Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is often called “the student herb” in Bali. Because it sharpens the mind. Gotu kola extract increases dendrite and axon growth in brain cells which helps memory.
Native to the wetlands of Asia, the ancient Ayurvedic medical system used gotu kola like a first-aid kit. It was used to treat mental fatigue, anxiety, depression, memory loss, insomnia, fever, syphilis, hepatitis, epilepsy, diarrhea and asthma.
Gotu kola even has a link to longevity. The ancients believed that elephants who ate gotu kola leaves lived longer than those that didn’t. Turns out they were onto something that was only revealed by scientists in late 2019. More on this in the next section.
In the U.S. and Europe gotu kola is typically used for varicose veins, poor blood circulation in the legs, to treat psoriasis and help heal minor skin wounds.
Gotu kola is rich in triterpene saponosides. A study in Japan showed that one of these triterpenoids called asiatic acid was able to stop the growth of cancer cells.[i]
And some of the most exciting new research on gotu kola shows it can spur growth in brain cells. Here we explore all the ways gotu kola can help your brain.
Gotu Kola helps:
- Neurogenesis. Gotu kola stimulates the growth of brain cells. It encourages dendrite branching which boosts brain plasticity and communication between neurons.
- Neuroprotection. Gotu kola protects your brain from toxins and oxidative stress. Studies show it helps protect against heavy metals and food additives which cause brain fog, mood swings and migraines. And it reduces oxidative stress by reducing free radicals in brain cells.
- Neurotransmitters. Gotu kola helps prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine. Enhancing mood, cognition, memory and learning. And preventing degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Table of Contents
Overview
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is one of the most important herbs in the ancient tradition of Ayurvedic medicine. It’s a low, ground-hugging vine found throughout the wetlands of Southeast Asia. You’ll recognize gotu kola by its bright green kidney-shaped leaves growing from a reddish stem. In season, it blooms with small white flowers.
In Bali, gotu kola is called “the student herb” because it sharpens the mind. The Balinese also use it to combat senility.
It’s famous in southeast Asia as a longevity herb. The ancients were convinced that when elephants ate gotu kola, they lived longer than those that didn’t.
And we now know why these elephants lived longer. A study published in October 2019 showed that Gotu Kola extract provides an 8.8 fold increase in telomerase activity.
Other recent research shows shortened telomeres impairs DNA repair which shortens lifespan. And studies report reduced telomere length in patients suffering from mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The leaves of Gotu Kola have been used for thousands of years to boost cognition, improve cerebral circulation, and overall brain function.
As a nootropic, Gotu Kola has been shown to be particularly effective in elderly memory loss, slow thinking and reasoning. One study shows significant improvement in Alzheimer’s patients.[ii]
How does Gotu Kola Work in the Brain?
Gotu kola boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Neural dendrite and axon growth. Gotu kola helps increase the length and branches of neuron dendrites. And boosts axon growth.
Dendrites are tree-like branches extending out from neurons in the brain. They receive incoming signals from other neurons. Those signals are transmitted from axons extending out from neighboring neurons.
Dendrites and axons can change over time, and in response to environmental cues. Learning something new for example cause dendrites to lengthen.
But this natural signaling mechanism in your brain’s neurons degrade over time. And several studies have shown how gotu kola can reverse this damage.
Scientists at the Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon did their research with Sprague-Dawley rats. They put Centella ethaniloc extract, a compound in gotu kola, in the rat’s drinking water.
The study concluded that axons grew at a faster rate. And the researchers stated that gotu kola extract was useful for accelerating repair of damaged neurons.[iii]
Another study showed rats given gotu kola leaf extract had an increase of 105% in dendrite growth.[iv]
A very recent study published at Northwestern University and published in Nature showed how dendrites are critical in memory formation.[v]
- Increase in memory and learning. Gotu kola has been revered for thousands of years for boosting memory. We know that gotu kola extract can increase the availability of acetylcholine (ACh) in the brain. It does it by preventing ACh from breaking down.
This boost in memory may also benefit from gotu kola’s ability to boost the growth of neuron dendrites and axons.
