Gotu Kola Centella asiatica,the Goddess of Supreme Wisdom.

Contents

• Basic botanical Data of Gotu Kola.
• Phytochemicals,Constituients and mechanism of Gotu Kola.
• Narrative history and plant description of Gotu Kola.
• Application and Uses of Gotu Kola Products in brief.
• Application and Uses of Gotu Kola Products in details.
• Scientific data and research of Gotu Kola.
• Safety,Dosage and comments of Gotu Kola.
• Research Update of Gotu Kola Centella asiatica.
• Photo Gallery of Centella asiatica.

Application and Uses of Gotu Kola Products in details.

Gotu Kola is a rejuvenative nervine recommended for nervous disorders, epilepsy, senility and premature aging. As a brain tonic, it is said to aid intelligence and memory. It strengthens the adrenal glands and cleanses the blood to treat skin impurities. It is said to combat stress and depression, increase libido and improve reflexes. It has also been indicated for chronic venous insufficiency, minor burns, scars, scleroderma, skin ulcers, varicose veins, wound healing, rheumatism, blood diseases, congestive heart failure, urinary tract infections, venereal diseases, hepatitis and high blood pressure.

 1.Gotu Kola is the main Ayurvedic brain-mind tonic for children and adults:

 Gotu kola has been referred to as "food for the brain". This oriental herb has demonstrated mild tranquilizing, anti-anxiety and anti-stress effects, as well as improving mental functions such as concentration and memory. It has a calming effect on the body and is chiefly used to support the central nervous system. These beneficial qualities make Gotu kola an excellent herb for children with A.D.D. because it has a stimulating effect on the brain that increases one's ability to focus while having a soothing and relaxing effect on an overactive nervous system.

 Gotu kola is often used to increase mental function and performance. Many studies have confirmed the usefulness of gotu kola in improving brain function. It is commonly prescribed in Europe and India to improve mental function. Research done in India found the water extract of fresh leaves to help improve memory and learning. It was also found to help improve and overcome the negative effects associated with stress and fatigue.

 Pharmacology:The triterpenoids are mainly responsible for the pharmacology of C. Asiatica and apparently interact with the cholinergic neurosystem; alcoholic extracts given to albino rats resulted in a decrease of acetylcholine and histamine brain concentrations. The interaction with this neural system is probably responsible for the mild memory improvement and relaxation.
 


 2.Gotu kola products used as good I.Q. and mental ability stimulator:

 Gotu kola is regarded as one of the most spiritual and rejuvenating herbs in Ayurveda and is used to improve meditation. It is said to develop the crown chakra, the energy center at the top of the head, and to balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain, which the leaf is said to resemble.

 Gotu Kola contains chemicals called triterpines (saponins) like asiaticoside, madecassoside and madasiatic acid which enhance the formulation of collagen in bones, cartilage and connective tissue. These substances work to promote healthy blood vessels by strengthening their walls and improving blood flow. Gotu Kola encourages production of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters to help with brain function.

 Other clinical trials in India have found that gotu kola can help increase the I.Q. and mental ability of mentally retarded children. The children involved in the study showed improved mental capacity as well as improved behavior. It was given to the children in combination with capsicum and ginseng. This improved behavior and mental capacity can help individuals with mental and learning disabilities to achieve a higher quality of life.

 Another study found improvement in the memory of rats when given the gotu kola extract. The learned behavior retention improved dramatically in the rats. The conclusion of the study was that gotu kola improves learning and memory.
 


 3.Gotu Kola as General antibiotics with super wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities:

 Gotu Kola has been found to have significant results in healing of skin, other connective tissues, lymph tissue, blood vessels, and mucous membranes. Researchers have found that Gotu kola contains several glycosides that exhibit wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities and that asiaticosides stimulate the formation of lipids and proteins necessary for healthy skin.
 Gotu kola is often confused with kola nut. Due to this confusion, some people assume the rejuvenating properties of Gotu kola are due to the stimulating effects of caffeine contained in kola nut. In fact, Gotu kola is not related to kola nut and contains no caffeine. There are three main chemical constituents in Gotu kola. The first is asiaticoside, which is a triterpene glycoside and classified as an antibiotic. It aids in wound healing and has been used in the treatment of leprosy and tuberculosis in the Far East. The second constituent is a pair of chemicals, brahmoside and brahminoside, which are saponin glycosides. These are diuretic in nature and have a slightly sedative action in large doses. Finally, there is madecassoside, a glycoside that is a strong anti-inflammatory agent. The plant is also a source of Vitamin K, magnesium, calcium and sodium.

