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Gotu Kola
(Centella asiatica)
DESCRIPTION
Often combined with ginseng, gotu kola acts as a blood-purifier
and tonic. Under investigation in many regions, gotu kola
is said to treat leprosy, Vaginitis, and Fatigue. Please take
note that gotu kola is not the same as cola acuminata (a.k.a.
kola nut), an herb which contains a large amount of caffeine.
HERBAL USES
Traditionally, gotu kola
has long been used in India and Indonesia for treating Wounds
and slowing the progression of leprosy. It was also believed
to prolong life, increase energy, and enhance sexual potency
(1). Gotu kola has also been used for the treatment of Skin
diseases, Diarrhoea, menstrual disorders, and vaginal discharge.
SUGGESTED INTAKES
Standardised extract (containing
40% asiaticoside, 29 to 30% asiatic acid, 29 to 30% madecassic
acid, and 1 to 2% madecassoside): 20 to 40 mg 3 times daily.
Signs of improvement will
take at least 4 weeks to appear.
For the prevention of keloid
scars, take gotu kola for 3 months before surgery, and for
another 3 months afterwards.
SUPPLEMENTAL USES
Varicose veins:
Studies have convincingly shown that gotu kola is effective
for the treatment of Varicose veins (2-5). European researchers
in the 1970s discovered that gotu kola is particularly effective
for the following symptoms: overall tiredness, discomfort,
and swelling. While the herb is ineffective for improving
the appearance of badly damaged veins, it may be able to prevent
the development of unsightly veins. However, this claim has
yet to be proven. Gotu kola is also a suggested treatment
for Haemorrhoids, a type of varicose vein.
Connective tissue:
Gotu kola may benefit connective tissues. It may be helpful
post-surgery for the treatment and prevention of keloid (bulging,
enlarging) scars. Gotu kola may also be effective for treating
the symptoms of scleroderma, a connective tissue disease.
It may also promote healing in Burns and Wounds. Studies,
however, have not been conclusive (6).
Memory:
Gotu kola has been reputed to improve memory. In a 1992 study
with rats, the results were promising (7). However, it does
not seem to have the same effect in humans.
Psoriasis:
Gotu kola may also be useful in the treatment of Psoriasis.
SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS
Gotu kola is generally non-toxic
if taken orally (8). However, it may have carcinogenic properties
if applied topically to the Skin (9).
Rabbit studies and a clinical
trial with pregnant women show that gotu kola does not harm
foetal development (10, 11). However, the evidence is not
yet conclusive. Safety in young children and patients with
severe liver or kidney disease has not been determined.
INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Gotu kola may interact with
central nervous system drugs and amphotericin B.
It may potentiate the antibiotic
activity of Echinacea. Milk or cream can inactivate this effect.
REFERENCES
1. Kartnig T. Clinical
applications of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. herbs Spices Med
Plants 3: 146-173, 1988.
2. Belcaro GV, et al. Capillary filtration and ankle edema
in patients with venous hypertension treated with TTFCA. Angiology
41: 12-18, 1990.
3. Cesarone MR, et al. The microcirculatory activity of Centella
asiatica in venous insufficiency: A double-blind study. Minerva
Cardioangiol 42: 299-304, 1994.
4. Pointel JP, et al. Titrated extract of Centella asiatica
(TECA) in the treatment of venous insufficiency of the lower
limbs. Angiology 38: 46-50, 1987.
5. Cesarone MR, et al. Activity of Centella asiatica in venous
insufficiency. Minerva Cardioangiol 42: 137-143, 1992.
6. Murray M. The healing power of herbs. Rocklin, CA: Prima
Publishing, 1995: 177.
7. Nalini K, et al. Effect of Centella asiatica fresh leaf
aqueous extract on learning and memory and biogenic amine
turnover in albino rats. Fitoterapia 63(3): 232-237, 1992.
8. Kartnig T. Clinical applications of Centella asiatica (L.)
Urb. herbs Spices Med Plants 3: 146-173, 1988.
9. Laerum OD, et al. Reticuloses and epidermal tumors in hairless
mice after topical skin applications of cantharidin and asiaticoside.
Cancer Res 32: 1463-1469, 1972.
10. Bosse JP, et al. Clinical study of a new antikeloid drug.
Ann Plast Surg 3: 13-21, 1979.
11. Basellini A, et al. Varicose disease in pregnancy. Ann
Obstet Gyn Med Perinat 106: 337-341, 1985.
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