In one randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study done in Thailand, researchers gave 28 people gotu kola extract for 2 months. Daily doses ranged from 250, 500 to 750 mg per day. Cognition in these subjects increased, and they experienced a boost in working memory.[vi]
How things go bad:
Over the course of your life, your brain will lose 5 – 10% of its weight. It starts in your early 20’s.[vii]
The Framingham Offspring Cohort Study included 1,352 adults who did not have dementia. 7 years after the start of the study they used an MRI to measure participants brain size. And gave them tests to gauge executive function, planning and organizational skills.
The researchers found that people with high blood pressure, diabetes, were overweight or smoked had faster brain shrinkage. They showed declines in ability to make decisions, plan, organize and remember details.[viii]
↓ Memory, cognition, learning and recall decline
↓ Neuronal cell death results in shrinking gray matter
↓ Neuroplasticity declines degrading long-term potentiation[ix]
Your brain will shrink regardless of lifestyle. But you can reduce the speed of this shrinkage by using gotu kola.
Gotu Kola to the rescue
Research from hundreds of studies have shown that gotu kola will:
- Improve memory and cognition
- Restore the availability of acetylcholine
- Improve cerebral blood flow
- Reduce stress
- Help repair brain cells
- Eliminate free radicals from within brain cells
How does Gotu Kola feel?
Gotu kola improves acetylcholine levels in your brain. It increases blood flow and helps reduce oxidative damage and toxins in brain cells. As a result, you may feel a boost in mental activity.
Many say that taking Gotu Kola is like “energizing of the brain”. Particularly during a period of high mental demand. Mental blocks or mental fatigue feel like they’re swept away.
Others report dreams seem more vivid and intense. And gotu kola seems to have an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect as well.
The Research
Ever been on your way to a party with the thought, “I hope I don’t kill too many brain cells”. Science once believed that the adult human brain could not grow new brain cells. We were born with all the brain cells we’ll ever have. Once those cells were gone, they’re gone for good.
Not too long ago a study was published in the Journal of Science. It detailed a discovery by scientists of the daily growth of new brain cells in the macaque monkey. And because of this study, we now know your brain can grow new cells.
But the reality is, your brain will lose 5 – 10% of its weight. This shrinkage starts right around your 20th birthday.
The good news is you can prevent that shrinkage. And you can do it with gotu kola.
Gotu Kola Improves Memory
Neurons connect to other neurons at a point called a synapse. Electrical pulses carry chemical messages across this gap. These chemical messengers are neurotransmitters. Each neuron in your brain can form thousands of these links.
Dendrites extend out from each neuron to neighboring neurons to receive these messages. Your brain uses these neurons in a type of network. And as one neuron sends signals to another, the synapse between the two gets stronger.
The more signals sent between these neurons, the stronger the connection grows. With each new experience, your brain slightly rewires this physical structure. This neuroplasticity determines how your brain is organized. And how memories are formed.
Gotu kola extends these neuron dendrites. And helps improve brain neuroplasticity. A study in animal models demonstrated neurite growth using a compound from gotu kola extract.[x] And clearly showed how gotu kola works to boost memory.
Gotu Kola Improves Mood and Cognition
Gotu kola has been revered for thousands of years for its ability to enhance cognition. So researchers in Thailand worked with 28 people in a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial to put some science behind this reputation.
Each participant in this study received an extract of gotu kola at various doses ranging 250, 500, and 750 mg once per day for 2 months. The study showed the higher dose of gotu kola enhanced working memory and mood.[xi]
Researchers in India set out evaluate the nootropic value of gotu kola. Three-month old Swiss albino mice were given doses of gotu kola extract for 15 and 30 days.
The researchers found that gotu kola increases acetylcholine activity. And increased dendrites in the mice hippocampus. Showing that gotu kola can promote higher brain function.[xii]
Dosage Notes
Recommended dose of gotu kola standardized extract is 50 – 250 mg taken 2 or 3 times daily.