 4.Gotu Kola affects tissue development:

 Gotu kola affects various stages of tissue development, including keratinization (the process of replacing skin after sores or ulcers), the synthesis of collagen (the first step in tissue repair), the stimulation of hair and nail growth, and support for the repair of cartilage. Gotu kola has been effectively used in the treatment of second and third degree burns. It has been shown to decrease healing time and reduce scar tissue formation.
 Recent studies show that Gotu kola also has a positive effect on the circulatory system. It seems to improve the flow of blood throughout the body by strengthening the veins and capillaries. Gotu kola has been shown to be particularly useful for people who are inactive or confined to bed due to illness.
 The herb has been used successfully to treat phlebitis (inflammation of the veins), varicose veins, as well as leg cramps, swelling of the legs, and "heaviness" or tingling in the legs. In modern health care it has been used for venous insufficiency, localized inflammation and infection, and post-surgery recovery.
 


 5.Traditional Uses of Gotu kola:

 Gotu kola has been widely used for a number of conditions, particularly in traditional Eastern health care. In Ayurveda Gotu kola is one of the chief herbs for revitalizing the nerves and brain cells. It is said to fortify the immune system, both cleansing and feeding it, and to strengthen the adrenals.
 It has been used as a tonic for purification of blood and for promoting healthy skin. It has also been used to aid in restful sleep, treat skin inflammations, as a treatment for high blood pressure and as a mild diuretic. Recent studies (1995) demonstrated that Gotu kola destroyed cultured tumor cells in the laboratory setting (in vitro).
 The leaves of this swamp plant have been used around the world for centuries to treat leprosy, cancer, skin disorders, arthritis, hemorrhoids, and tuberculosis. In recent years, Gotu kola has become popular in the West as a nerve tonic to promote relaxation and to enhance memory.
 The herbs calming properties make it well suited for overcoming insomnia and making one calm for yoga and meditative practices. It is commonly used to rebuild energy reserves improve memory and treat fatigue, both mental and physical.
 

 In Sri Lanka and other tropical areas, gotu kola has a long tradition in the healing of leprosy. Studies attribute its apparent effectiveness to asiatiocoside, which destroys the protective cell walls of the bacterium that causes the disease and thus promoting wound healing. Another of the key alkaloids is madecasosside, an important wound healer used for its anti-inflammatory effects.
 Gotu kola contains substances that are used to build brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) instrumental in memory and learning, and may hold promise in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease. They may also improve learning in some children with developmental disorders.
 A standardized extract called TECA has been shown to speed the healing of burns, skin ulcers, skin grafts, and surgical incisions. It not only promoted healing but also reduced the formation of scar tissue. In another small study involving patients with severe psoriasis, five of the seven participants had their skin lesions disappear within seven weeks. Many other studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in learning disabilities, reducing pain and swelling, and killing of cancer cells in a lab culture. The herb can be taken internally for these conditions or used in compresses for external conditions. The only side effect is that it can cause drowsiness if taken in very large doses.

 Related to the carrot, gotu kola supports the integrity of collagen and skin. It can help heal minor wounds and skin irritations, help ensure blood vessel integrity, and promote circulation throughout the body, including to the brain. A long-standing tonic rejuvenator, it is said to help concentration and memory. Gotu kola appears to be most useful in building healthy connective tissue, thereby reducing formation of scar tissue. It may also improve circulation, probably by strengthening the walls of veins and other blood vessels. It is commonly used to promote skin healing, including that of psoriasis, syphilis, and leoprosy; to reduce the scarring of surgical incisions; to treat varicose veins and improve circulation; to rebuild connective tissue; and to improve memory while slowing the ageing process.
 


