10 Health Benefits of Gotu Cola

What is Gotu Kola?

Gotu kola – This is a medicinal plant that is actively used in oriental medicine. In particular, gotu kola is one of the main components of Indonesian and traditional Chinese medicine, and is also used in Ayurveda.

In addition to affecting the brain, gotu kola has a beneficial effect on the liver, kidneys, strengthens the immune system, and is also effective in the treatment of certain skin diseases. Some of the qualities of Gotu-Cola are confirmed by experimental studies.

10 Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of Gotu Kola

1. Improvement in cognitive functions

A 2016 quasi-experimental study included three groups of stroke survivors: the first group took 3 mg of folic acid daily, the second took 1000 mg of gotu kola per day, and the third group took 750 mg of gotu kola daily. After 6 weeks, the effects of the agents on participants’ cognitive function were assessed. Both folic acid and gotu kola were found to improve overall cognitive performance equally, while memory and learning ability were more affected by gotu kola. ^[1]

In addition, studies have been conducted on the effect of an aqueous extract of Gotu Kola on mice. It was found that mice of all ages showed improved performance when passing the Morris water maze, which indicates a positive effect on spatial memory and learning. The most pronounced effect was observed in older mice.

Method of application and dosage: take 750-1000 mg of gotu kola daily, the recommended course of administration is up to 14 days.

2. Adjuvant therapy for Alzheimer’s disease

Studies have shown that gotu kola improves memory and has a restorative effect on the nervous system, which affects Alzheimer’s disease. In particular, a 2012 study on laboratory mice found that mice affected by Alzheimer’s disease had reduced behavioral disorders. Studies in other animals have confirmed the protective effect of gotu kola extract on brain cells and the reduction in the accumulation of amyloid plaques that form during the disease. ^[2]

However, the optimal treatment plan has not yet been developed, so in case you decide to take gotu kola as a treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s, consult your doctor.

Recommended way of application: take 30-60 drops of water extract of gotu kola 3 times a day. Check the instructions for dosage details.

3. To reduce stress and anxiety

A 2016 animal study found that gotu kola had a calming effect on male mice after 72 hours without sleep. Insomnia can cause anxiety, neuro-inflammatory processes, and cell damage caused by free radicals.

Mice that took gotu kola for five days and then were deprived of sleep showed higher physical activity, had minimal anxiety behavior, and cells experienced less oxidative stress compared to the control group.

A 2013 analysis also showed that gotu kola has an anxiolytic effect, meaning it suppresses anxiety. Research continues to this day to accurately determine the mechanism of action of gotu kola. ^[3]

Mode of application: taking 2 times a day, 500 mg of gotu kola extract. The maximum allowable daily allowance is 2000 mg, acceptable for extremely severe anxiety.

4. Antidepressant action

It is known that gotu kola is able to increase mental activity, which is inherent in antidepressants. This property was confirmed in a 2016 study that included 33 people with generalized anxiety disorder. They were taken off their antidepressants and put on gotu kola, which they had to take for 60 days. Participants reported that stress and anxiety were markedly reduced, as were other symptoms of depression. Another experience was with chronically depressed rats given gotu kola. The results of the study showed that the body temperature and heart rate returned to normal in rats, and weight gained, which indicates a regression of depression. ^[4]

Mode of application: take gotu kola twice a day at 500 mg continuously for 14 days. The maximum allowable daily allowance is 2000 mg for severe depression.

5. Improve blood circulation and reduce swelling

In 2001, experts conducted a study in which they found that gotu kola prevents fluid retention in the body, reduces swelling and circulatory disorders that occur during long flights lasting more than 3 hours.

Also, persons suffering from varicose veins or a mild form of venous insufficiency were given gotu kola for two days before the flight, on the day of the flight and the day after the flight. Compared to the control group, those taking gotu kola had less ankle swelling and fluid retention.

Earlier studies have shown that the intake of gotu kola has a positive metabolic effect on the connective tissue of the vascular wall. ^[5]

Dosing and Administration: take gotu kola extract during the week before and after the flight at a dosage of 60-100 mg 3 times a day. Additionally, a XNUMX% gotu kola cream is rubbed into the affected area.

Allergy test: before using the product, it is recommended to check the reaction of the body. To do this, a small amount of cream is applied to a section of the inner side of the forearm with a diameter of a couple of centimeters. Then follow-up is required throughout the day. If no irritation or other response has been detected, then the agent can be applied to other parts of the body.

6. Treatment of insomnia

Insomnia often accompanies disorders such as depression, stress and anxiety, so gotu kola can be used to treat insomnia as one of the symptoms of these conditions.

Early studies determined a reduction in insomnia symptoms after taking gotu kola. Today, research is still underway to analyze in more detail the effect of the drug on sleep pathology.

