Gotu Kola
Herb ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicinal herb used for wound healing, skin and connective tissue support, and as a longevity and cognitive tonic. Its activity is attributed to triterpenoid saponins, principally asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid. The best human evidence supports its standardized extract for venous insufficiency and microcirculation, with emerging data for collagen synthesis, wound healing, and mood/cognitive support.
Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.
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This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.
What the research says.
A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.
Gotu Kola is a herb most often used for supports collagen synthesis and connective tissue / skin health, improves symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and microcirculation, promotes wound healing and reduces scar formation. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as moderate. A typical adult dose is 60-120 mg of standardized titrated extract (TTFCA / TECA, ~40% asiaticoside) two to three times daily; 0.6-3 g/day of dried herb in traditional preparations, commonly taken as standardized triterpene extract (titrated to ~40 percent asiaticoside or total triterpenic fraction, e.g. ttfca/teca). This profile indexes 10 sources.
- Supports collagen synthesis and connective tissue / skin health9,10
- Improves symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and microcirculation5
- Promotes wound healing and reduces scar formation10,2
- May support mood and reduce anxiety symptoms3,1
- Antioxidant and emerging neuroprotective / cognitive support7,3
- Gastrointestinal upset, nausea
- Headache or drowsiness at higher doses
- Contact dermatitis with topical use
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data; traditionally avoided)
- Pre-existing liver disease or use with other hepatotoxic agents
The bottom line
Evidence rating moderate. Most-documented uses: supports collagen synthesis and connective tissue / skin health, improves symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and microcirculation, promotes wound healing and reduces scar formation. 10 sources indexed (2001–2018), with 0 interaction records on file.
How it works, mechanistically.
Core mechanism
The principal active constituents are pentacyclic triterpenes (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid). These compounds stimulate fibroblast proliferation and upregulate collagen type I and III synthesis as well as glycosaminoglycan production, which underlies their use in wound healing and connective-tissue support. Triterpenes from Centella appear to modulate TGF-beta signaling and increase tensile strength of newly formed tissue while also exerting antioxidant activity that reduces oxidative stress in healing wounds. In the vascular system the extract improves capillary permeability and venous tone, reducing edema and microangiopathy in chronic venous insufficiency. Preclinical work suggests cognitive and neuroprotective effects via enhanced dendritic arborization, BDNF expression, mitochondrial support, and reduction of amyloid-related and oxidative neuronal stress, though human cognitive data remain preliminary.10,7
Dosing & protocol.
Triterpene saponins are reasonably water-dispersible; taking with food can reduce the mild gastrointestinal upset and nausea some users report. Standardized titrated extracts give more consistent triterpene exposure than crude powder.
What it actually costs.
Real-world pricing across three quality tiers. Assumes Standardized leaf/triterpene extract capsules.
Gotu Kola is an inexpensive, widely cultivated botanical, so even standardized extracts are affordable. Budget tier reflects bulk non-standardized whole-herb capsules; mid tier reflects extracts standardized to a stated triterpenoid percentage; premium reflects third-party-tested, defined-triterpene (TTFCA-type) products with verified asiaticoside/asiatic acid content. Per-dose cost assumes one to three capsules daily depending on form. Updated 2026-06-04.
Full safety detail.
Side effects
- Gastrointestinal upset, nausea
- Headache or drowsiness at higher doses
- Contact dermatitis with topical use
- Rare hepatotoxicity reported with prolonged or high-dose oral use
- Photosensitivity (uncommon)
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data; traditionally avoided)
- Pre-existing liver disease or use with other hepatotoxic agents
- Scheduled surgery (discontinue ~2 weeks prior due to possible additive sedative effects with anesthesia)
- Concurrent sedatives or CNS depressants (possible additive drowsiness)
- Limit continuous oral use to about 6 weeks with breaks, per traditional dosing guidance9
Sources, by evidence tier.
Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.
