Gotu kola, often called the “herb of longevity,” is a traditional medicinal plant used for centuries in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Indonesian medicine. Celebrated for its potential to boost memory, enhance cognitive function, reduce anxiety, improve circulation, support liver and kidney health, and promote skin repair, it is gaining recognition in modern health research. Studies suggest that gotu kola may help with mood regulation, joint pain, insomnia, and wound healing, though most findings remain preliminary. While its wide-ranging benefits are promising, more robust clinical trials are needed to fully validate its therapeutic effects. Always consult a healthcare professional before incorporating gotu kola into your wellness routine.
Gotu Kola: Key benefits to overall health as ‘ herb of longevity ’
Gotu kola is believed to support brain health and cognitive function, making it a natural supplement for memory enhancement. A small 2016 study compared the effects of gotu kola extract and folic acid on post-stroke cognitive improvement. Participants taking 750 to 1,000 mg of gotu kola daily showed significant improvements in memory, with results suggesting that the herb may be more effective than folic acid in enhancing the memory domain.
Animal studies have also supported these findings. In research involving mice, both young and older mice demonstrated improved learning and memory when administered gotu kola extract, with older mice showing even greater cognitive benefits.
Usage recommendation: 750 to 1,000 mg of gotu kola per day for up to 14 days at a time, under guidance from a healthcare professional.
Due to its ability to support memory and nerve function, gotu kola may have potential in managing Alzheimer’s disease. A 2012 study on mice indicated that gotu kola extract helped reduce behavioural abnormalities associated with Alzheimer’s. Laboratory studies also suggest it may protect brain cells from toxic effects and potentially prevent plaque formation linked to the disease.
However, research is still in the early stages, and more clinical trials are needed before gotu kola can be formally recommended as part of Alzheimer’s treatment.
Usage recommendation: 30 to 60 drops of liquid gotu kola extract, three times daily. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult a doctor before adding it to your regimen.
Gotu kola may help alleviate anxiety and stress. In a 2016 animal study, male mice subjected to sleep deprivation exhibited significantly less anxiety when pre-treated with gotu kola. The herb appeared to reduce oxidative damage and neuroinflammation, which are often linked to stress and sleep loss.
A 2013 review of herbal remedies for anxiety also concluded that gotu kola could exert anti-anxiety effects, although more human research is needed.
Usage recommendation: 500 mg of gotu kola extract twice daily for up to 14 days. In cases of severe anxiety, dosages of up to 2,000 mg per day may be considered under supervision.
Gotu kola may also act as a natural antidepressant due to its influence on brain function. A 2016 review highlighted studies where individuals with generalized anxiety disorder who replaced their antidepressant medication with gotu kola for 60 days reported reduced stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Animal studies have similarly demonstrated positive effects on behavioural markers of depression, including body weight, temperature regulation, and heart rate.
Usage recommendation: 500 mg twice daily for up to 14 days, with the possibility of increasing to 2,000 mg daily during periods of intensified depression, as advised by a healthcare professional.
Gotu kola may improve blood circulation and reduce fluid retention, particularly in the legs. Research from 2001 demonstrated that participants with mild-to-moderate varicose veins experienced less ankle swelling and improved circulation during long flights when taking gotu kola. The herb’s effects on connective tissue may help maintain the structural integrity of blood vessels.
Usage recommendation: 60 to 100 mg of gotu kola extract three times daily for a week before and after long flights. Topical creams with 1% gotu kola extract may also help reduce swelling.
Skin patch test: Apply a small amount to the inner forearm. If no irritation occurs within 24 hours, it is generally safe for broader use.
Gotu kola’s calming effects on the nervous system may also aid in improving sleep quality. Its potential to reduce anxiety and stress can make it a natural alternative to prescription sleep aids. Although older research supports its use for sleep disorders, additional studies are required for conclusive evidence.
Usage recommendation: 300 to 680 mg of gotu kola extract, three times daily for up to 14 days.
Gotu kola contains terpenoids, compounds that may stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity. A 2013 review suggests that topical application of gotu kola can help prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Usage recommendation: Apply a cream with 1% gotu kola extract to the affected area multiple times per day. Always conduct a patch test first.
Research from 2015 on rats indicates that gotu kola may accelerate the healing of various types of wounds, including cuts, tears, and infected tissue. While promising, more clinical research in humans is needed to fully validate these effects.
Usage recommendation: Apply a 1% gotu kola ointment to wounds several times per day. Consult a doctor for deep or severe wounds.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, gotu kola may support joint health and reduce arthritis-related discomfort. A 2014 study in rats with collagen-induced arthritis showed that gotu kola helped reduce joint inflammation, cartilage damage, and bone erosion while boosting immune function.
Usage recommendation: 300 to 680 mg of gotu kola extract, three times daily for up to 14 days.
Emerging research indicates that gotu kola may help mitigate liver and kidney toxicity. A 2017 animal study showed that rats pre-treated with gotu kola experienced less organ toxicity when administered the antibiotic isoniazid, which is commonly used to treat tuberculosis. While results are promising, human studies are needed.
Usage recommendation: 30 to 60 drops of liquid gotu kola extract, three times daily, following the manufacturer’s dosage instructions.
Gotu kola potential side effects and precautions
Gotu kola is generally well tolerated, but some users may experience headaches, dizziness, or an upset stomach. Topical application can sometimes cause skin irritation, making patch testing essential.
Avoid gotu kola if you are:
It is recommended to take gotu kola in cycles of two to six weeks, followed by a two-week break. Always purchase products from trusted sources to avoid contamination with heavy metals.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Gotu kola may offer potential health benefits, but research is still limited. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.
