What is Gotu Kola Extract?

Gotu Kola Extract is a supplement made from Centella asiatica, a plant used in traditional Asian medicine. It contains triterpenoids such as asiaticoside and madecassoside.

What are the main benefits of Gotu Kola Extract?

It is commonly used for cognitive support, anxiety relief, wound healing and skin repair, and circulation or venous health. Effects can vary by extract type and individual response.

How much Gotu Kola Extract should I take?

Typical supplemental amounts range from about 60 to 450 mg per day. Follow the product label and consider starting at the low end to assess tolerance.

How does Gotu Kola Extract support skin and wound healing?

It may support skin repair by promoting collagen-related processes and tissue regeneration. It is used both orally and in topical formulations depending on the product.

Who should be cautious with Gotu Kola Extract?

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have liver disease, or take sedatives or other medications should consult a clinician before use. Stop use and seek advice if you develop unusual symptoms.

313 science-backed nutrients

3251 sources considered

Evidence-graded information

Explore by goal or category

Find a nutrient

313 nutrients total

Vitamin B

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin A & Carotenoids

Vitamin C

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Vitamin K

Vitaminoids

Trimethylglycine (Betaine)

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ)

D-Chiro-Inositol

Coenzym Q10 (Ubiquinone)

Betaine HCL

Nicotinamide Riboside

Vitamin B8 (Myo-Inositol)

Choline

Citicoline (CDP-Choline)

Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol)

Calcium

Calcium Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Magnesium

Magnesium Bisglycinate

Magnesium L-Threonate

Trace Minerals

Copper (Bisglycinate)

Chromium Picolinate

Manganese (Bisglycinate)

Zinc

Pentadecanoic Acid (C15:0)

Phosphatidylserine

R-Alpha Lipoic Acid

Black Cumin Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Ceratiq wheat oil extract

Phospholipids

Algae Oil

Fish Oil

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

Alpha-Linolenic Acid

Gamma-Linolenic Acid

Omega-3

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

AminoMar

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)

Essential Amino Acids

Conditionally Essential Amino Acids

L-Theanine

Non-Essential Amino Acids

Beta-Alanine

L-Cysteine Hydrochloride

Amino Acid Derivative

Taurine

Creatine (Hydrochloride)

L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate

Creatine (Monohydrate)

Akkermansia muciniphila

Lactobacillus Reuteri

Probiotics

Bifidobacterium longum BB536

Prebiotics

Stinging Nettle Extract

Pomegranate Polyphenols

Red Beet Extract

Pine Extract (Pycnogenol)

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPC)

Ashwagandha Root Extract

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Citrus Sinensis Extract

Horsetail Stem Extract

Flax Seed Extract

Sulforaphane Glucosinolate

Garlic Extract

Black Pepper

Apricot Kernel Extract

Lovage

Spiny Rest Harrow Root Extract

Juniper Berry Extract

Bearberry Leaf Extract

White Kidney Bean Extract

Lady’s Mantle Extract

Bitter Orange Extract

St. John’s Wort Extract

Japanese Knotweed Extract

Hydroxytyrosol/tyrosol

Olive extract

Sesame seed lignan extract

Broccoli Sprout Extract

Cranberry Extract

Flavon Glycosides

Gentian Root Extract

Griffonia simplicifolia Extract

Ajuga Turkestanica Extract

Amaranthus Leaf Extract

Banaba Extract

Boswellia Extract

Capsaicin

Cayenne Pepper Extract

Celery Extract

Ceylon Cinnamon Extract

Chamomile Extract

Charantin

Chinese Goldthread Root Extract

Citrus Aurantium Extract

Cocoa Extract

Cyanotis Arachnoidea Extract

Fadogia Agrestis Extract

Garcinia Cambogia Extract

Goldenrod Extract

Green Tea Extract

Guarana Extract

Horse Chestnut Extract

Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grape Vine Leaf Extract

Green Tea Polyphenols

Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG)

Adaptogens

Cordyceps sinensis extract

Ginsenoside

Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus)

Ginseng Extract

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)

Tribulus Terrestris Extract

Rhodiola rosea

Panax Ginseng Extract

Mushrooms

Reishi Extract

Astragalus Polysaccharides

Hyaluronic Acid

Glucosamine Sulfate

Chondroitin Sulfate

Glucosamine Sulphate 2KCL

Gotu Kola
Extract

Moderate study situation·7/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

Traditional Asian herbal extract used for cognitive support, wound healing, and vascular health.

