Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) Mini Monograph

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

Mini Monograph

Family:

Apiaceae (Fisher, 2009 p. 6, Merika 2019 p. 142).

Other Names:

Bua-bok, Tiger grass, Indian Pennywort (Arribas-Lopez et al. 2022 p.2), Brahmi, Marsh Pennywort (Bone & Mills 2013 p. 657).

Part Used:

Aerial parts (Fisher, 2009 p. 6, Bone, 2007 p. 38).

Energetics:

Cooling & drying (Bone & Mills 2013 p. 657).

Plant Spirit Attributes:

“The plant spirit of gotu kola is very ancient and wise. Instead of working with an individual person or issue related to this lifetime, gotu kola works with the soul, and can help us to see and heal karmic patterns that span many lifetimes. It does this by helping us to recognize what we need to do to change a pattern or relationship”.

-        Heid Merika (Wildcraft, 2019 p. 142).

Taste:

Mildly bitter and sweet (Fisher 2009 p. 6).

Actions:

Vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, adaptogen, nervine, antifibrotic, depurative (Bone 2007 p. 38, Bone & Mills 2013 p. 657), venous tonic, antimicrobial, anxiolytic (Fisher 2009, p. 7), diuretic, anti-rheumatic (Kew Royal Botanic Gardens 2016 p. 50).

Constituents:

Triterpene saponins (Bone 2007 p. 39), triterpenoid ester glycosides, volatile oil, carotenoids, flavonoids, tannins and polyphenols (Merika 2019 p. 146), flavonoids – quercetin and kaempferol glucosides (Bone & Mills 2013 p. 658).  

Nutritional Constituents:

Vitamins A, B, C, D (Merika 2019 p. 146). Calcium, magnesium, sodium (Fisher 2009 p. 7, Merika 2019 p. 146), chromium, cobalt, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silica and zine (Merika 2019 p. 146).  

Quality/Adulterations:

Often confused with Bacopa monnieri, as in Ayurveda, both Gotu kola and Bacopa are referred to as Brahmi (Bone 2007 p. 39).

Proper identification is important as several other plants appear very similar, such as violet (Viola hederacea). Be sure to look for the v-shaped margin at the point where the leaf connects to the stem (Merika 2019 p. 145).

Traditional Use:

Extensive history of use in TCM to relieve exhaustion (Merika 2019 p. 146).

In Ayurvedic medicine, Gotu kola is considered a rasayana herb – a tonic known to reinvigorate and restore mind, body and spirit (Bone & Mills 2013 p. 657).  

Cautions:

Contraindicated in known allergy. However, this is a very safe herb. Adverse effects are rare, mild gut disturbance or contact dermatitis (Bone & Mills 2013 p. 657-666).

Consult a qualified Naturopath to ensure this is appropriate for you.

References:

Arribas-Lopez et al. (2022). A Systematic Review of the Effect of Centella asiatica on Wound Healing. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health. 19, 3266. Doi: 10.3390/ijerph19063266.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8956065/pdf/ijerph-19-03266.pdf

Bone, K. (2007). The Ultimate Herbal Compendium: A Desktop Guide for Herbal Prescribers. Queensland, Australia: Phytotherapy Press.

Bone, K. Mills, S. (2013). Principles & Practice of Phytotherapy, (2nd ed.): Modern Herbal Medicine. UK: Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier. 

Fisher, C. (2009). Materia Medica of Western Herbs. New Zealand: Vitex Medica

Kew Royal Botanic Gardens (2016). The Gardener’s Companion to Medicinal Plants: An A-Z of Healing Plants and Home Remedies. UK: Quarto Publishing.

Merika, H. (2019). Wildcraft: The Science & Spirit of wild plant as food & medicine. Eumundi: QLD, Heidi Merika.

Simmonds, M. Howes, M-J. Irving, J. (2016). The Gardener’s Companion to Medicinal Plants: An A-Z of Healing Plants and Home Remedies. Kew, UK: Quarto Publishing.