Gotu Kola Leaf Powder

Gotu Kola Leaf Powder

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a creeping plant that grows in the marsh lands in some Asian countries. This plant has green fan-shaped leaves, and pink, light purple, or white flowers. The stems and leaves of this plant are used to make supplements and medicines. The discovery of its medicinal use dates back thousands of years, when it was first used in several Asian countries to treat a number of diseases ranging from respiratory infections to skin diseases and stomach ulcers. The high concentration of saponins found in gotu kola is primary reason for this plant’s healing power.

Benefits of Gotu Kola Leaf

A number of high quality studies support the many amazing benefits of gotu kola on the human body. Among them are the following:

Improves Blood Circulation

When blood vessels lose their elasticity, blood leaks out and pools in the legs, resulting in swelling and pain. This condition is known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Interestingly, one study of 94 people with CVI found that those who took gotu kola leaf extract experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms compared to those who took placebo.^[1] This finding suggests that gotu kola can help treat CVI by improving blood circulation.

Reduces Anxiety and Depression

When researchers administered 500 mg gota kola capsules twice daily in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), the treatment significantly reduced anxiety related symptoms, as well as stress phenomenon and its correlated depression.^[2]

Accelerates Wound Healing

A 2010 study assessing the effects of gotu kola extract on wound healing of diabetics found that subjects who received 50 mg of the extract twice daily had better granulation tissue formation than those who took placebo.^[3] Granulation tissue is the new connective tissue that is created when the wound is healing.

Improves Well-Being

One study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that healthy subjects who received a single dose of gotu kola (12 g) reported an increase in calmness due to less reactivity, as well as improved well-being 60 minutes after the treatment.^[4]

Improves Symptoms of Stroke

A 2016 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complimentary and Alternative Medicine found that patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment who received gotu kola extract at 1000 mg/day for 6 weeks, performed better in a series of tests assessing cognitive function.^[5] 

Promotes Sleep

Gotu kola supplementation can help aid in proper sleep. In fact, researchers found that the ability of gotu kola to induce sleep is very similar to how sedatives like oxazepam and bromazepam work. ^[6]

Erases Stretch Marks

Studies have revealed that skin creams which contain gotu kola can help erase unwanted stretch marks caused by weight gain or pregnancy. In one clinical trial, women who used gotu kola creams and supplements twice daily for 12 weeks experienced a significant improvement in the overall appearance, texture, color, and softness of their stretch marks.^[7]

References:

1. 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. 1987;38(1 Pt 1):46-50.
2. Jana U, Sur TK, Maity LN, Debnath PK, Bhattacharyya D. A clinical study on the management of generalized anxiety disorder with Centella asiatica. Nepal Med Coll J. 2010 Mar;12(1):8-11.
3. Paocharoen V. The efficacy and side effects of oral Centella asiatica extract for wound healing promotion in diabetic wound patients. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet. 2010; 93 Suppl 7:S166-70.
4. Bradwejn J, Zhou Y, Koszycki D, Shlik J. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) on acoustic startle response in healthy subjects. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology. 2000; 20(6):680-4.
5. Farhana KM, Malueka RG, Wibowo S, Gofir A. Effectiveness of Gotu Kola Extract 750 mg and 1000 mg Compared with Folic Acid 3 mg in Improving Vascular Cognitive Impairment after Stroke. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. 2016;2016:2795915. doi:10.1155/2016/2795915.
6. Cauffield JS, Forbes HJ. Dietary supplements used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Lippincott’s primary care practice. 2000; 3(3):290-304.
7. Draelos ZD, Gold MH, Kaur M. Evaluation of an onion extract, Centella asiatica, and hyaluronic acid cream in the appearance of striae rubra. Skinmed. 2010; 8(2):80-6.