Gotu Kola: Uses, Benefits, Dosage & Safety

Last updated: June 2026 · Reviewed by the FactoWiki Editorial Team for clarity and source accuracy

What is Gotu Kola?

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a small green herb used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine as a 'brain tonic' and a remedy for wounds and circulation. Its active compounds are triterpenes such as asiaticoside and madecassoside. It is marketed mainly for memory and calm — but its strongest evidence is actually on the circulation and skin side, and the brain claims are weaker than its reputation suggests.

What Gotu Kola is commonly used for

In supplements, Gotu Kola is taken as a brain tonic for memory and calm, and also for circulation, skin and wound healing, appearing in brain & memory and skin & anti-aging formulas. It is marketed mainly for the mind, though its better-supported uses are for veins and skin.

How Gotu Kola works

Gotu kola's triterpenes appear to support collagen production and the health of small blood vessels — the basis for its use in varicose veins and wound healing — and show antioxidant and possibly calming effects in laboratory and animal studies. For the brain specifically, the human evidence does not yet match the traditional reputation.

What the evidence says

Here's an honest snapshot of what published research suggests about Gotu Kola — including where the evidence is limited.

• A systematic review and meta-analysis found no significant benefit for cognitive function versus placebo, but did find improved alertness and reduced anger about an hour after taking it. (PubMed)
• A randomised trial in healthy elderly volunteers found a high dose improved working memory and self-rated mood over two months. (PubMed)
• General background is summarised by reputable health references; gotu kola is also studied, separately, for venous insufficiency and wound healing. (MedlinePlus)

Typical dosage used in studies

Trials vary widely, from a few hundred milligrams up to around 750 mg per day of extract; preparations and standardization differ a great deal, which complicates comparison. This is general information from research, not a recommendation.

Side effects and safety

Gotu kola is generally well tolerated when taken short-term, but the most important caution is the liver: there have been reports of liver problems with gotu kola, so it should be avoided by people with liver disease, used only short-term, and stopped if symptoms such as nausea or yellowing skin occur.

Medication interactions and who should avoid Gotu Kola

Sources & further reading

The evidence summary above is drawn from these sources. For general, authoritative background you can also consult:

• PubMed-indexed study (PMID 28878245)
• PubMed-indexed study (PMID 18191355)
• MedlinePlus
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
• NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

Frequently asked questions

Does gotu kola improve memory?

A meta-analysis found no clear benefit for cognitive function versus placebo, though it may modestly improve alertness and mood. Its reputation as a 'brain tonic' outruns the evidence.

What is gotu kola best known for medically?

Its better-supported uses are actually for circulation — such as varicose veins and venous insufficiency — and for wound healing, rather than memory.

Is gotu kola the same as kola nut?

No — despite the name, gotu kola is unrelated to the caffeine-containing kola nut and contains no caffeine.

Is gotu kola safe?

Generally well tolerated short-term, but there are reports of liver problems, so people with liver disease should avoid it and others should use it only short-term.

How much gotu kola is used?

Trials range from a few hundred milligrams up to about 750 mg per day. This is general information, not a recommendation.