Standardized extracts should contain 40% asiaticoside, 29 to 30% asiatic acid, 29 to 30 % madecassic acid, and 1 to 2% madecassoside.
In human studies in people with venous insufficiency (poor blood circulation in the legs), 90 – 180 mg daily worked well for these patients.
As a tincture (1:2 w/v, 30% alcohol): 30 to 60 drops (equivalent to 1.5 to 3 mL, there are 5 mL in a tsp.), 3 times daily.
Side Effects
Side effects are rare with gotu kola. But may include skin allergy and burning sensations if you’re applying it on your skin. Taken internally, side effects could include headache, upset stomach, nausea, dizziness and drowsiness.
Gotu kola has been used in some studies that lasted up to one year. But please note that gotu kola has the potential to be harmful to the liver. Some medical authorities caution that it is best not to use gotu kola for more than 6 weeks without talking to your doctor.
Asiaticoside, a major part of gotu kola, has also been linked with tumor growth in mice. If you have a history of precancerous or cancerous skin lesions, such as squamous cell, basal cell skin cancer, or melanoma, you should not use gotu kola.
And if you have liver disease, or take medications that affect the liver, you should not take gotu kola. Again, check with your doctor if you take any prescription medications, or often take over-the-counter pain relievers that could affect your liver.
Available Forms
Gotu kola is available in teas, dried leaf in powder form, tinctures, capsule, tablets and ointments.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Gotu Kola extract up to 600 mg per day
We recommend using Gotu Kola as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does not make gotu kola. So you must take it as a supplement to get its effects.
This ancient herb has a long history of safe use as both an herbal remedy, and food throughout much of southeast Asia.
Here in the West, gotu kola is mostly used for healing varicose veins and skin conditions. But its overlooked as a nootropic.
Gotu kola can improve your mood and memory. And protect your brain from free radicals and the toxins you’re exposed to everyday.
Gotu kola as a nootropic has the potential to keep you mentally sharp for life. And if the ancients were right, may even help you live longer.
You can even out the stress and anxiety of your day by sipping gotu kola tea. Or use a supplement as a cognitive enhancer.
If you’re using gotu kola extract and dosing up to 600 mg per day, split your dose into 200 mg 3-times per day.
[i] Wang L., Xu J., Zhao C., Zhao L., Feng B. “Antiproliferative, cell-cycle dysregulation effects of novel asiatic acid derivatives on human non-small cell lung cancer cells.” Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin (Tokyo). 2013;61(10):1015-23 (source)
[ii] Orhan G., orhan I., Sener B. “Recent Developments in Natural and Synthetic Drug Research forAlzheimer’s Disease” Letter in Drug Design & Discovery 2006 (source)
[iii] Soumyanath A., Zhong Y.P., Gold S.A., Yu X., Koop D.R., Bourdette D., Gold B.G. “Centella asiatica accelerates nerve regeneration upon oral administration and contains multiple active fractions increasing neurite elongation in-vitro.” Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacology. 2005 Sep;57(9):1221-9. (source)
[iv] Gadahad M.R., Rao M., Rao G. “Enhancement of hippocampal CA3 neuronal dendritic arborization by Centella asiatica (Linn) fresh leaf extract treatment in adult rats.” Journal of the Chinese Medical Association. 2008 Jan;71(1):6-13. (source)
[v] Sheffield M.E.J., Dombeck D.A. “Calcium transient prevalence across the dendritic arbour predicts place field properties” Nature 517, 200–204 (08 January 2015) (source)
[vi] Wattanathorn J. et. Al. “Positive modulation of cognition and mood in the healthy elderly volunteer following the administration of Centella asiatica.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2008 Mar 5;116(2):325-32. (source)
[vii] Peters R. “Ageing and the brain” Postgrad Medical Journal 2006 Feb; 82(964): 84–88. (source)
[viii] Seshadri S., Wolf P.A., Beiser A., Elias M.F., Au R., Kase C.S., D’Agostino R.B., DeCarli C. “Stroke risk profile, brain volume, and cognitive function: the Framingham Offspring Study.” Neurology. 2004 Nov 9;63(9):1591-9. (source)
[ix] Barnes C.A. “Long-term potentiation and the ageing brain.”Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B Biological Sciences. 2003 Apr 29;358(1432):765-72. (source)