 6.Different Used of Gotu Kola in East and West:

 Other Indian uses - Fresh leaves are given to children for dysentery. The plant is also thought helpful for fevers, abdominal disorders, asthma, and bronchitis. An oil extract is used to promote hair growth.
 Yoga:Gotu Kola, called Brahmi in Ayurveda, meaning "the Goddess of Supreme Wisdom",has helped spiritual seekers find wisdom for millennia. Purifying and deeply balancing to Prana, the mind and to awareness, Gotu Kola is excellent food for yogis and meditators.
 Western uses - Despite its reputation as a tonic herb, gotu kola is used mainly for skin problems and wounds. Gotu kola is now also considered to have an anti-inflammatory effect and is given for rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, and poor venous circulation.
 In Western herbalism, it is used mainly for skin problems and wounds; but increasingly it is being given for rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, and poor venous circulation.
 


 7.Gotu kola treat Leprosy and skin disorders:

 Gotu kola has been used for thousands of years in India and still has a central place in Ayurvedic medicine. Gotu kola is used specifically to treat leprosy, skin ulcers, and other skin problems. Gotu Kola is used also a tonic for purification of blood and for promoting healthy skin. It is furthermore been used to aid in restful sleep, treat skin inflammations, as a treatment for high blood pressure and as a mild diuretic.

 8.gotu kola used as general Tonic:

 Tonic herb:Gotu kola has a longstanding reputation in India as a "rejuvenator," helping concentration and memory. it is also taken for fertility and as a tonic for poor digestion and rheumatism.
 

 9. Most spiritual herb and improve meditation:

 In South China and India, Gotu kola is regarded as perhaps the most spiritual of all herbs. Growing in some areas of the Himalayas, gotu kola is used by yogis to improve meditation. It is said to develop the crown chakra, the energy center at the top of the head and to balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain, which the leaf is said to resemble. It is regarded as one of the most important rejuvenative herbs in Ayurvedic Medicine. Sri Lankans noticed that elephants, renowned for their longevity, munched on the leaves of the plant. Thus the leaves became known as a promoter of long life. It is said to fortify the immune system, both cleansing and feeding it and to strengthen the adrenals. It has been used as a pure blood tonic and for skin health. It has also been used to promote restful sleep. Gotu kola is often confused with kola nut. Due to this confusion, some people assume the rejuvenating properties of gotu kola are due to the stimulating effects of caffeine contained in kola nut. In fact, gotu kola is not related to kola nut and contains no caffeine.


 10.Rejuvenative nervine recommended for nervous disorders, including epilepsy, senility and premature aging:

 Gotu Kola is a rejuvenative nervine recommended for nervous disorders, including epilepsy, senility and premature aging. As a brain tonic, it is said to aid intelligence and memory. It strengthens the adrenal glands while cleansing the blood to treat skin impurities. It is said to combat stress and depression, energize flagging mental powers, increase libido, ward off a nervous breakdown and improve reflexes. It energizes the central nervous system and rebuilds energy reserves.

 11.Relieve high blood pressure and detoxification:

 Gotu Kola can relieve high blood pressure and helps the body defend against various toxins. It is used to treat rheumatism, blood diseases, congestive heart failure, urinary tract infections, venereal diseases, hepatitis and high blood pressure. It is a mild diuretic that can help shrink swollen membranes and aid in the elimination of excess fluids. It hastens the healing of wounds.

 12.Prompt circulatory system:

 Gotu kola has a positive effect on the circulatory system. It improves the flow of blood while strengthening the veins and capillaries. It has been used successfully to treat phlebitis, leg cramps, and abnormal tingling of the extremities. It soothes and minimizes varicose veins and helps to minimize scarring.
 Recent studies have suggested that Centella asiatica improves cerebral blood flow (CBF) and circulation in general, thereby allowing oxygen rich blood to penetrate deep into the brain.

 13.Applied during inflammatory period of the wound:

 It reduces scarring when applied during inflammatory period of the wound. It was found effective when applied on patients with third degree burns, when the treatment commenced immediately after the accident. Daily local application to the affected area along with intramuscular injections, limited the shrinking of the skin as it healed. It is known to prevent infection and inhibit scar formation. It is also useful in repairing skin and connective tissues and smoothing out cellulite.


