Summary: Herba Centellae has reportedly been used in the treatment of several ailments. The concern of the medicinal herb usage with other medicines is still in question. Many lab and clinical researches around the world are however going on to confirm the findings. Use of Gotu Kola with professional guidance is always paramount.
Herba Centellae extract is an herbal ingredient commonly available in medicines or supplements sold as dried herbs, teas, ointments, tablets, capsules and tinctures. As the name suggests, the extract comes from Herba Centellae, a plant also commonly called Gotu Kola. The plant is actually a perennial creeping herb categorized in the parsley family. The herb thrives well in watery areas and has small fan-shaped leaves, tiny white, pink or light purple flowers and bears a small oval-shaped fruit. Historically, Asian communities used the plant’s leaves or stems to treat wounds, skin conditions, colds and mental fatigue. Today, the herb’s extract is processed and used for treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, psoriasis and wounds.
Herba Centellae extracts are reported to improve various medical conditions which include:
• Improved venous insufficiency (blood circulation problems in legs) – when blood vessels lax, blood collects in the legs and fluids start leaking out of the vessels. This aggravates swelling of the legs. Gotu Kola may relieve the swelling and improve the flow of blood. A study published in Angiology in 2001, examined two groups of venous hypertension patients for 4 weeks after taking Herba Centellae extract and placebo respectively. In conclusion of the study, the group that took Herba Centellae extract had a significant reduction in swelling, pain, cramps, ankle, edema and tiredness in hands and feet compared to those who took placebo.
• Healing of wound and skin lesions – triterpenoids compounds in Herba Centellae appear to quicken healing of wounds according to some lab studies. A study published in 2006 in the International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds researched the effects of Herba Centellae on wounds in rats. From the animal study, wounds treated with extract from Herba Centellae leaf healed faster than untreated wounds. These findings appear to confirm Gotu Kola traditional use as wound medication. Other studies show that the compounds increase antioxidants in wounds, improve blood circulation in affected areas and strengthen the skin.
• Reduced anxiety – Gotu Kola is rich in triterpenoids. These are chemicals that seem to increase mental function and reduce anxiety in mice. One study carried out in two groups of people found out that individuals who took Herba Centellae were less startled by new noise than individuals who took placebo. Researchers use the “startle noise” response in identifying anxiety and think Gotu Kola can help in reducing anxiety symptoms.
Manufactured Herba Centellae extract comes in various forms with different dosage regimes. While in crude form, the recommended dosage is 1.5 to 4 grams per day. The extracts are however not recommended for children below 18 years old. For wound healing, Herba Centellae extract in the form of gel, cream or ointment is applied on affected skin. The recommended daily dosage is 30 to 90 mg. Venous insufficiency can be treated with Gotu Kola capsules at a dosage of 60-180 mg/day. As a stress reliever and remedy for improving mood swings, 500 mg capsules taken twice a day are recommended. This was successfully tested in a study done by the University of Maryland Medical Centre.
Herba Centellae extract side effects are uncommon but may include headache, dizziness, nausea, stomach upset, extreme drowsiness and burning sensations or skin allergy with external use. These symptoms are however prevalent with high doses. Taking low or the recommended doses of Gotu Kola can avoid most of these side effects.
Gotu Kola has many health benefits but is not safe for everyone. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should not take Herba Centellae extract as it may induce menstruation. Gotu Kola has some properties similar to diuretics. This means it enhances the removal of excess fluid in the body. Taking diuretics with the herb extracts may cause too much fluid loss and therefore create an electrolyte imbalance. If taken with sedatives, Herba Centellae extracts may make some sedative or insomnia drugs stronger because the herbs act like sedatives. In animal studies, the extracts raised cholesterol levels. Gotu Kola may also raise cholesterol levels in humans and should not be used with cholesterol lowering drugs. No studies have however been done to confirm this.