[x] Wanakhachornkrai O., Pongrakhananon V., Chunhacha P., Wanasuntronwong A., Vattanajun A., Tantisira B., Chanvorachote P., Tantisira M.H. “Neuritogenic effect of standardized extract of Centella asiatica ECa233 on human neuroblastoma cells.” BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013 Aug 4;13:204. (source)
[xi] Wattanathorn J., Mator L., Muchimapura S., Tongun T., Pasuriwong O., Piyawatkul N., Yimtae K., Sripanidkulchai B., Singkhoraard J. “Positive modulation of cognition and mood in the healthy elderly volunteer following the administration of Centella asiatica.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2008 Mar 5;116(2):325-32. (source)
[xii] Rao S.B., Chetana M., Uma Devi P. “Centella asiatica treatment during postnatal period enhances learning and memory in mice.”Physiology and Behavior. 2005 Nov 15;86(4):449-57. (source)
You mention that it should be taken for 6 weeks at most in order to avoid any liver damage. Can you tell us what should be the interval between usages?
Nick, I mentioned that “some medical authorities” advise caution when using Gotu Kola long-term because it has the potential to harm your liver. Other medical literature suggest this is only a problem if you have issues with your liver.
I think the easiest way to figure out what’s best for you is try Gotu Kola. If it works for you and you want to continue using it then have your doc include labs for your liver every few months. That’ll tell you if this nootropic is causing problems. Certain elevated enzymes in your liver could be a warning.
Hi David I was reading your newsletter about telomere growth.
When we spoke you told me holy basil made what gotu kola does + more.
Do you still recommend holy basil first before gotu kola ?
Thanks
Jean-Philippe, I still recommend Holy Basil for what it does including helping repair DNA. Gotu Kola has its own unique benefits including this new and substantiated claim of regrowing telomeres. Both are amazing nootropic adaptogen supplements.
I suggest going back as carefully going through the mechanism of action for each to clarify how they each offer unique benefits.
Hi David Tomen, could you please tell me what dose i need of Centevita® Gotu Kola Extract for its neurogenesis effects?, would 120 or 250 mg in a capsule once daily along with other herbs be good for this? or do i need a much larger dose of maybe 750? that i read is needed for its stronger mood effects?.
I read “Gotu Kola promotes regeneration of the brain by activating the release of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), a hormone that triggers the growth of new neurons. It also increases neuroplasticity and communication between neurons by stimulating dendrite branching.” but i cant find any info about what dose is needed for this.
Andrea, Gotu Kola extract 250 mg taken 2 – 3 times per day for neurogenesis. And for more ideas on boosting BDNF see this post: https://nootropicsexpert.com/13-nootropics-to-boost-bdnf/
Hi, So I have been on an endless hunt to relieve my chronic insomnia. Finally I tried Gotu Kola and wow it makes me tired, i’ve never felt anything else than this, no matter when or how I take the herb. It is quite the sedative, which is wonderful. What do you think of this? Is there a certain dosage that is better for its sedative aspect?
Also I’ve been experiencing incredibly severe interactions when I take it with other sedatives, its pretty scary sometimes. These include things like valerian root, kratom as well as some of the Rx drugs Ive tried, especially seroquel. At one point I was spun out for a couple days, and just stayed home. How come I don’t ever find any research or writing about this aspect of Gotu Kola, especially as it seems a bit dangerous? In my desperation to get some sleep I use a little Kola w other sedatives as it seems to amplify all other sedatives. Right now, the best combo that works is 250-500 mg of Kola at night with the seroquel. It is a very strong interaction w some anxiety but its the only way i can sleep. What do u think of this?
This is an awesome site btw, thank you!
Chris, are you 100% positive that there is nothing else in your “Gotu Kola” supplement? Because its primary mechanisms of action are neurogenesis, increasing blood flow and boosting acetylcholine. So unless there’s something else going on with this herb that didn’t surface in my research, it sounds like something other than pure Gotu Kola.