Meta-analyses & systematic reviews
1- 1Effects of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. on cognitive function and mood related outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysisSource linkedPMIDPuttarak P, Dilokthornsakul P, Saokaew S, Dhippayom T, Kongkaew C, Sruamsiri R, Chuthaputti A, Chaiyakunapruk N · Scientific Reports · 2017
Randomized controlled trials
5- 2A Prospective Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Trial of the Efficacy Using Centella Cream for Scar ImprovementSource linkedPMIDJenwitheesuk K, Rojsanga P, Chowchuen B, Surakunprapha P · Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine · 2018
- 3Anxiolytic activity of a standardized extract of Centella asiatica (ECa 233) and antioxidant/neuroprotective effectsWattanathorn J, et al. · Journal of Ethnopharmacology · 2008
A standardized Centella asiatica extract was associated with reduced startle response and self-reported anxiety, with supportive effects on mood and alertness in healthy volunteers.
- 4Positive modulation of cognition and mood in the healthy elderly volunteer following the administration of Centella asiaticaSource linkedPMIDWattanathorn J, Mator L, Muchimapura S, Tongun T, Pasuriwong O, Piyawatkul N, Yimtae K, Sripanidkulchai B, Singkhoraard J · Journal of Ethnopharmacology · 2008
- 5Total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica in chronic venous insufficiency and in high-perfusion microangiopathyCesarone MR, Belcaro G, et al. · Angiology · 2001
Treatment with the total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica improved capillary filtration rate, ankle edema, and microcirculatory parameters in patients with venous hypertension and microangiopathy.
- 6Evaluation of treatment of diabetic microangiopathy with total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica: a clinical prospective randomized trial with a microcirculatory modelSource linkedPMIDCesarone MR, Incandela L, De Sanctis MT, Belcaro G, Bavera P, Bucci M, Ippolito E · Angiology · 2001
Reviews & position papers
4- 7Centella asiatica and its caffeoylquinic acid and triterpene constituents enhance cognitive function and neuronal healthGray NE, Magana AA, Soumyanath A, et al. · Phytochemistry Reviews · 2018
Centella asiatica constituents enhance dendritic arborization, mitochondrial function, and antioxidant defenses in preclinical models, supporting investigation for age-related cognitive decline.
- 8Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) as a neuroprotectant and its potential role in healthy ageingSource linkedPMIDGray NE, Magana AA, Lak P, Wright KM, Quinn J, Stevens JF, Maier CS, Soumyanath A · Phytochemistry Reviews · 2018
- 9Effect of Centella asiatica on dermal collagen and skin parametersBylka W, Znajdek-Awizen P, et al. · Postepy Dermatologii i Alergologii · 2014
Centella asiatica triterpenes increase dermal collagen content and improve skin firmness and hydration, supporting topical and oral use for connective-tissue and anti-aging applications.
- 10Pharmacological review on Centella asiatica: a potential herbal cure-allGohil KJ, Patel JA, Gajjar AK · Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences · 2010
Asiaticoside and related triterpenes stimulate fibroblast activity and type I collagen synthesis, accelerating wound healing and improving tensile strength of granulation tissue.
Common questions.
Quick answers about Gotu Kola, drawn from the data on this page.
What is Gotu Kola?
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicinal herb used for wound healing, skin and connective tissue support, and as a longevity and cognitive tonic. Its activity is attributed to triterpenoid saponins, principally asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid. The best human evidence supports its standardized extract for venous insufficiency and microcirculation, with emerging data for collagen synthesis, wound healing, and mood/cognitive support.
What is Gotu Kola used for?
Commonly cited benefits of Gotu Kola include: Supports collagen synthesis and connective tissue / skin health; Improves symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency and microcirculation; Promotes wound healing and reduces scar formation; May support mood and reduce anxiety symptoms; Antioxidant and emerging neuroprotective / cognitive support. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as moderate.
What is a typical dose of Gotu Kola?
A typical adult dose of Gotu Kola is 60-120 mg of standardized titrated extract (TTFCA / TECA, ~40% asiaticoside) two to three times daily; 0.6-3 g/day of dried herb in traditional preparations. The commonly recommended form is Standardized triterpene extract (titrated to ~40 percent asiaticoside or total triterpenic fraction, e.g. TTFCA/TECA). These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.
What are the side effects of Gotu Kola?
Reported side effects include gastrointestinal upset, nausea, headache or drowsiness at higher doses, contact dermatitis with topical use, rare hepatotoxicity reported with prolonged or high-dose oral use, photosensitivity (uncommon). This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.
How strong is the evidence for Gotu Kola?
NutriStack rates this as Moderate, meaning several aligned RCTs or one large RCT plus supporting reviews. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.
Use this with your stack
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