Mode of application: 300-680 mg of gotu kola extract apply 3 times a day for 14 days in a continuous course.

7. Reduce stretch marks

Gotu kola can reduce the appearance of new stretch marks. According to a 2023 review, this herb contains terpenoids that increase collagen and fibronectin production, resulting in improved skin elasticity. This helps to prevent the development of stretch marks, as well as reduce the severity of old stretch marks. ^[6]

Usage: cream with 1% gotu kola extract is applied topically to the affected area several times a day.

Allergy test: before using the product, it is recommended to check the reaction of the body. To do this, a small amount of cream is applied to a section of the inner side of the forearm with a diameter of a couple of centimeters. Then follow-up is required throughout the day. If no irritation or other response has been detected, then the agent can be applied to other parts of the body.

8. Accelerating wound healing, preventing scarring.

In a 2015 study on rats, it was found that a dressing containing gotu kola had a positive effect on the healing of various types of wounds. The studied lesions of incised type, ruptures and infected wounds showed increased resistance to rupture, tissue elasticity, and decreased formation of keloid scars. More research is needed to better understand the mechanism of action of active substances on body tissues.

Mode of application: XNUMX% gotu kola ointment is applied to the affected area several times a day. In particularly severe cases, be sure to consult your doctor before use.

Allergy test: before using the product, it is recommended to check the reaction of the body. To do this, a small amount of cream is applied to a section of the inner side of the forearm with a diameter of a couple of centimeters. Then follow-up is required throughout the day. If no irritation or other response has been detected, then the agent can be applied to other parts of the body.

9. Reduced Joint Pain

Gotu kola is known for its anti-inflammatory effect, which helps in the treatment of arthritis. In a 2014 study, rats were induced with collagen-induced arthritis, after which they were given gotu kola to ingest. It turned out that after the therapy, inflammatory reactions in the joints decreased, and there was an involution of erosion of the cartilage and adjacent bones. ^[7]

Mode of application: take 3-300 mg of gotu kola extract 680 times a day throughout the course without interruption. The duration of the course is 14 days.

10. Reducing the toxic effects of substances

Isoniazid is one of the toxic antibacterial drugs that is used for the treatment and prevention of tuberculosis. In a 2017 study, rats were given 30 mg of gotu kola daily for 100 days, followed by isoniazid. As a result, toxic effects on the liver and kidneys were practically not expressed. Another group of rats that took the antibiotic without prior prophylaxis, the toxic effect of the drug was more pronounced, but disappeared after the introduction of gotu kola. ^[8]

Mode of application: water extract of gotu kola take 30-60 drops 3 times a day. Recommended course of admission: up to 14 days.

Depending on the manufacturer, the dosage may vary, so always follow the instructions.

Instructions for use

Standard application:

• In the form of tea: brew and drink 1 glass 3 times a day;

• In the form of tincture: take 30-60 drops 2 times a day;

• In the form of an extract: take 50-250 mg 2-3 times a day.

Special recommendations and dosages:

To improve cognitive functions: take 750-1000 mg per day for 14 days.

To reduce stress and symptoms of depression: take 500 mg 2 times a day for 2 weeks.

To prevent fluid retention and swelling: taking 60-100 mg 3 times a day, the course of taking 7 days.

For insomnia: take 300-680 mg 3 times a day. The course of admission is 2 weeks.

For stretch marks: 3% cream with Gotu Kola extract is applied to the affected area XNUMX times a day.

For wounds and scars: 3% ointment is applied to the affected area XNUMX times a day. For extensive or deep wounds, a preliminary consultation with the attending physician is required.

For inflammation and pain in the joints: take 300-700 mg 3 times a day. The course of admission is 14 days.

Side effects and special instructions

• Harmful to the liver. Continuous use for more than 6 weeks is not recommended due to potential harm to the liver. It is recommended to interrupt the course for 2 weeks, or consult a doctor to discuss further treatment.

• Diabetes. Gotu kola has the ability to raise blood sugar levels. Not recommended for patients with diabetes mellitus without prior approval from the doctor.

• Diuretics. Gotu kola has a diuretic effect, which is enhanced by diuretics and can lead to electrolyte depletion and dehydration.

• Sedatives. The anxiolytic effect of gotu kola may enhance the effects of sleeping pills and anti-anxiety drugs.

• Asiaticoside It is one of the components of Gotu Kola that has been shown to promote the growth of tumors in mice in the laboratory. In the event that there have been cases of skin cancer in the family history, taking the remedy is not recommended.

Противопоказания

Gotu kola is contraindicated in the following cases:

• Pregnancy

• Lactation

• Hepatitis or other liver diseases

• Scheduled for surgery in the next 2 weeks

• History of skin cancer