Gotu Kola

Centella asiatica

ApiaceaeIndian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, Madagascar, South Africa; pantropical

Description

overall appearance

Small, creeping perennial herb forming loose mats 5–15 cm tall, spreading by stolons to cover large areas. Recognized by its distinctive kidney-shaped (reniform) leaves and preference for wet, shaded habitats. One of the most important Ayurvedic and traditional Southeast Asian medicinal herbs.

roots

Thin, fibrous, adventitious roots at each node; white to cream; shallow root system in upper 5–10 cm of soil; slight aromatic smell when fresh

stem

Thin, green, glabrous stolons (horizontal stems) 10–150 cm long; rooting at nodes; forming a spreading ground cover

leaves

Reniform (kidney-shaped) to orbicular, 1.5–6 cm wide; long petioles 3–20 cm; crenate (scalloped) margins; bright green; smooth surface; fan-veined from base; the distinctive shape is the primary identification feature

flowers

Tiny, pinkish to whitish, 5-petaled umbellate flowers 1–2 mm; arranged in compact umbels of 3–5 flowers on short peduncles 0.5–1.5 cm arising from nodes

fruits/seeds

Small ovoid schizocarp (splitting fruit) 3–4 mm long; strongly ribbed; two mericarps (seed halves)

Active Compounds

Triterpenoid saponins: asiaticoside (primary wound-healing active), madecassoside, centellosideTriterpenoid aglycones: asiatic acid, madecassic acid, betulinic acidPentacyclic triterpenoids: brahmoside, brahminosideFlavonoids: quercetin, kaempferol, rutin, myricetinPolyacetylenes: apiamarin, centellicinVolatile oils: β-caryophyllene, trans-β-farneseneTannins: condensed proanthocyanidinsAlkaloids: hydrocotylin

Traditional Uses

Ayurveda: classified as medhya rasayana; used for improving memory, concentration, and intelligence; central to Brahmi ghrita formula (note: also used interchangeably with Bacopa monnieri as 'Brahmi')
Traditional Southeast Asian medicine: wound healing and skin regeneration; leaves applied topically to cuts, burns, and ulcers
TCM: Chi Xue Cao — diuretic, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying; used for urinary tract infections and dysentery
Sri Lankan traditional medicine: longevity herb; elephants reputedly consume it and live long — 'Gotu Kola' means 'conical leaf' in Sinhalese
Ayurvedic treatment for leprosy skin lesions; asiaticoside promotes collagen synthesis
Indonesian jamu medicine: used for fever, respiratory infections, and skin diseases
Traditional treatment for venous insufficiency and varicose veins in European phytotherapy
West African traditional use: topical anti-inflammatory for skin conditions including psoriasis

Modern Applications

Wound healing: RCTs confirm asiaticoside/madecassoside stimulate collagen I and III synthesis, accelerate epithelialization; TECA (Titrated Extract of C. asiatica) approved in France for wound care
Venous insufficiency: multiple RCTs show TTFCA (total triterpenic fraction) significantly reduces leg heaviness, edema, and varicose symptoms; Cochrane review supports use
Anxiety: double-blind crossover study showed acute oral dose (12 g leaf) significantly reduced startle response and anxiety (Bradwejn et al., 2000)
Cognitive enhancement: RCT in elderly subjects showed improved memory scores after 2 months of extract use (Wattanathorn et al., 2008)
Dermatology: hypertrophic scar and keloid treatment; asiaticoside reduces TGF-β1-mediated fibroblast proliferation
Neuroprotection: madecassoside reduces Aβ-induced neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's models
Anti-psoriatic: inhibition of keratinocyte proliferation and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-17, TNF-α) in vitro
Radioprotection: asiaticoside demonstrated significant protection against radiation-induced DNA damage in animal models

⚠️ Safety Information

Contraindications

Pregnancy: uterine stimulant effects at high doses; topical use generally safe but oral high-dose supplementation should be avoided
Liver disease: rare cases of hepatotoxicity reported; avoid with pre-existing liver conditions
Hypersensitivity: contact dermatitis to asiaticoside reported; patch test before topical use
Surgery: discontinue 2 weeks before surgery due to antiplatelet and sedative effects

Side Effects

Contact dermatitis (topical): sensitization to asiaticoside in susceptible individuals
Headache and sedation at high oral doses
Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, stomach pain) at doses above 3 g/day
Elevated liver enzymes (rare): one case report series of cholestatic hepatitis; hepatotoxicity uncommon but documented

Drug Interactions

Sedatives and anxiolytics (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, alcohol): additive CNS depression
Hepatotoxic drugs (acetaminophen, statins): rare additive hepatotoxicity risk
Anticoagulants/antiplatelets (warfarin, aspirin): potential antiplatelet activity; monitor bleeding time
Antidiabetics: mild hypoglycemic activity; monitor blood glucose

Parts Used

Whole aerial plant (leaves, stems)
Standardized extract (asiaticoside + madecassoside)
Fresh leaf juice
Leaves (culinary use in Southeast Asia)

Preparation Methods

Standardized extract (TECA/TTFCA, asiaticoside 40% + asiatic acid 29–30% + madecassic acid 29–30%): 60–180 mg/day in divided doses for venous insufficiency

Dried herb powder: 1–3 g three times daily

Fresh leaf: 10–15 leaves consumed daily (Sri Lankan tradition); also added to salads and drinks

Tincture (1:5, 70% ethanol): 3–5 mL twice daily

Topical cream or gel (1–2% asiaticoside): applied to wounds and scars 2–3 times daily

Decoction: 2–4 g dried herb in 200 mL water, 10 min; 1–2 cups daily