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Other common
name(s): centella, pennywort, Madekassol
Scientific/medical
name(s): Centella
asiatica, Hydrocotyle asiatica
Description
Gotu kola is a swamp plant that grows naturally in Madagascar,
India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and many parts of South Africa. Its dried
leaves and stems are used in herbal remedies. The active compounds in
gotu kola are called saponins,
or triterpenoids.
Gotu kola is also used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat skin
wounds. Gotu kola is not related to the kola (cola) nut and contains no
caffeine or stimulants.
Overview
Some clinical trials have looked at the use of gotu kola and
its compounds in people with poor blood flow, usually in the legs.
These limited studies suggest that gotu kola may help reduce swelling
in the legs and feet, although more scientific studies are needed.
Other research that has looked at gotu kola in humans has been limited
by small numbers of patients and problems in study methods. Although at
least one laboratory study of tumor cells showed reduced cell growth
with gotu kola, available scientific evidence does not support claims
of its effectiveness for treating cancer or any other disease in
humans.
How is it promoted for use?
Proponents claim that gotu kola possesses numerous curative
qualities. Some practitioners maintain that gotu kola reduces fever and
relieves congestion caused by colds and upper respiratory infections.
Some women use gotu kola for birth control, and some herbalists claim
that gotu kola is an antidote for poisonous mushrooms and arsenic
poisoning. Some believe that it can be applied externally to treat
snakebites, herpes, fractures, and sprains.
In some folk medicine traditions, gotu kola is used to treat
syphilis, rheumatism, leprosy, mental illness, and epilepsy. It is also
used to stimulate urination and to relieve physical and mental
exhaustion, diarrhea, eye diseases, inflammation, asthma, high blood
pressure, liver disease, dysentery, urinary tract infections, eczema,
and psoriasis. Some manufacturers of the herbal supplement claim gotu
kola can be used to treat cancer as well.
What does it involve?
Gotu kola is available in capsules, eye drops, extracts,
powder, and ointments from health food stores and over the Internet.
Dried gotu kola can be made into a tea. Recommended dosage depends on
the condition being treated.
What is the history behind it?
Gotu kola has a long history in the folk medicines of India,
Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar and is still widely used in these
countries today. It has been used for generations in India to promote
relaxation, improve memory, and aid meditation. In traditional Chinese
medicine, the herb is believed to promote longevity. The Chinese name
for gotu kola translates to "fountain of youth." A Sri Lankan legend
says that elephants have long lives because they eat gotu kola.
What is the evidence?
Animal and laboratory studies of gotu kola have shown
promising results for some uses, but further research will be needed to
determine its benefits for humans. One group of gotu kola compounds
that has been extracted and tested in clinical trials is called total
triterpenic fraction of Centella
asiatica (TTFCA). A few clinical trials in humans have
suggested that extracts of gotu kola and TTFCA, when taken by mouth,
were more helpful than a placebo at reducing swelling of the legs and
feet due to varicose veins and poor circulation, a condition called
chronic venous insufficiency. It seemed to reduce the
“leakage” of blood vessels that seems to contribute
to swelling. Further research is needed to determine whether these
results will hold true. It is also important to remember that extracted
chemicals such as TTFCA are not the same as the herb itself. Studies of
extracts may not show the same results as studies using the raw plant.
One study in India reported that gotu kola extract slowed the
development of tumors in mice and increased their life span. Other
studies with rats showed that gotu kola extract had calming effects and
prevented ulcers. Animal studies have shown that gotu kola, when
applied to the skin or taken by mouth, seems to promote collagen
production in wounds, which contributes to healing.
Laboratory studies showed that fresh gotu kola juice slowed
the growth of tumor cells, but not as much as more purified extracts
from the plant. Laboratory studies have also suggested that extracts of
gotu kola could be useful in the treatment of scleroderma and for the
prevention and treatment of Alzheimer disease. A small number of
laboratory studies conducted in India and Europe suggest that an
ointment or gel made from gotu kola may speed wound healing. None of
these studies have been done on humans, although some of the
wound-healing studies also looked promising in rodent tests.
