Gotu Kola

Other common name(s): centella, pennywort, Madekassol

Scientific/medical name(s): Centella asiatica, Hydrocotyle asiatica

Description
Gotu kola is a swamp plant that grows naturally in Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia,
and many parts of South Africa. Its dried leaves and stems are used in herbal remedies. The
active compounds in gotu kola are called saponins, or triterpenoids. Gotu kola is also used in
Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat skin wounds. Gotu kola is not related to the kola
(cola) nut and contains no caffeine or stimulants.

Overview
Some clinical trials have looked at the use of gotu kola and its compounds in people with
poor blood flow, usually in the legs. These limited studies suggest that gotu kola may help
reduce swelling in the legs and feet, although more scientific studies are needed. Other
research that has looked at gotu kola in humans has been limited by small numbers of
patients and problems in study methods. Although at least one laboratory study of tumor cells
showed reduced cell growth with gotu kola, available scientific evidence does not support
claims of its effectiveness for treating cancer or any other disease in humans.

How is it promoted for use?

Proponents claim that gotu kola possesses numerous curative qualities. Some practitioners
maintain that gotu kola reduces fever and relieves congestion caused by colds and upper
respiratory infections. Some women use gotu kola for birth control, and some herbalists
claim that gotu kola is an antidote for poisonous mushrooms and arsenic poisoning. Some
believe that it can be applied externally to treat snakebites, herpes, fractures, and sprains.
In some folk medicine traditions, gotu kola is used to treat syphilis, rheumatism, leprosy,
mental illness, and epilepsy. It is also used to stimulate urination and to relieve physical and
mental exhaustion, diarrhea, eye diseases, inflammation, asthma, high blood pressure, liver

disease, dysentery, urinary tract infections, eczema, and psoriasis. Some manufacturers of the
herbal supplement claim gotu kola can be used to treat cancer as well.

What does it involve?

Gotu kola is available in capsules, eye drops, extracts, powder, and ointments from health
food stores and over the Internet. Dried gotu kola can be made into a tea. Recommended
dosage depends on the condition being treated.

What is the history behind it?

Gotu kola has a long history in the folk medicines of India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and
Madagascar and is still widely used in these countries today. It has been used for generations
in India to promote relaxation, improve memory, and aid meditation. In traditional Chinese
medicine, the herb is believed to promote longevity. The Chinese name for gotu kola
translates to "fountain of youth." A Sri Lankan legend says that elephants have long lives
because they eat gotu kola.

What is the evidence?

Animal and laboratory studies of gotu kola have shown promising results for some uses, but
further research will be needed to determine its benefits for humans. One group of gotu kola
compounds that has been extracted and tested in clinical trials is called total triterpenic
fraction of Centella asiatica (TTFCA). A few clinical trials in humans have suggested that
extracts of gotu kola and TTFCA, when taken by mouth, were more helpful than a placebo at
reducing swelling of the legs and feet due to varicose veins and poor circulation, a condition
called chronic venous insufficiency. It seemed to reduce the leakage of blood vessels that
seems to contribute to swelling. Further research is needed to determine whether these results
will hold true. It is also important to remember that extracted chemicals such as TTFCA are
not the same as the herb itself. Studies of extracts may not show the same results as studies
using the raw plant.
One study in India reported that gotu kola extract slowed the development of tumors in mice
and increased their life span. Other studies with rats showed that gotu kola extract had
calming effects and prevented ulcers. Animal studies have shown that gotu kola, when
applied to the skin or taken by mouth, seems to promote collagen production in wounds,
which contributes to healing.
Laboratory studies showed that fresh gotu kola juice slowed the growth of tumor cells, but
not as much as more purified extracts from the plant. Laboratory studies have also suggested
that extracts of gotu kola could be useful in the treatment of scleroderma and for the
prevention and treatment of Alzheimer disease. A small number of laboratory studies
conducted in India and Europe suggest that an ointment or gel made from gotu kola may
speed wound healing. None of these studies have been done on humans, although some of
the wound-healing studies also looked promising in rodent tests.

Although animal and laboratory studies look promising for some of these uses, further
studies are necessary to determine whether the results hold true for humans. More wellcontrolled research is needed to understand whether gotu kola will play any role in cancer
treatment.

Are there any possible problems or

complications?
This product is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike companies that
produce drugs (which must provide the FDA with results of detailed testing showing their
product is safe and effective before the drug is approved for sale), the companies that make
supplements do not have to show evidence of safety or health benefits to the FDA before
selling their products. Supplement products without any reliable scientific evidence of health
benefits may still be sold as long as the companies selling them do not claim the supplements
can prevent, treat, or cure any specific disease. Some such products may not contain the
amount of the herb or substance that is written on the label, and some may include other
substances (contaminants). Though the FDA has written new rules to improve the quality of
manufacturing processes for dietary supplements and the accurate listing of supplement
ingredients, these rules do not take full effect until 2010. And, the new rules do not address
the safety of supplement ingredients or their effects on health when proper manufacturing
techniques are used.
Most such supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with medicines, foods,
or other herbs and supplements. Even though some reports of interactions and harmful
effects may be published, full studies of interactions and effects are not often available.
Because of these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions below should be
considered incomplete.
Gotu kola is generally considered safe; however there are no large clinical studies in humans
to fully document side effects. When used on the skin, possible side effects include a burning
sensation, itching, or allergic rash. Stomach irritation and nausea have been observed when
the herb is taken by mouth. Drowsiness has been reported, especially when the herb is taken
in larger doses. High doses of gotu kola have been reported to increase blood sugar and raise
cholesterol levels. A few cases of hepatitis (liver inflammation) have been reported in people
taking gotu kola. It may increase sensitivity to the sun, so avoid sunlight or use sunscreen
while taking it. This herb can cause allergic reactions in some. Gotu kola impairs fertility in
mice, but human effects are less well known.
In addition, the potential interactions between gotu kola and other drugs and herbs should be
considered. Some of these combinations may be dangerous. Always tell your doctor and
pharmacist about any herbs you are taking.
Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use this herb. Relying on this type of
treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have
serious health consequences.

Additional resources
More information from your American Cancer Society
The following information on complementary and alternative therapies may also be helpful
to you. These materials may be found on our Web site (www.cancer.org) or ordered from our
toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
Dietary Supplements: What Is Safe?
The ACS Operational Statement on Complementary and Alternative Methods of Cancer
Management
Complementary and Alternative Methods and Cancer
Placebo Effect
Learning About New Ways to Treat Cancer
Learning About New Ways to Prevent Cancer

References
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Gotu kola. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Web site. Accessed at
www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69242.cfm on June 5, 2008.
Gruenwald J. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 3rd ed. Montvale, NJ: Thomson PDR; 2004.
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Esp Enferm Dig. 2005;97:115-124.
Pointel JP, Boccalon H, Cloarec M, Ledevehat C, Joubert M. Titrated extract of Centella
asiatica (TECA) in the treatment of venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Angiology.
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Sunilkumar, Parameshwaraiah S, Shivakumar HG. Evaluation of topical formulations of

aqueous extract of Centella asiatica on open wounds in rats. Indian J Exp Biol. 1998;36:569572.
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Note: This information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side
effects or interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a
substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is familiar with your medical situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/28/2008
Last Revised: 11/28/2008
2008 Copyright American Cancer Society