Gotu Kola - 10 Benefits, Side Effects, and More

20/02/2020 Gotu Kola: 10 Benefits, Side Effects, and More
Everything You Need to Know About

Gotu Kola
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
on September 19, 2017 — Written by Emily Cronkleton
Cognitive function Alzheimer’s disease Anxiety and stress

Depression Circulation and water retention Insomnia Stretch marks
Wound healing and scarring Joint pain Detox Side effects and risks
Takeaway
What’s gotu kola?

Pegged as the “herb of longevity,” gotu kola is a staple in traditional
Chinese, Indonesian, and Ayurvedic medicine. Practitioners claim the
medicinal plant has the power to boost brainpower, heal skin issues, and
promote liver and kidney health — and some studies seem to agree.
Keep reading to learn how gotu kola may help improve your overall
health and well-being.
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1. It may help boost cognitive function

A small 2016 study  compared the effects of gotu kola extract and folic
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acid in boosting cognitive function after a stroke. This small study
assessed the impact on three groups of participants — one taking 1,000
https://www.healthline.com/health/gotu-kola-benefits#joint-pain 1/13
milligrams (mg) of gotu kola per day, one taking 750 mg of gotu kola per
day, and one taking 3 mg of folic acid per day.
Although gotu kola and folic acid were equally beneficial in improving
overall cognition, gotu kola was more effective in improving memory
domain.
A separate study  looked at the cognitive enhancing effects of gotu kola

water extract on mice. Although both young and old mice showed
improvements in learning and memory using the Morris Water Maze, the
effect was higher in the older mice.
How to use: Take 750 to 1,000 mg of gotu kola per day for up to 14 days
at a time.
2. It may help treat Alzheimer’s disease

Gotu kola has the ability to enhance memory and nerve function, which
gives it potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, one 2012 study
on mice found that gotu kola extract had a positive effect on behavioral
abnormalities in mice with Alzheimer’s disease.
The extract was also shown, in lab and animal studies, to have a modest
effect on protecting brain cells from toxicity. This could also protect the
cells from forming the plaque associated with Alzheimer’s.
Still, further research is needed to determine exactly how gotu kola could
be used to treat Alzheimer’s. If you’re interested in adding this to your
treatment plan, talk to your doctor before use.
How to use: Take 30 to 60 drops of liquid gotu kola extract 3 times per
day. Dosages may vary between manufacturers, so always carefully follow
the directions on the bottle.
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3. It may help reduce anxiety and stress

Researchers in an animal study from 2016  found that gotu kola had an
anti-anxiety effect on male mice that were sleep deprived for 72 hours.
Sleep deprivation can cause anxiety, oxidative damage, and
neuroinflammation.
Mice that were given gotu kola for five consecutive days before
undergoing sleep deprivation experienced significantly less anxiety-like
behavior. They also experienced improved locomotor activity and less
oxidative damage.
A 2013 review  of anti-anxiety herbal medicines also concluded that gotu

kola has an acute anti-anxiety effect. However, more research is needed
to confirm these findings.
How to use: Take 500 mg of gotu kola extract twice a day for up to 14
days at a time. You can take up to 2,000 mg per day in cases of extreme
anxiety.
4. It may act as an antidepressant

Gotu kola’s positive effect on brain function may also make it an effective
antidepressant.
A review from 2016  supports these findings, in part due to a study on 33

people with generalized anxiety disorder. The participants were asked to
take gotu kola in place of their antidepressant medication for 60 days.
They self-reported decreased stress, anxiety, and depression.
Another study discussed in the review assessed the effect of gotu kola on
rats induced with chronic depression. The herbal remedy had a positive
effect on certain elements of behavioral depression, including body
weight, body temperature, and heart rate.
How to use: Take 500 mg of gotu kola twice a day for up to 14 days at a
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time. You can take up to 2,000 mg per day during times of intensified
depression. ADVERTISEMENT
5. It may improve circulation and reduce swelling

Research from 2001  found that gotu kola can reduce problems with fluid
retention, ankle swelling, and circulation tied to taking flights that last
longer than three hours.
Participants who experienced mild-to-moderate superficial venous

disease with varicose veins were asked to take gotu kola for two days
before their flight, the day of their flight, and the day after their flight.
Researchers found that participants who took the supplement

experienced significantly less fluid retention and ankle swelling than
those who didn’t.
Older research  has also shown that gotu kola can be useful in treating
varicose veins. This may be because gotu kola has a positive metabolic
effect on the connective tissue of the vascular wall.
How to use: Take 60 to 100 mg of gotu kola extract 3 times per day for a
week, before and after any flights. You can also massage the affected
area with a topical cream containing 1 percent gotu kola extract.
How to do a skin patch test: It’s important to do a patch test before using
any topical medication. To do this, rub a dime-sized amount on to the
inside of your forearm. If you don’t experience any irritation or
inflammation within 24 hours, it should be safe to use elsewhere.
6. It may help ease insomnia

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Given its perceived ability to treat anxiety, stress, and depression, gotu
kola may also be used to treat the insomnia that sometimes accompanies
these conditions. Some consider this herbal remedy to be a safe
alternative to prescription medications used to treat insomnia and other
sleep disorders.
Although older research  does suggest that gotu kola can help treat
sleep disorders, additional studies are needed to confirm these findings.
How to use: Take 300 to 680 mg of gotu kola extract 3 times per day for
up to 14 days at a time.
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7. It may help reduce appearance of stretch marks

