pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins and phenolics. Pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins include asiaticoside and madecassoside, as well as their aglycones, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid.
Other minor triterpenoids identified include betulinic acid, thankunic acid, isothankunic acid, madasiatic acid, centellasapogenol A, and ursolic acid. Ursane/oleanane subtypes of these saponins, otherwise known as centelloids, are the most abundant triterpenes in Gotu Kola. Total saponins comprise up to 8% of the herb’s dry mass; however, these levels vary by chemotype and preparation.1,2
Gotu Kola is also rich in phenolics, particularly caffeoylquinic acids like chlorogenic acid and multiple dicaffeoylquinic acid isomers, as well as flavonoids like catechin, epicatechin, kaempferol, and quercetin.2
Gotu Kola extracts modulate signaling pathways involved in arborization and synaptogenesis by interacting with extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B (Akt). Research suggests that herbal extracts also exhibit neuroprotective activity through inhibition of phospholipase A2 (PLA₂), a key regulator of eicosanoid-driven inflammation and oxidative stress.2
Neurotropic effects have been attributed to both triterpenoids and caffeoylquinic acids, the latter of which have been shown to activate Nrf2-dependent antioxidant pathways in neuronal cells. In models exposed to amyloid-beta, Gotu Kola reduces reactive oxygen species, restores antioxidant enzyme activity, and normalizes mitochondrial function. Caffeoylquinic acids from Gotu Kola have also been shown to protect against amyloid-beta toxicity, reflecting the polyphenol's contribution to cognitive effects.2
Medicinal properties
Gotu Kola extracts increase fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis, and tensile strength, thereby accelerating epithelialization and wound contraction. Key triterpenes such as asiaticoside, madecassoside, and asiatic acid promote angiogenesis and antioxidant defenses in granulation tissue, reducing inflammation that would otherwise lead to hypertrophic scarring. In fact, triterpenoid-rich topical and oral preparations are clinically used to reduce scar prominence and improve wound appearance.3
Mechanistically, asiaticoside enhances hydroxyproline and tensile strength in wound tissue and promotes collagen fiber cross-linking, while madecassoside modulates inflammatory mediators during tissue remodeling.3
Gotu Kola exhibits anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and pro-cognitive effects in preclinical models. Various mechanisms may be involved in these properties, some of which include modulation of cholecystokinin receptors, normalization of corticosterone and monoamine neurotransmitters, and increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation through ERK and ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) signaling.2,3
In rodent models of Alzheimer’s disease, Gotu Kola extracts improve memory and oxidative stress, with asiaticoside and asiatic acid derivatives protective against beta-amyloid toxicity and glutamate excitotoxicity. Small clinical studies in older adults report improved mood and cognitive performance at higher standardized doses.3
Researchers have also observed antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of Gotu Kola treatment that is comparable to nonsteroidal therapeutics in vivo. Gotu Kola likely exerts these effects by suppressing inducible nitric oxide synthase, mitigating prostaglandin-mediated edema, and modulating the immune response via madecassoside in collagen-induced arthritis, thereby reducing inflammatory cell infiltration and joint destruction.3
Experimental evidence further shows hepatoprotective, antiulcer, and cardioprotective activities, suggesting systemic antioxidant benefits beyond the central nervous system (CNS) and skin.1,3
Randomized, placebo-controlled trials have reported dose-dependent reductions in capillary filtration, ankle edema, and ankle circumference, along with improvements in venous microangiopathy parameters following Gotu Kola treatment. Reduced levels of circulating endothelial cells and normalization of mucopolysaccharide-turnover enzymes suggest protection of the vascular intima and connective tissue matrix, with implications for varicose veins and post-phlebitic syndromes.3,4
Clinical evidence
Across eight randomized controlled trials using the TTFCA, patients with venous insufficiency experienced improvements in microcirculatory measures with higher transcutaneous partial pressure of oxygen (tcPO₂) and lower transcutaneous partial pressure of carbon dioxide (tcPCO₂). Superior venoarteriolar response and reductions in ankle swelling were also observed, alongside qualitative improvements in leg heaviness, pain, and edema; however, reporting quality varied, and some outcomes were not standardized. This meta-analysis concluded that although results were consistent across trials, most studies lacked clear randomization and blinding, warranting cautious interpretation.4
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults found that Gotu Kola reduced the acoustic startle response, consistent with an anxiolytic effect. In elderly volunteers, short-term supplementation improved mood and aspects of cognition; however, larger, longer-term clinical trials are needed.3
In venous insufficiency trials, Gotu Kola was generally well tolerated. Nevertheless, reported adverse events included minor stomach pain, nausea that occasionally required discontinuation, and a single report of neurological absence.4
Topical preparations have rarely caused allergic contact dermatitis, primarily due to madecassoside-containing creams such as Madecassol. Importantly, overall human toxicity data remain limited, necessitating longer, well-controlled studies.3,4
Applications and dosage
Gotu Kola is used to produce standardized extracts like TECA/TTFCA, capsules/tablets, teas/infusions, fluid extracts/tinctures, and topical creams/ointments. Topicals are often used to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, whereas oral extracts are being clinically studied for the management of chronic venous insufficiency, microcirculatory dysfunction, and age-related cognitive complaints.3,4
Venous disease trials commonly utilize standardized triterpenic extracts at 30–60 mg twice daily or 60 mg three times daily for up to eight weeks. Some studies have reported dose-dependent improvements with 120 mg/day TECA or 30–60 mg/day TTFCA.
Cognitive and mood studies in older adults have evaluated 250–750 mg/day for 2 months, with the greatest improvements observed with 750 mg/day. Traditional oral formulations include single-dose capsules (300–680 mg) taken three times daily, with a similar average dose of 600 mg/day for dry leaves.
To date, no serious drug interactions between Gotu Kola and other therapeutics have been documented. However, due to its mild sedative potential, caution is advised when co-administered with CNS depressants such as benzodiazepines or barbiturates.3
Conclusions
Gotu Kola consists of various triterpenoid saponins and antioxidant phenolics that support wound repair, vascular tone, and neurocognitive function. Early clinical trials have reported clinical benefits of Gotu Kola in the management of chronic venous insufficiency, with generally favorable safety profiles and mild side effects. Nevertheless, larger randomized clinical trials using standardized preparations must be conducted to confirm efficacy, establish dosing, and define safety in diverse populations and in routine care.1–4
References
- Orhan, I. E. (2012). Centella asiatica (L.) Urban: From traditional medicine to modern medicine with neuroprotective potential. Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. DOI:10.1155/2012/946259, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2012/946259
- Gray, N.E., Alcazar Magana, A., Lak, P., et al. (2018). Centella asiatica: phytochemistry and mechanisms of neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement. Phytochemistry Reviews 17(1): 161–194. DOI:10.1007/s11101-017-9528-y, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11101-017-9528-y
- Gohil, K. J., Patel, J. A., & Gajjar, A. K. (2010). Pharmacological review on Centella asiatica: a potential herbal cure-all. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 72(5): 546–556. DOI:10.4103/0250-474X.78519, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3116297/
- Chong, N. J., & Aziz, Z. (2013). A systematic review of the efficacy of Centella asiatica for improvement of the signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. DOI:10.1155/2013/627182, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2013/627182
Further Reading
Last Updated: Oct 27, 2025