 14.Beneficially affect collagen:

 The primary active constituent is triterpenoid compounds. Saponins (also called triterpenoids) known as asiaticoside, madecassoside, and madasiatic acid are the primary active constituents. These saponins beneficially affect collagen (the material that makes up connective tissue), for example, inhibiting its production in hyperactive scar tissue.
 

 15.Prevent, delay and treat a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency:

 Due mostly to the actions of asiaticoside and madecassoside that it contains, gotu kola may prevent, delay and treat a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency. This occurs when valves in the veins that carry blood back to the heart are weak or damaged and blood collects in the veins of the legs. This collection of blood can lead to varicose veins, spider veins, or sores on the legs. More serious results can include blood clots in the legs. Asiaticoside and madecassoside may help keep veins and other blood vessels from leaking. Because it strengthens the walls of blood vessels, gotu kola may also be effective for slowing retinopathy, the gradual break down of the retina in the eyes. It may also help to relieve hemorrhoids. These same effects are thought to strengthen the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, making gotu kola potentially useful for treating ulcers.


 16.Treat leprosy:

 Gotu kola has long been used in topical, oral, and injected forms to treat leprosy. In addition to its ability to heal the sores associated with leprosy, gotu kola may also have anti-bacterial properties. Evidence from studies shows that asiaticoside may damage the cell walls of the bacteria that cause leprosy. The weakened bacteria are easier for the body's immune system to eliminate.
 

 17.Gotu kola and Fertility:Research in the rnid-1990s suggests that asiaticocide and thankuniside may reduce fertility, a finding that contrasts with one of the herb's traditional uses -in India it is taken to improve fertility.

 18.Gotu kola help to lower blood sugar levels:Other research - Gotu kola is known to thin the blood, and, in large dosages, it helps to lower blood sugar levels.

 19.Gotu Kola:powder paste used on patches of eczema.

 20.Detox:Gotu Kola destroys toxic accumulations in the brain and nerves including residues of heavy metals and pharmaceutical and recreational drugs.It also one of the main herbs in Ayurveda to detox the Liver and Blood.

 21.Gotu Kola as Coffee Substitute:Gotu Kola is an energy tonic that removes fatigue and counteracts some of the negative effects of coffee.

 22.Gotu Kola Treat Cancer:Gotu Kola is used to treat cancer and tumors. Studies indicate it decreases tumors and increases the life span of those with advanced conditions, without systemic toxicity or immune system suppression.

 23.Gotu kola as Kidney/Liver tonic:Gotu Kola builds adrenal and kidney strength and calms negative liver emotions.

 24.Gotu kola Cosmetic Applications: also ref to tips 15.

 Include the formation of lipids and proteins for healthy skin, anti cellulitis, anti-wrinkle (eyes and facial), skin tightening properties, skin regenerative, treatment of acne induced blemishes, rapid renewal of supporting fibre network, stimulates collagen synthesis and to boost immuno-depressed skin.

 Extracts of the plant material also increases the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase. SOD is an intracellular enzym that catalyses the conversion of a superoxide anion to molecular oxygen and hydrogen peroxide; glutathione peroxidase converts various peroxidases and is mainly present in the cytosol and mitochondria of most tissues. In addition, asiaticoside has an immunesystem stimulating, antibacterial property: it breaksdown the outer membrane of Mycobacterium leprae allowing the immune system to destroy it.

  Glossary notes on Centella asiatica comments this herb may appear on labels as asiatic acid, hydrocotyl, or gotu kola. It has antibacterial, anti-psoriatic, and wound-healing properties.Gernerally speaking,Gotu Kola is an antioxidant, improves collagen content, renews collagen related to weakened connective tissues, prevents scar tissue formation by slowing down excessive collagen production at wound sites, stimulates circulation and the oxygenation of skin tissues. Exhibits strong anti-inflammatory properties.Stem cells efficiently inhibits hyaluronidase up to 90% protecting natural levels of hyaluronic acid to maintain healthy levels of skin hydration, tone, firmness and elasticity. Useful in the control of inflammation and blood vessel tone and permeability due to ability to inhibit certain components responsible for the inflammation response. Improves collagen content related to weakened connective tissues, prevents scar tissue formation by slowing down excessive collagen production at wound sites, and stimulates circulation and the oxygenation of skin tissues. Gotu Kola is used in Indian traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases and in dermatology for the healing of wounds, burns and varicose ulcers.

