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.

Scientific data and research of Gotu Kola.

Scientific Support Perhaps the best data for Gotu kola is shown by its ability to improve symptoms of varicose veins, particularly overall discomfort, tiredness, and swelling. In human studies, Gotu kola extract (30-180mg/day/4 weeks) leads to improvements in various measurements of vein function (foot swelling, ankle edema, and fluid leakage from the veins) compared to placebo. Gotu kola appears to have a generally beneficial effect on connective tissues, where it may improve the structure and function of the connective tissue in the body, keeping veins stronger and also possibly reducing the symptoms of other connective-tissue diseases. In one animal study, asiatic acid and asiaticoside were the most active of the 3 triterpenes,but all 3 were effective in stimulating collagen synthesis and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Radiation injury to the skin of Sprague-Dawley rats can be reduced by treatment with madecassol (one of the triterpene compounds in Gotu kola),suggesting a skin regeneration and anti-inflammatory activity.

 The activity of asiaticoside has been studied in normal as well as delayed-type wound healing. In one animal study (guinea pig punch wounds) topical applications of asiaticoside (0.2% solution) produced a 56% increase in hydroxyproline, 57% increase in tensile strength, increased collagen content and better epithelisation. In streptozotocin diabetic rats, where healing is delayed, topical application of 0.4% solution of asiaticoside over punch wounds increased hydroxyproline content, tensile strength, collagen content and epithelisation thereby facilitating the healing. In each of these studies, asiaticoside was shown also to be active by the oral route (at 1 mg/kg dose),suggesting that Gotu kola may work by stimulating synthesis of collagen and increasing connective tissue strength.

 Other studies have indicated an antioxidant effect of asiaticoside. When applied topically (0.2% solution) twice daily for 7 days to skin wounds in rats, results show an increase in both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, namely superoxide dismutase (35%), catalase (67%), glutathione peroxidase (49%), vitamin E (77%) and ascorbic acid (36%) in newly formed tissues. It also results in a several fold decrease in lipid peroxide levels (69%) as measured in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS). This enhancement of antioxidant levels at an initial stage of healing may be an important contributory factor in the healing properties of Gotu kola.

 According to modern studies, gotu kola does offer support for healthy memory function. A study conducted in 1992 by K. Nalini at Kasturba Medical College showed an impressive improvement in memory in rats which were treated with the extract (orally) daily for 14 days before the experiment. The retention of learned behavior in the rats treated with gotu kola was three to 60 times better than that in control animals. Preliminary results in one clinical trial with mentally retarded children was shown to increase scores on intelligence tests (Bagchi, 1989). This does not mean gotu kola will improve intelligence for all special or normal children.

 According to pharmacological studies, one outcome of gotu kola's complex actions is a balanced effect on cells and tissues participating in the process of healing, particularly connective tissues. One of its constituents, asiaticoside, works to stimulate skin repair and strengthen skin, hair, nails and connective tissue (Kartnig, 1988).

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:08th,Oct.2010.