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Gotu kola |
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| Gotu kola is a perennial creeper found in swampy areas of the tropics and subtropical areas worldwide. Gotu kola is also known as Centella asiatica, Indian pennywort, marsh penny, white rot, thick-leaved pennywort, hydrocotyle, Indian water navelwort, and talepetrako. Gotu kola is a tasteless, odorless plant that thrives in and around water. It has clusters of red flowers and bears fruit. The leaves and stems of the gotu kola plant are used for medicinal purposes. |
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Active constituents of gotu kola |
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| Gotu kola contains triterpenoid saponins (asiaticocide, brahmoside, thankuniside, madecasosside), volatile oils, bitter principles (vellarin), alkaloids (hydrocotyline), flavonoids, an alkaloid hydrocotyline, amino acids, resins, tannins, sugars, manganese, sodium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, and vitamin A. The triterpenoid saponins have antioxidant benefits and an ability to stimulate collagen synthesis for tissue regeneration. These saponins may increase collagen formation and also to have anti-inflammatory effects. They prevent excessive scar formation by inhibiting the production of collagen at the wound site. Triterpenes also help to keep blood vessels strong and assist in producing essential neurotransmitters. |
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Medicinal uses and health benefits of gotu kola |
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| When applied externally, gotu kola expediates the healing of burns, wounds, and various skin irritations by stimulating the
production of keratin in the skin. Taken internally, gotu kola is widely used to minimize varicose veins, boost memory, sharpen the mind in general, and stall memory loss related to Alzheimer's disease. Gotu kola is most useful in building healthy connective tissue, thereby reducing formation of scar tissue. The triterpenoids in gotu kola aid in wound healing, support faster healing of skin sores, wounds, and cuts. Because of these properties, gotu kola has been used externally for burns, psoriasis, prevention of scar formation, and treatment of external fistulas. Gotu kola may help improve blood flow in leg veins and may help with blood vessel damage and nerve damage caused by diabetes. Gotu kola improves the strength and tone of blood vessels and may help to improve vein problems, particularly varicose veins, haemorrhoids, spider veins and skin ulcers. Gotu kola has also been used reduce edema in patients with diabetes and in at-risk patients during long flights. Gotu kola is an excellent mental stimulant. Gotu kola dilates the peripheral blood vessels, so mental performance is improved through increased blood flow to the brain. It relieves mental fatigue and senility, and aids the body in defending itself against toxins. Gotu kola has been used orally for muscle and joint stiffness and pain and skin afflictions. |
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Dosage and administration of gotu kola |
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| The recommended daily doses of gotu kola 60 to 180 milligrams in either tablet or extract form by divided doses (3 times daily for at least 4 weeks). For scleroderma, suggestions include 70 mg twice a day. For treatment on wounds or skin problems, either gotu kola tea or any of several commercial forms such as creams, ointments, and washes may be applied to the skin as often as needed. |
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Side effects, precautions, interactions |
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| Gotu kola is generally safe in recommended doses. Possible side effects may include headache, stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, and extreme drowsiness. When applied topically or when the plants are handled, side effects may include skin allergy, burning sensations, itching and redness. Pregnant women and children under two years old should not take gotu kola. People with epilepsy should avoid gotu kola. |
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Vinpocetine, a semi-synthetic compound derived from the Periwinkle plant, has been used mainly for the treatment of disorders of the brain. Vinpocetine Plus also includes gotu kola. Known for centuries in India and Indonesia, gotu kola's active ingredient is called triterpenoids. Gotu kola is believed to enhance brain and peripheral circulation. Click here for more information.