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Also known as Gotu kola, centella comes from the Centella asiatica plant. According to legend, elephants use this plant as a food source and owe their longevity to its age-defying properties. (Scientists would likely claim that the elephants' lifespan falls as expected on the curve relating size, metabolic oxygen utilization, and lifespan in various species.)
Sometimes called Indian Pennywort, Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is native to India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and many of the Southeast Asian Islands. The freshly-dried leaves of the Gotu Kola plant have been used medically for a variety of concerns throughout China, East Asia, and Africa for many years.
The chemical composition of gotu kola is quite extensive including saponins, volatile oils, sugars, fatty acids, amino acids, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins and carotenoids. The saponin components like asiaticoside and others, are thought to be the most active components. Gotu kola has antiinflammatory, anti-convulsant, antidepressant and analgesic properties.
Wound and scar healing seems to be one of gotu kola's unique properties both topically and orally. The triterpenic fraction of Gotu Kola extracts is able to inhibit some of the lysosomal enzymes thought to participate in the etiology of varicose veins and venous insufficiencies.
Other factors attributed to Gotu kola is its ability to enhance connective tissue, increasing the tone of vessels, tendons, and ligaments. This activity has been confirmed in several clinical trials, in which edema, pain, decreased capillary permeability, and microcirculation were all improved significantly without adverse effects. The use of this herb is becoming more frequent for a number of connective tissue, vascular, and wound healing protocols. The safe use of this herb and its extracts has been confirmed by many studies. Extracts of gotu kola are available, as well as tinctures and ointments. Gotu kola should not be confused with Kola Nut (Cola acuminata), a completely different plant.
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Gotu Kola can help with the following: | | | | | Circulation |  Poor/Slow Wound Healing | Known for its remarkable wound healing properties, centella has been found to induce levels of antioxidants in wounds and newly-formed tissue, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Centella improves collagen formation and angiogenesis [Shukla et al. 1999]. A review article of centella noted the most beneficial effects to date involved the stimulation and mutation of scar tissue by production of Type I collagen and an inhibition of the inflammatory reaction. This article reviewed seven other articles about centella, stating "Centella asiatica has been documented to aid wound healing in a large number of scientific reports" [Shukla 1999b; Widgerow et al. 2000]. |
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Mental |
 Poor Memory| | Gotu kola improves memory and increases mental stamina. |
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help |
GLOSSARY
Amino Acid (Amino Acids)
An organic acid containing nitrogen chemical building blocks that aid in the production of protein in the body. Eight of the twenty-two known amino acids are considered "essential," and must be obtained from dietary sources because the body can not synthesize them.
Analgesic
Agent which relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness.
Antidepressant (Antidepressants)
Literally, substances meant to oppose depressions or sadness, and generally heterocyclic types such as Elavil, MAO inhibitors like phenelzine, or lithium carbonate. This category of substances formerly included stuff like amphetamines and other stimulants. Botanical examples include Hypericum, Peganum and Oplopanax.
Anti-inflammatory (Antiinflammatory)
Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation, e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin.
Antioxidant (Antioxidants)
A chemical compound that slows or prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from oxidative damage caused by molecules called free radicals. These chemicals can damage important parts of cells, such as proteins, membranes, and DNA. Some antioxidants have been shown to have cancer-protecting potential because they neutralize free radicals. Examples include vitamins C and E, beta carotene, the minerals selenium and germanium, superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q10, catalase, and some amino acids.
Bioflavonoid (Bioflavonoids, Flavonoid, Flavonoids)
Vitamin P. Any of a group of colored flavones (crystalline compounds) found next to the peel in many fruits. Essential for the stability and absorption of ascorbic acid.
Capillary
Any of the smallest blood vessels connecting arterioles with venules and forming networks throughout the body.
Collagen
The primary protein within white fibers of connective tissue and the organic substance found in tendons, ligaments, cartilage, skin, teeth and bone.
Edema
Abnormal accumulation of fluids within tissues resulting in swelling.
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
Fatty Acids (Fatty Acid)
Chemical chains of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms that are part of a fat (lipid) and are the major component of triglycerides. Depending on the number and arrangement of these atoms, fatty acids are classified as either saturated, polyunsaturated, or monounsaturated. They are nutritional substances found in nature which include cholesterol, prostaglandins, and stearic, palmitic, linoleic, linolenic, eicosapentanoic (EPA), and decohexanoic acids. Important nutritional lipids include lecithin, choline, gamma-linoleic acid, and inositol.
Glutathione Peroxidase
A family of antioxidant enzymes containing selenium which are important in the reduction of different hydroperoxides, including hydrogen peroxide which is involved in the irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and increase in perspiration.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.
Saponin (Saponins)
Any of various mostly toxic glucosides that occur in plants (as soapwort or soapbark) and are characterized by the property of producing a soapy lather.
Scar Tissue
Fibrous tissue replacing normal tissues destroyed by injury or disease.
SRI
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. The result of this inhibition action is to maintain higher levels of serotonin.
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)
An antioxidant enzyme which helps protect cells from free-radical damage.
Varicose Veins
Twisted, widened veins with incompetent valves.
Vascular
Relating to the blood vessels of the body. The blood vessels of the body, as a group, are referred to as the vascular system. They are composed of arteries, veins and capillaries - arteries that pass oxygen-rich blood to the tissues of the body; veins which return oxygen-depleted blood from the tissues to the lungs for oxygen; and the capillaries that are the tiniest vessels and are between the arteries and veins.
Venous
Pertaining to the veins.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
A water-soluble antioxidant vitamin essential to the body's health. When bound to other nutrients, for example calcium, it would be referred to as "calcium ascorbate". As an antioxidant, it inhibits the formation of nitrosamines (a suspected carcinogen). Vitamin C is important for maintenance of bones, teeth, collagen and blood vessels (capillaries), enhances iron absorption and red blood cell formation, helps in the utilization of carbohydrates and synthesis of fats and proteins, aids in fighting bacterial infections, and interacts with other nutrients. It is present in citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries, potatoes and fresh, green leafy vegetables.
Vitamin E
An essential fat-soluble vitamin. As an antioxidant, helps protect cell membranes, lipoproteins, fats and vitamin A from destructive oxidation. It helps protect red blood cells and is important for the proper function of nerves and muscles. For Vitamin E only, 1mg translates to 1 IU.
Last updated: Sep 28, 2008
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