Although animal and laboratory studies look promising for some
of these uses, further studies are necessary to determine whether the
results hold true for humans. More well-controlled research is needed
to understand whether gotu kola will play any role in cancer treatment.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
This product is sold as a
dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike companies that produce
drugs (which must provide the FDA with results of detailed testing
showing their product is safe and effective before the drug is approved
for sale), the companies that make supplements do not have to show
evidence of safety or health benefits to the FDA before selling their
products. Supplement products without any reliable scientific evidence
of health benefits may still be sold as long as the companies selling
them do not claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any
specific disease. Some such products may not contain the amount of the
herb or substance that is written on the label, and some may include
other substances (contaminants). Though the FDA has written new rules
to improve the quality of manufacturing processes for dietary
supplements and the accurate listing of supplement ingredients, these
rules do not take full effect until 2010. And, the new rules do not
address the safety of supplement ingredients or their effects on health
when proper manufacturing techniques are used.
Most such
supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with
medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some
reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full
studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of
these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions
below should be considered incomplete.
Gotu kola is generally considered safe; however there are no
large clinical studies in humans to fully document side effects. When
used on the skin, possible side effects include a burning sensation,
itching, or allergic rash. Stomach irritation and nausea have been
observed when the herb is taken by mouth. Drowsiness has been reported,
especially when the herb is taken in larger doses. High doses of gotu
kola have been reported to increase blood sugar and raise cholesterol
levels. A few cases of hepatitis (liver inflammation) have been
reported in people taking gotu kola. It may increase sensitivity to the
sun, so avoid sunlight or use sunscreen while taking it. This herb can
cause allergic reactions in some. Gotu kola impairs fertility in mice,
but human effects are less well known.
In addition, the potential interactions between gotu kola and
other drugs and herbs should be considered. Some of these combinations
may be dangerous. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about any
herbs you are taking.
Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use this
herb. Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying
conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health
consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Awang DV. Gotu kola. Can Pharm J. 1998;131:42-46.
Babu TD, Kuttan G, Padikkala J. Cytotoxic and anti-tumour
properties of certain taxa of Umbelliferae with special reference to
Centella asiatica (L.) Urban.
J Ethnopharmacol. 1995;48:53-57.
Fetrow CW, Avila JR.
Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines.
Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2004.
Gnanapragasam A, Ebenezar KK, Sathish V, Govindaraju P, Devaki
T. Protective effect of Centella asiatica on antioxidant tissue defense
system against adriamycin induced cardiomyopathy in rats. Life Sci.
2004;76:585-597.
Gotu kola. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Web site.
http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69242.cfm. Updated December 18, 2007.
Accessed June 5, 2008.
Gruenwald J. PDR
for Herbal Medicines. 3rd ed. Montvale, NJ: Thomson PDR;
2004.
Jorge OA, Jorge AD. Hepatotoxicity associated with the
ingestion of Centella asiatica. Rev
Esp Enferm Dig. 2005;97:115-124.
Pointel JP, Boccalon H, Cloarec M, Ledevehat C, Joubert M.
Titrated extract of Centella asiatica (TECA) in the treatment of venous
insufficiency of the lower limbs. Angiology.
1987;38:46-50.
Sunilkumar, Parameshwaraiah S, Shivakumar HG. Evaluation of
topical formulations of aqueous extract of Centella asiatica on open
wounds in rats. Indian
J Exp Biol. 1998;36:569-572.
Veerendra Kumar MH, Gupta YK. Effect of Centella asiatica on
cognition and oxidative stress in an intracerebroventricular
streptozotocin model of Alzheimer's disease in rats. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol.
2003;30:336-342.
Note: This information may not cover
all possible claims,
uses, actions, precautions, side effects or interactions. It is not
intended as medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a
substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is familiar with your
medical situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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