Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)
Cognitive · Ayurvedic adaptogen
Tier C+
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) as C+ (5.7/10) based on weak evidence, med benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.
Traditional Ayurvedic 'medhya rasayana' (memory herb).
Typical use: 500-1000 mg/day standardized extract — OTC.
What this is
Traditional Ayurvedic 'medhya rasayana' (memory herb). Limited modern RCTs; Wattanathorn 2008 showed mood improvements in elderly. Also used topically for wound healing. Rare hepatic reactions documented.
Mechanism
Asiaticoside and madecassoside triterpenes; enhance dendritic arborization; antioxidant; anxiolytic via GABAergic modulation
Dose & route
500-1000 mg/day standardized extract
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18191355/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27594980/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4566781/
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Common questions
- Does Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) work?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) as Weak and the benefit magnitude as med, producing an overall grade of C+ (5.7/10). Traditional Ayurvedic 'medhya rasayana' (memory herb).
- Is Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) safe?
- Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) has a low risk profile in published human data. Legal status: OTC. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)?
- 500-1000 mg/day standardized extract
- How does Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) work?
- Asiaticoside and madecassoside triterpenes; enhance dendritic arborization; antioxidant; anxiolytic via GABAergic modulation
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.