Wow is this my new favorite website or what?
On a whim, I typed in venous insufficiency, one of my health conditions and up popped Gotu Kola.
I have had 3 to 5 tabs open NE-.-com for days now. If only I had time and focus to read everything right now 🙂
That reminds me I should go do a search for focus and stick-to-it-ivness.
David
Thank you
Hi David,
I’m really interested in growing the plant and make tea. Being fat-soluble does it have any effect? how about long term use and would it cause liver problems this way?
Thanks for your time.
Francisco, Gotu Kola is a very effective nootropic. But doctors who have experience with this supplement warn against long-term use because it could harm your liver. Short-term use is fine. Please see the “Side Effects” section of this review for everything I’ve been able to find about potential problems with this herb.
OK I will try 2 capsules twice a day with a meal.
Thank You David for your advice.
Hi David
I’m taking these nootropics at the moment:
B Complex, methylcobalamin, folate (in the morning)
DHA 1000mg (in the morning)
Performance Lab Whole-Food Multi (2 caps in the morning)
M.L.P. (2 caps in the morning)
Ashwaganda (6g dry root, in the morning)
Panax Korean Ginseng (500mg in the morning and 500mg in the afternoon)
L-Theanine (500mg in the morning and 500mg in the afternoon).
Magnesium L-Threonate (at night), I take 2 caps. (3 caps = 2,000mg)
GABA (500mg at night)
With unrefined coconut oil.
I took my morning stack at 10am. And I didn’t take any nootropics until 6pm. At 6pm I tried Gotu Kola on its own, for a first time today for social anxiety. I drank a lot of coffee to be more anxious and when I was really anxious I took 1 capsule of Gotu Kola. After about 10 – 20 minutes I felt less anxious, but still not 100%.
On the label it says: Each capsule contains Gotu Kola herb powder 425 mg. Take 2 capsules twice daily with a meal or as professionally prescribed.
Do you think 1 capsule is enough in synergy with my other nootropics or I should follow the label and take 2 capsules twice a day?
Thank You David for your help
Mick, I’d follow the label if it jives with the dosage recommendations in this review (see above). And it’s fat-soluble so make sure you take it with a healthy fat.
Is it safe to combime GK with Lithium Orotate?
Haakon, it shouldn’t be problem combining the two.
Hi,
One of my friend take Levera or
Levepsy medicine. Will it be fine for her, if she start taking gotu kola along with above mentioned medicine.? Please reply.
Regards
Sandeep
Sandeep, the short answer is I can’t find any information on possible interactions between Gotu Kola and Levera. Levera is from the racetam-family of nootropics and called Levetiracetam. It seems to work by inhibiting high-voltage channels in neurons in the brain (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22554805). Which may account for how it provides relief from symptoms of epilepsy.
Gotu Kolu increases energy by boosting acetylcholine in brain. And repairing neurons. These actions may run counter to what you are trying to achieve with Levitracetam. But I have no proof.
David
What is a 50:1 extract of Gotu Kola mean? And is this too potent? And how much of doseing would you reccomend?
Cy, it depends on what is in the extract. For example, using 50 kilos of the whole herb to make 1 kilo of extract would be 50:1 extract. But if the herb was refined first to include only some of the included compounds in this herb it would mean a different extract.
The key here is if the manufacturer’s extract contains 40% asiaticoside, 29 to 30% asiatic acid, 29 to 30 % madecassic acid, and 1 to 2% madecassoside. Which is what my Nootropics Expert Gotu Kola dosage recommendation is based on.
In your case with a 50:1 extract and not knowing more about this extract, I suggest depending on the manufacturer’s dosage recommendation.
Thank you David. Who sells such a Gotu Kola extract with the recommended specifications you listed? Or whos the closest? Online or anywhere.
Cy, only Gotu Kola extract within those specs that I’ve been able to locate is sold by Nootropics Depot: https://amzn.to/32uBHiW