Overview and Health Benefits
Centella asiatica is better known as Gotu Kola and has been used in India for cerebral and cognitive support for many years. Not only does it work on repairing and protecting the brain cells, it also acts in the same way on cells in the cardiovascular system, connective tissue, skin and cartilage, making it a powerful herb with many applications related to the body’s healing process.
- Wound healing and tissue repair: After having a historical use in the treatment of burns and leprosy, the constituents in Centella asiatica have now been found to increase collagen formation in wounds and trigger the dermis (layers of skin) to rebuild and heal with minimal scarring. Studies found that collagen synthesis increased in damaged areas, but excessive production as in cases of fibrosis was prevented when Centella was used (Bone & Mills, 2013). It is this regenerative effect that has led to its inclusion in cosmetic skin preparations as well as being included in topical wound creams.
- Cognitive function: Gotu kola is often prescribed for declining cerebral function or lack of attention as it has been found to protect against oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in brain cells (Shinomol & Muralidhara, 2008). Mitochondria are the powerhouses of all cells where the body’s energy is produced and essential for day to day function. Centella accelerates nerve regeneration and repair (Soumyanath et al., 2005). Enhanced learning and memory has been observed and Mohandas Rao et al. (2006) found that the area of the brain involved in learning and recall was positively affected by consumption of Gotu Kola. Some research suggests that behaviour and brain function in children can be improved by taking Gotu Kola over time while other studies have shown the improvements in reaction time, working memory and recognition among many other cognitive functions (Bone & Mills, 2013).
- Cardiovascular function: As a healing herb that appears to repair the endothelial cells which form the protective lining of blood and lymph vessels, Centella has been found to protect and regenerate these cells in the veins and capillaries throughout the cardiovascular system, making it a key herb in the treatment of vascular disease including varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (Bone & Mils, 2013). Centella may also stabilise vulnerable artherosclerotic plaques (Incandela et al., 2001), which are the fatty deposits in capillary walls that can rupture leading to heart attack or stroke.
- Connective tissue support: The regenerative effects of Centella work also on the collagen surrounding the joints as well as inhibiting cartilage degeneration (Hartog, et al., 2009), meaning that the tissues around the joints which protect the bones from rubbing together are less likely to fall apart, giving it value in cases of arthritis.
- Nervine and adaptogen: research has shown that taking just one dose of Centella can improve our stress-response and over a couple of months can significantly improve the ability to deal with stress and change as well as improving mood, anxiety and attention span (Bone & Mills, 2013).
Safety profile
As a member of the Apiaceae family there is a very mild risk of allergy, particularly contact dermatitis, in which case it should be avoided. The plant is rich in saponins (those soapy constituents found in many plants) so may cause irritation in the digestive system when taken in large doses. It is generally considered to be a safe herb (Bone & Mills, 2013). As always, consult a qualified herbalist if you intend to take this herb in medicinal quantities or if you have any pre-existing conditions.
