Gotu Kola Centella asiatica,the Goddess of Supreme Wisdom.

article content dotArticle Content:

Safety,Dosage and comments of Gotu Kola.

Gotu Kola Extracts Hydrocotyle asiatica,Centella asiatique photo picture image Safety Orally, gotu kola appears to be nontoxic and it seldom causes any side effects other than the occasional allergic skin rash. There are some concerns that gotu kola may be carcinogenic if applied topically to the skin,though this has not appeared as a major concern in animal models of wound healing. There is some anecdotal evidence that gotu kola may result in elevated blood sugar levels,and effect that could be of concern to individuals with diabetes.

 Value The primary benefits of Gotu kola appear to be an enhancement of wound healing and an improvement in overall vein function (especially for varicose veins and hemorrhoids). Selling for anywhere between us dollars 15 and 30 for a 1 month supply, Gotu kola represents a good value for people who suffer from varicose veins or swollen ankles as well as for anybody recovering from a connective tissue injury (muscle/tendon strain, ligament sprain, skin abrasion, etc).

 Dosage Typical dosage recommendations are in the range of 60-180 mg/day, usually consumed in divided doses (20~60mg) 3 times daily for at least 4 weeks. It is important to look for an extract standardized to contain triterpene compounds,typically 30% to 40% and including asiaticoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid, and madecassoside (these compounds typically occur at only 1-4% in the whole herb).

 The plant material (the areal part) can be eaten and prepared into a tea (due to the lipidsolubility of one of the main ingredients, it is best to add a lump of butter during the boiling proces of the tea preparation). Both fresh and dried plant can be used; when the material is taken in the dried state, it is usually taken in doses of 10-45 grams, but spread out over a period of a few weeks time.

 Various recognised dermatological applications including the treatment of skin inflammation and venous insufficiency, localised inflammation and infection and post surgery recovery. Centella Asiatica purified triterpenes may also affect various stages of tissue development including keratinization (the process of replacing skin after sores or ulcers) and stimulate the formation of lipids and proteins necessary for healthy skin. The triterpenes of Centella Asiatica are also reported to be capable of fixing alanine and proline into the structure of collagen, and so help promote healing in the treatment of epithelial ulcers, bedsores and skin disorders.

 Recent studies have shown Centella Asiatica may have a positive effect on the circulatory system and may improve blood flow throughout the body by strengthening the veins and capillaries. Centella Asiatica is also quoted in the treatment of phlebitis as well as leg cramps, swelling of the legs and heaviness or tingling in the legs (particularly useful for bedridden people) and for treatment of high blood pressure.

 Cautions Gotu kola may cause miscarriage if it is taken or applied during pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid using it in any form. Gotu Kola may raise cholesterol and blood sugar levels so individuals with high cholesterol or diabetes should not take or apply it. Very little information is available on how gotu kola might affect an infant or a small child. Therefore, its use is not recommended while breast-feeding or during early childhood.

 Side Effects and Contraindications: People with diabetes or high cholesterol should be careful using gotu kola and avoid high doses. Dermatitis possible from contact with fresh or dried plant. Not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

 Safety and Acute toxicity:

 Contact dermatitis is reported from Centella asiatica extract and cream containing C. asiatica (Eun and Lee 1985; Bilbo et al. 1995; Izu et al. 1992).

 Asiaticoside:Tumorigenic Data
 TDLo:Lowest published toxic dose.Administration onto the skin.Rodent-mouse.400 mg/kg/52W-I.
 Toxic Effects:Tumorigenic-equivocal tumorigenic agent by RTECS criteria.
 Skin and Appendages:tumors.
 Reference:CNREA8 Cancer Research.(Public Ledge Building,Suit 816,6th and Chestnut Sts.,Philadephia,PA19106)V.1-1941-Volume(issue)/page/year:32,1463,1972.

Last PageNext Page

Reference:

citations1.Gotu Kola Centella asiatica,the Goddess of Supreme Wisdom.

last edit date:4th,May.2009.