How much gotu kola should i take

Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott; Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Centella asiatica L Urb. Int J Mol Sci. Titrated extract of centella asiatica TECA in the treatment of venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Asiaticoside-induced elevation of antioxidant levels in healing wounds. Phytother Res. Neuronutrient impact of Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy in brain aging.

Emerging role of Centella asiatica in improving age-related neurological antioxidant status. Exp Gerontol. A review of the microcirculation in skin in patients with chronic venous insufficiency: the problem and the evidence available for therapeutic options. An in vitro investigation of herbs traditionally used for kidney and urinary system disorders: Potential therapeutic and toxic effects.

Nephrology Carlton. Text only. Reviewed By: Steven D. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Browse A-Z Search. Browse A-Z. E-mail Form. Gotu kola Brahmi; Centella; Centella asiatica; Hydrocotyle; Indian pennywort; Luei gong gen; Marsh pennywort Gotu kola Centella asiatica has been used to treat many conditions for thousands of years in India, China, and Indonesia.

Medicinal Uses and Indications Treatment Venous insufficiency and varicose veins When blood vessels lose their elasticity, blood pools in the legs and fluid leaks out of the blood vessels. Wound healing and skin lesions Gotu kola has chemicals called triterpenoids.

Anxiety These same chemicals, triterpenoids, seem to reduce anxiety and increase mental function in mice. Scleroderma A single study of 13 women with scleroderma found that gotu kola decreased joint pain and skin hardening, and improved finger movement.

Insomnia Gotu kola acts as a sedative when given to animals in tests. Dosage and Administration Gotu kola is available in teas and as dried herbs, tinctures, capsules, tablets, and ointments. Pediatric Gotu kola is not recommended for children under 18 years old. Adult The standard dose of gotu kola Centella asiatica is different depending on what kind you use and what you use it for.

Most studies have used standardized extracts: Dried herb: You can make a tea of the dried leaf, 3 times daily. According to a review , gotu kola can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. This may help prevent new stretch marks from forming, as well as help heal any existing marks. How to use: Apply a topical cream containing 1 percent gotu kola extract to the affected area several times per day.

Researchers in a study on rats found that wound dressing containing gotu kola had healing effects on multiple types of wounds. This includes clean cuts by sharp objects, irregular tears caused by blunt-force trauma, and infected tissue. How to use: Apply an ointment containing 1 percent gotu kola extract to the affected area several times per day. If your wound is deep or otherwise severe, see your doctor before use.

The anti-inflammatory properties of gotu kola may be useful in treating arthritis. In fact, one study on collagen-induced arthritis in rats found that oral administration of gotu kola reduced joint inflammation, cartilage erosion, and bone erosion. Its antioxidant effect also had a positive effect on the immune system. According to one animal study , gotu kola can be used to suppress the toxic side effects of the antibiotic isoniazid.

Isoniazid is used to treat and prevent tuberculosis. Rats were given mg of gotu kola for 30 days before they were given the antibiotic. These rats experienced less toxicity overall. Rats that did experience toxicity in the liver and kidneys resumed to near-normal levels after being given gotu kola. How to use: Take 30 to 60 drops of liquid gotu kola extract 3 times per day for up to 14 days at a time. Gotu kola is generally well tolerated. In some cases, it can cause headache, upset stomach, and dizziness.

Starting with a low dose and gradually working up to a full dose can help reduce your risk of side effects. You should only take gotu kola for two to six weeks at a time. Be sure to take a two week break before resuming use. When applied topically, gotu kola has the potential to cause skin irritation.

You should always do a patch test before moving forward with a full application. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

For a supplement, little scientific support. Gotu kola extracts, standardized to triterpenoid content, have been found successful in small preliminary trials to treat CVI. The amount of extract used in these trials ranged from 60 to mg per day. Gotu kola Centella asiatica extracts are sometimes used topically to help speed wound healing.

Test tube studies have found that extracts of gotu kola high in the active triterpene constituents asiaticosides, madecassoides, asiatic acids, and madecassic acids increase collagen synthesis. An animal study found that topical application of asiaticoside isolated from gotu kola, used in a 0.

An overview of three small human clinical trials suggests that topical use of an ointment or powder containing a gotu kola extract high in the active triterpene compounds may speed wound healing in people with slow-healing skin ulcers.

People in these studies were typically treated with intramuscular injections of either isolated asiaticosides or the mixed triterpenes three times per week while using the topical ointment or powder.

One preliminary trial found that a gotu kola extract helped heal infected wounds unless they had reached bone. A review of French studies suggests that topical gotu kola can help wounds. One study found gotu kola extract helpful for preventing and treating enlarged scars keloids. Animal studies have shown that constituents in gotu kola, called asiaticosides, increase antioxidant levels during wound healing and facilitate repair of connective tissues.

Gotu kola has been used in the medicinal systems of central Asia for centuries to treat numerous skin diseases. Saponins in gotu kola beneficially affect collagen the material that makes up connective tissue to inhibit its production in hyperactive scar tissue following burns or wounds. The primary active constituents of gotu kola are saponins also called triterpenoids , which include asiaticoside, madecassoside and madasiatic acid.

These saponins may prevent excessive scar formation by inhibiting the production of collagen the material that makes up connective tissue at the wound site.

These constituents are also associated with promoting wound healing. One preliminary trial in humans found that a gotu kola extract improved healing of infected wounds unless the infection had reached bone.

Additionally, a review of French studies suggests that topical gotu kola can improve healing of burns and wounds. Another trial found gotu kola extract helpful for preventing and treating enlarged scars keloids.

Oral supplementation with butcher's broom or gotu kola may also be helpful for varicose veins. Preparation and characterization of herbal creams for improvement of skin viscoelastic properties.

Int J Cosmet Sci. Biswas TK, Mukherjee B. Plant medicines of Indian origin for wound healing activity: a review. Int J Low Extrem Wounds. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of Gotu Kola Centella asiatica on acoustic startle response in healthy subjects.

J Clin Psychopharmacol. Chemical, pharmacological and clinical profile of the East Asian medical plant Centella asiatica. Dietary supplements used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Lippincotts Prim Care Pract. Flight microangiopathy in medium- to long-distance flights: prevention of edema and microcirculation alterations with total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica.

DerMarderosian A, ed. Gotu Kola. Plant-derived micronutrients suppress monocyte adhesion to cultured human aortic endothelial cell layer by modulating its extracellular matrix composition. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. A clinical study on the management of generalized anxiety disorder with Centella asiatica. Nepal Med Coll J.

Kuhn M, Winston D. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott; Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Centella asiatica L Urb. Int J Mol Sci. Titrated extract of centella asiatica TECA in the treatment of venous insufficiency of the lower limbs.

Asiaticoside-induced elevation of antioxidant levels in healing wounds. Phytother Res. Neuronutrient impact of Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy in brain aging. Emerging role of Centella asiatica in improving age-related neurological antioxidant status. Exp Gerontol. A review of the microcirculation in skin in patients with chronic venous insufficiency: the problem and the evidence available for therapeutic options.