Also Read | How fatty liver and insulin resistance are connected: Early physical signs you can spot before blood tests
Gotu Kola: Key benefits to overall health as ‘ herb of longevity ’
- Boosting cognitive function and brain health
Gotu kola is believed to support brain health and cognitive function, making it a natural supplement for memory enhancement. A small 2016 study compared the effects of gotu kola extract and folic acid on post-stroke cognitive improvement. Participants taking 750 to 1,000 mg of gotu kola daily showed significant improvements in memory, with results suggesting that the herb may be more effective than folic acid in enhancing the memory domain.
Animal studies have also supported these findings. In research involving mice, both young and older mice demonstrated improved learning and memory when administered gotu kola extract, with older mice showing even greater cognitive benefits.
Usage recommendation: 750 to 1,000 mg of gotu kola per day for up to 14 days at a time, under guidance from a healthcare professional.
- Potential role in alzheimer’s disease
Due to its ability to support memory and nerve function, gotu kola may have potential in managing Alzheimer’s disease. A 2012 study on mice indicated that gotu kola extract helped reduce behavioural abnormalities associated with Alzheimer’s. Laboratory studies also suggest it may protect brain cells from toxic effects and potentially prevent plaque formation linked to the disease.
However, research is still in the early stages, and more clinical trials are needed before gotu kola can be formally recommended as part of Alzheimer’s treatment.
Usage recommendation: 30 to 60 drops of liquid gotu kola extract, three times daily. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult a doctor before adding it to your regimen.
- Reducing anxiety and stress naturally
Gotu kola may help alleviate anxiety and stress. In a 2016 animal study, male mice subjected to sleep deprivation exhibited significantly less anxiety when pre-treated with gotu kola. The herb appeared to reduce oxidative damage and neuroinflammation, which are often linked to stress and sleep loss.
A 2013 review of herbal remedies for anxiety also concluded that gotu kola could exert anti-anxiety effects, although more human research is needed.
Usage recommendation: 500 mg of gotu kola extract twice daily for up to 14 days. In cases of severe anxiety, dosages of up to 2,000 mg per day may be considered under supervision.
- Gotu kola for mood and depression
Gotu kola may also act as a natural antidepressant due to its influence on brain function. A 2016 review highlighted studies where individuals with generalized anxiety disorder who replaced their antidepressant medication with gotu kola for 60 days reported reduced stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Animal studies have similarly demonstrated positive effects on behavioural markers of depression, including body weight, temperature regulation, and heart rate.
Usage recommendation: 500 mg twice daily for up to 14 days, with the possibility of increasing to 2,000 mg daily during periods of intensified depression, as advised by a healthcare professional.
- Enhancing circulation and reducing swelling
Gotu kola may improve blood circulation and reduce fluid retention, particularly in the legs. Research from 2001 demonstrated that participants with mild-to-moderate varicose veins experienced less ankle swelling and improved circulation during long flights when taking gotu kola. The herb’s effects on connective tissue may help maintain the structural integrity of blood vessels.
Usage recommendation: 60 to 100 mg of gotu kola extract three times daily for a week before and after long flights. Topical creams with 1% gotu kola extract may also help reduce swelling.
Skin patch test: Apply a small amount to the inner forearm. If no irritation occurs within 24 hours, it is generally safe for broader use.
- Supporting better sleep and easing insomnia
Gotu kola’s calming effects on the nervous system may also aid in improving sleep quality. Its potential to reduce anxiety and stress can make it a natural alternative to prescription sleep aids. Although older research supports its use for sleep disorders, additional studies are required for conclusive evidence.
Usage recommendation: 300 to 680 mg of gotu kola extract, three times daily for up to 14 days.
- Promoting skin health and reducing stretch marks
Gotu kola contains terpenoids, compounds that may stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity. A 2013 review suggests that topical application of gotu kola can help prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Usage recommendation: Apply a cream with 1% gotu kola extract to the affected area multiple times per day. Always conduct a patch test first.
- Accelerating wound healing and minimising scarring
Research from 2015 on rats indicates that gotu kola may accelerate the healing of various types of wounds, including cuts, tears, and infected tissue. While promising, more clinical research in humans is needed to fully validate these effects.
Usage recommendation: Apply a 1% gotu kola ointment to wounds several times per day. Consult a doctor for deep or severe wounds.
- Alleviating joint pain
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, gotu kola may support joint health and reduce arthritis-related discomfort. A 2014 study in rats with collagen-induced arthritis showed that gotu kola helped reduce joint inflammation, cartilage damage, and bone erosion while boosting immune function.
Usage recommendation: 300 to 680 mg of gotu kola extract, three times daily for up to 14 days.
- Supporting liver and kidney detoxification
Emerging research indicates that gotu kola may help mitigate liver and kidney toxicity. A 2017 animal study showed that rats pre-treated with gotu kola experienced less organ toxicity when administered the antibiotic isoniazid, which is commonly used to treat tuberculosis. While results are promising, human studies are needed.
Usage recommendation: 30 to 60 drops of liquid gotu kola extract, three times daily, following the manufacturer’s dosage instructions.
Gotu kola potential side effects and precautions
Gotu kola is generally well tolerated, but some users may experience headaches, dizziness, or an upset stomach. Topical application can sometimes cause skin irritation, making patch testing essential.
Avoid gotu kola if you are:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Under 18 years old
- Scheduled for surgery within two weeks
- Suffering from hepatitis, liver disease, or skin cancer
- Consult your doctor before use if you have:
- Liver disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol
- Medications for sleep or anxiety
- Diuretics
It is recommended to take gotu kola in cycles of two to six weeks, followed by a two-week break. Always purchase products from trusted sources to avoid contamination with heavy metals.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Gotu kola may offer potential health benefits, but research is still limited. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.
Also Read | How fatty liver and insulin resistance are connected: Early physical signs you can spot before blood tests
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