Gotu Kola, Brahmi, Chi-hsueh Ts'ao, man
t'ien hsing, Indian Pennywort, Brahma-manduki
Parts Used
The entire plant is used medicinally
Active Compounds
The primary active constituent is triterpenoid compounds. Saponins
(also called triterpenoids) known as asiaticoside, madecassoside,
and madasiatic acid are the primary active constituents. These saponins
beneficially affect collagen (the material that makes up connective
tissue), for example, inhibiting its production in hyperactive scar
tissue.
Also contains a green, strongly volatile oil composed of an unidentified
terpene acetate, camphor, cineole, and other essential oils. Cintella
oil also contains glycerides of fatty acids, various plant sterols
such as campesterol, stigmasterol, and sitosterol, and various polyacetylene
compounds.
History
Gotu Kola has been used as a medicine in
the Ayurvedic tradition of India for thousands of years. It is listed
in the historic Susruta Samhita, an ancient Indian medical text. The
herb is also used by the people of Java and other Indonesian islands.
In China, gotu kola is one of the reported "miracle elixirs of
life". This was attributed to a healer named LiChing Yun who,
legends say, lived 256 years by taking a tea brewed from gotu kola
and other herbs. Gotu Kola is prominently mentioned in the Shennong
Herbal compiled in China over 2000 years ago. In the nineteenth century,
Gotu Kola and its extracts were incorporated into the Indian pharmacopeia,
wherein addition to being recommended for wound healing, it was recommended
in the treatment of skin conditions such as leprosy, lupus, varicose
ulcers, eczema, and psoriasis. It was also used to treat diarrhea,
fever, amenorrhea, and diseases of the female genitourinary tract.
Gotu Kola was first accepted as a drug in France in the 1880's.
Immune system strengthening (cleansing and nourishing)
Insanity
Mental function
Minor burns
Nervous disorders
Psoriasis
Rheumatism
Scars
Scleroderma
Senility
Skin ulcers
Tetanus
Varicose veins
venereal diseases
Wound healing
Gotu Kola is a rejuvenative nervine recommended for nervous disorders,
including epilepsy, senility, and premature aging. As a brain tonic,
it is said to aid intelligence and memory. It strengthens the adrenal
glands while cleansing the blood to treat skin impurities. It is
used as an aid for meditation that is said to balance the two sides
of the brain. It is particularly helpful for super-stressed persons.
Gotu Kola is considered "food for the brain". It is said
to combat stress and depression, energize flagging mental powers,
fight sterility, ward off a nervous breakdown, and improve reflexes.
Gotu Kola stimulates the central nervous system, rebuilds energy
reserves, relieves high blood pressure, and helps the body defend
against various toxins. It is used to treat rheumatism, blood diseases,
congestive heart failure, urinary tract infections, venereal diseases,
hepatitis, and high blood pressure. It is a mild diuretic that can
help shrink swollen membranes and aid in the elimination of excess
fluids. It hastens the healing of wounds.
Gotu kola has a positive effect on the circulatory system. It improves
the flow of blood while strengthening the veins and capillaries.
It has been used successfully to treat phlebitis, leg cramps, and
abnormal tingling of the extremities.
It reduces scarring when applied during inflammatory period of
the wound. It was found effective when applied on patients with
third degree burns, when the treatment commenced immediately after
the accident. Daily local application to the affected area, along
with intramuscular injections, limited the shrinking of the skin
as it healed. It prevented infection and inhibited scar formation.
It is the best rejuvenative herb for brain cells and nerves, promotes
intelligence.
Description
Gotu Kola is a perennial plant native to India and other tropical
countries. Its appearance changes, depending on growing conditions.
In shallow water, the plant puts forth floating roots and the leaves
rest on top of the water. In dry locations, it puts out numerous
small roots and the leaves are small and thin. Typically, the constantly
growing roots gives rise to reddish stolons. The leaves can reach
a width of 1 inch and a length of 6 inches. Usually 3 to 6 red flowers
arise in a sessile manner or on very short pedicels in auxiliary
umbels. The fruit, formed throughout the growing season, is approximately
2 inches long with 7 to 9 ribs and a curved, strongly thickened
pericarp.
Dosage
External: Brahmi oil is applied externally all over the entire
body, including the scalp, to treat nervous disorders.
Dried gotu kola leaf can be made into a tea by adding 1-2 teaspoons
to 150 ml of boiling water and allowing it to steep for ten to fifteen
minutes. Three cups are usually drunk per day.
Tincture can also be used at a dose of 10-20 ml three times per
day.
Standardized extracts containing up to 100% total triterpenoids
are generally taken as 60 mg once or twice per day
Safety
Gotu Kola is generally well tolerated when taken internally. The
topical application of gotu kola salve has been reported to cause
contact dermatitis, although very infrequently. Avoid taking gotu
cola if you are pregnant or is breastfeeding.
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