 The main active ingredients contained in Centella asiatica are triterpenes asiatic acid and madecassic acid, together with triterpenoid ester glycosides - known as asiaticoside and brahminoside.A volatile oil with p-cymol, b-caryophyllene and farnesene is also found in the plant.

 Centella asiatica extract is an extract of the leaves and roots of the Hydrocotyle Centella asiatica. It is classed as a biological product and is used as a miscellaneous skin-conditioning agent.Centella is a relative newcomer to skin care cosmetics but an excellent ingredient to include in skin care creams and lotions, as it has a pronounced effect on the health of the skin,the fascinating way of this herb centella asiatica is wonderful when used to boost circulation, improve the collagen foundation of the skin, and fight oxidation - thereby making it a superb ingredient for anti-ageing skin care products as well as improving skin firmness and elasticity.

 The asiaticosides and triterpenes extracted from the plant have modulating properties on the development and metabolism of connective tissue, improve the synthesis of collagen and other tissue proteins by modulating the action of fibroblasts in the vein wall, and stimulate collagen remodeling in and around the venous wall.It is especially the triterpenoids that are thought to stimulate the production of collagen I and assist with wound healing.They therefore improve wound repair, with a better re-epithialisation and a normalization of perivascular connective tissue, thus allowing an improvement of the venous wall tone and elasticity.It is found that in poor connective tissue conditions, the triterpenes in Centella asiatica are able to renew the collagen, in quantity and quality, and restore tissue firmness and skin elasticity, improving skin appearance and comfort. Apart from this it also has anti-psoriatic properties.These saponins also help prevent excessive scar formation, by modulating and slowing down the excessive production of collagen (the material that makes up connective tissue), at the wound site and also increases the concentration of antioxidants in wounds.

 Various studies have supported these actions of centella and furthermore have been shown it to be effective in treating surgical wounds, skin grafts, gangrene, traumatic injuries, burns, chronic skin lesions, ulcers and even leprosy wounds. It has great importance in preventing and correcting venous insufficiency.Taken internally it appears to exert its anxiolytic and anti-stress activity by depressant action on the central nervous system (CNS) involving an increase in the concentration of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain.

 After reading about all the positive effects that centella asiatica have on your skin and various skin conditions, it is easy to understand why it is found in the majority of Dermaxime skin care products.

   Centella asiatica Extract is commonly known as Gotu Kola Extract,a herbal extract derived from Centella asiatica,Gotu kola is believed to boost alertness and concentration. It is one of the major herbs used for revitalizing the nerves and brain cells. Gotu Kola is a popular ayurvedic herb used as a nerve tonic to promote relaxation and to enhance and improve memory, and to treat mental and physical fatigue. It has demonstrated mild tranquilizing, anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects.

 Skin Inflammations Application:Gotu Kola is a ancient herb that is known to improve memory and concentration. It is said to help with varicose veins, skin problems and is anti-inflammatory. It is often used in skin inflammations and wounds.Not recommended for pregnancy or breastfeeding.

 Mental Alert and Energy Level:Centella asiatica may combined with ginkgo biloba and panax ginseng to formulate a blend with purpose to assisting in improving concentration, memory and energy levels. It is perfect for students or people with poor memory.Ginkgo is the worlds most used herb for memory loss. It has been shown to function by increasing the production of energy at a cellular level, thus increasing the brain's metabolism of glucose for energy.

Reference:

• Gotu Kola Centella asiatica,the Goddess of Supreme Wisdom.

This article written and edited via herbalist of MDidea Extracts Professional. They run a range of online descriptions about this herb,including general information related and summarized updating discoveries from findings of professional scientisits this field related.Describe style aimed to form a useful detecting literature space where the intertwined threshold and related questions raise out and visualize themselves.

♣ last edit date:6th,Dec.2010.