According to a 2013 review  , gotu kola can reduce the appearance of
stretch marks. It’s thought that the terpenoids found in gotu kola increase
collagen production in the body. This may help prevent new stretch marks
from forming, as well as help heal any existing marks.
How to use: Apply a topical cream containing 1 percent gotu kola extract
to the affected area several times per day.
8. It may promote wound healing and minimize

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scarring
Researchers in a 2015 study on rats found that wound dressing containing

gotu kola had healing effects on multiple types of wounds. This includes
clean cuts by sharp objects, irregular tears caused by blunt-force trauma,
and infected tissue.
Although promising, further research is needed to confirm these findings.
How to use: Apply an ointment containing 1 percent gotu kola extract to

the affected area several times per day. If your wound is deep or
otherwise severe, see your doctor before use.
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9. It may help relieve joint pain

The anti-inflammatory properties of gotu kola may be useful in treating
arthritis.
In fact, one 2014 study  on collagen-induced arthritis in rats found that

oral administration of gotu kola reduced joint inflammation, cartilage
erosion, and bone erosion. Its antioxidant effect also had a positive effect
on the immune system.
How to use: Take 300 to 680 mg of gotu kola extract 3 times per day for
up to 14 days at a time.
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
10. It may have a detox effect

Newer research is taking a look at gotu kola’s effect on liver and kidney
toxicity.
According to one 2017 animal study  , gotu kola can be used to suppress
the toxic side effects of the antibiotic isoniazid. Isoniazid is used to treat
and prevent tuberculosis.
Rats were given 100 mg of gotu kola for 30 days before they were given
the antibiotic. These rats experienced less toxicity overall. Rats that did
experience toxicity in the liver and kidneys resumed to near-normal levels
after being given gotu kola.
More research is needed to expand upon these findings.
How to use: Take 30 to 60 drops of liquid gotu kola extract 3 times per
day for up to 14 days at a time. Dosages may vary between
manufacturers, so always carefully follow the directions on the bottle.
Potential side effects and risks

Gotu kola is generally well tolerated. In some cases, it can cause
headache, upset stomach, and dizziness. Starting with a low dose and
gradually working up to a full dose can help reduce your risk of side
effects.
You should only take gotu kola for two to six weeks at a time. Be sure to
take a two week break before resuming use.
When applied topically, gotu kola has the potential to cause skin irritation.
You should always do a patch test before moving forward with a full
application. Herbs aren’t monitored by the FDA and gotu kola has been
found to have dangerous levels of heavy metals due to being grown in
contaminated soil. Choose to buy products from reliable sources.
Don’t use gotu kola if you:
are pregnant
are breastfeeding
have hepatitis or other liver disease 

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have a scheduled surgery within the next two weeks
are under 18 years of age

have a history of skin cancer
Talk to your doctor before use if you:
have liver disease
have diabetes
have high cholesterol
are taking medications such as sedatives for sleep or anxiety
are taking diuretics
The bottom line

Although gotu kola is generally considered safe to use, you should still
check in with your doctor before use. This herbal remedy isn’t meant to
replace any doctor-approved treatment plan, and, in some cases, it may
lead to adverse side effects.
With your doctor’s approval, work an oral or topical dose into your daily
routine. You may be able to avoid mild side effects by starting with a small
amount and gradually increasing the dosage over time.
If you begin experiencing any unusual or prolonged side effects,

discontinue use and see your doctor.
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20/02/2020 Gotu Kola: 10 Beneﬁts, Side Eﬀects, and More

Everything You Need to Know About

Cognitive function Alzheimer’s disease Anxiety and stress

What’s gotu kola?

1. It may help boost cognitive function

A separate study  looked at the cognitive enhancing effects of gotu kola

2. It may help treat Alzheimer’s disease

3. It may help reduce anxiety and stress

A 2013 review  of anti-anxiety herbal medicines also concluded that gotu

4. It may act as an antidepressant

A review from 2016  supports these findings, in part due to a study on 33

5. It may improve circulation and reduce swelling

Participants who experienced mild-to-moderate superficial venous

Researchers found that participants who took the supplement

6. It may help ease insomnia

7. It may help reduce appearance of stretch marks

8. It may promote wound healing and minimize

Researchers in a 2015 study on rats found that wound dressing containing

Although promising, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

How to use: Apply an ointment containing 1 percent gotu kola extract to

9. It may help relieve joint pain

In fact, one 2014 study  on collagen-induced arthritis in rats found that

10. It may have a detox effect

More research is needed to expand upon these findings.

Potential side effects and risks

Don’t use gotu kola if you:

have hepatitis or other liver disease 

have a scheduled surgery within the next two weeks

are under 18 years of age

Talk to your doctor before use if you:

have liver disease

have high cholesterol

are taking medications such as sedatives for sleep or anxiety

are taking diuretics

The bottom line

If you begin experiencing any unusual or prolonged side effects,

READ THIS NEXT

Brain Vitamins: Can Vitamins Boost Memory?

Brain Vitamins: Can Vitamins Boost Memory?

Gotu Kola: The Cure for Varicose Veins?

How Collagen Can Boost Your Body’s Skin,

How to Fall Asleep in 10, 60, or 120 Seconds

Do You Live with Anxiety? Here Are 11 Ways to

Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD

Medicare for All: What Is It and How Will It

The Difference Between VLDL and LDL

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that's needed to build cells. Low-density

12 maneras para sacarte el agua de los oídos

Medically reviewed by Kevin Martinez, MD

Get our wellness newsletter

Enter your email

Your privacy is important to us

About Us Health Topics

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