Anti-inflammatory Cardiovascular Support Tissue Repair Cognitive Enhancement Memory Improvement Antioxidant Skin Health Anxiety Relief

dose range

60–450 mg

Divided 2–3 times daily.

Consumption

Take with food to enhance absorption and reduce GI side effects.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

Morning and evening (pre-sleep) dosing are typical; some cognitive protocols use a single higher dose.

Description

Gotu Kola Extract (Centella asiatica) is an herbal supplement with a long history in Asian traditional medicine. Modern studies suggest benefits for memory, anxiety, circulation, and skin health, primarily due to its triterpenoid compounds such as asiaticoside and madecassoside.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Moderate

Note on evidence

Several human clinical studies support benefits for cognitive, circulatory, and wound healing outcomes, though larger, longer-term studies are needed.

Cognitive Enhancement

Moderate

Supplementation may improve memory, attention, and overall cognitive performance, particularly in older adults.

Particularly relevant for: Older adults · Individuals seeking cognitive support

2 · PubMed (Cognitive Study)

Anxiety Reduction

Moderate

Shows anxiolytic effects similar to some pharmaceuticals, reducing anxiety symptoms without sedation.

Particularly relevant for: Individuals with mild anxiety

3 · PubMed (Anxiety Study)

Wound Healing and Skin Repair

Moderate

May promote wound closure and skin repair by enhancing collagen synthesis and cellular regeneration.

Particularly relevant for: Individuals with slow-healing wounds · Those seeking skin health support

4 · PubMed (Wound/Ulcer Study)

Supports Circulation and Venous Health

Moderate

May help reduce symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (e.g., leg swelling) by strengthening vessel walls and improving microcirculation.

Particularly relevant for: Adults with venous insufficiency or mild circulation issues

5 · PubMed (Venous Insufficiency Meta-analysis)

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Generally safe for short-term use at recommended doses; main concerns are rare liver effects, skin allergy, and sedation.

warning notices

Most side effects are mild and transient (GI upset, headache, skin rash).
Rare reports of liver toxicity; risk is higher in those with pre-existing liver conditions or when combined with hepatotoxic drugs.
May enhance sedative effects of some medications.
Avoid use in pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
Do not use Gotu Kola if you have liver disease or a history of liver dysfunction.
Avoid use with sedative medications due to potential additive effects.
Monitor for allergic skin reactions; discontinue if rash develops.
Consult a healthcare provider before combining with hepatotoxic drugs.

Known interactions with medications

Sedatives (additive CNS depression)
Hepatotoxic drugs (increased liver risk)

Contraindications / special precautions

Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Liver disease

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Gotu Kola may interact with sedatives, hepatotoxic drugs, and agents affecting liver metabolism.

Pairing with sedatives may increase risk of drowsiness or CNS depression.

drug · sedatives

CautionModerate

Why

Gotu Kola may enhance sedative effects of medications such as benzodiazepines or barbiturates.

recommendation

Avoid or use only under supervision.

1 · WebMD 6 · NIH NCCIH

Combining with other hepatotoxic agents increases liver risk.

drug · hepatotoxic medications

AvoidLimited

Why

Rare cases of liver toxicity have been reported; risk may rise with other drugs that affect the liver.

recommendation

Avoid combination or monitor liver function closely.

1 · WebMD 6 · NIH NCCIH

Not recommended in individuals with existing liver disease.

lifestyle · liver disease

AvoidLimited

Why

Case reports describe liver injury linked to Gotu Kola, especially in at-risk individuals.

recommendation

Do not use if you have a history of liver problems.

1 · WebMD 6 · NIH NCCIH

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Enhancement of Collagen Synthesis

Active triterpenoids stimulate fibroblast activity and collagen production, aiding wound healing and skin repair.

4 · PubMed (Wound/Ulcer Study)

Modulation of Neurotransmitter Systems and Cerebral Blood Flow

May raise antioxidant levels and alter neurotransmitter function, enhancing memory and attention.

2 · PubMed (Cognitive Study)

Strengthening of Vascular Endothelium

Increases microcirculatory integrity and reduces capillary leakage, benefiting venous insufficiency.

5 · PubMed (Venous Insufficiency Meta-analysis)

Sources & References

Primary literature and reviews on which these statements are based

6 sources

WebMD

PubMed (Cognitive Study)

PubMed (Anxiety Study)

PubMed (Wound/Ulcer Study)

PubMed (Venous Insufficiency Meta-analysis)

NIH NCCIH

Last updated: February 7, 2026

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.