Gotu Kola
Useful mainly for adults with chronic venous insufficiency seeking modest symptom relief.
Quick decision guide
May help most
adults with chronic venous insufficiency seeking modest symptom relief
Common dosing range
60–180 mg/day standardized extract
When to expect effects
Weeks
Watch out for
Avoid in pregnancy and in liver disease; rare liver-injury reports exist
What is it
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a small leafy plant native to wetlands of Asia and used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for wound healing, vein health, cognitive function, and stress. Despite the name, gotu kola is unrelated to the kola nut and contains no caffeine.
Is it worth it for you?
Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.
Worth considering if…
Probably skip if…
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
chronic venous insufficiency Limited Evidence | Modest | Adults with leg heaviness, swelling, and capillary fragility from venous insufficiency | Weeks |
wound and scar healing Limited Evidence | Uncertain | People using topical preparations on minor wounds or scars | Weeks |
anxiety and stress Limited Evidence | Small | Adults with mild stress or anxiety symptoms | Weeks |
cognitive function and memory Limited Evidence | Small | Older adults seeking modest memory or attention support | Weeks to months |
chronic venous insufficiency
- Effect
- Modest
- Best fit
- Adults with leg heaviness, swelling, and capillary fragility from venous insufficiency
- Time
- Weeks
wound and scar healing
- Effect
- Uncertain
- Best fit
- People using topical preparations on minor wounds or scars
- Time
- Weeks
anxiety and stress
- Effect
- Small
- Best fit
- Adults with mild stress or anxiety symptoms
- Time
- Weeks
cognitive function and memory
- Effect
- Small
- Best fit
- Older adults seeking modest memory or attention support
- Time
- Weeks to months
Evidence for 4 uses
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
chronic venous insufficiency
Supplement benefitStandardized Centella asiatica extracts (TECA) have shown modest improvement in venous insufficiency symptoms such as leg heaviness, edema, and capillary fragility in small controlled trials. The proposed mechanism involves reduced vascular permeability and improved collagen synthesis in vessel walls. Effects are symptomatic rather than curative.
Bottom line: A reasonable adjunct for mild-to-moderate venous insufficiency symptoms, with modest expected benefit.
wound and scar healing
Supplement benefitTriterpene saponins in gotu kola stimulate collagen synthesis, and topical preparations have been studied for wound and scar improvement. Human evidence is small and largely from topical use rather than oral intake. Results are preliminary and inconsistent.
Bottom line: Limited, mostly topical evidence for wound and scar healing; not established for oral use.
anxiety and stress
Supplement benefitA few small trials suggest gotu kola may modestly reduce anxiety or improve mood under stress, with proposed antioxidant and cholinergic mechanisms. Studies are small, short, and heterogeneous. The effect is not well established.
Bottom line: Preliminary evidence for mild anxiety relief; too limited to rely on.
cognitive function and memory
Supplement benefitSmall trials in older adults have reported modest improvements in memory or attention with gotu kola, with proposed antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase-modulating mechanisms. The trials are few and underpowered. Cognitive benefit is not reliably demonstrated.
Bottom line: Weak, preliminary evidence for cognition; not a dependable nootropic.
How it works
How to take it
What to track
4 commercial forms
Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.
Titrated extract (TECA)
Most-studied form for chronic venous insufficiency. Provides consistent dosing.
Standardized to total triterpene content
Standardized extract (asiaticoside)
Used in various supplement products.
Standardized to specific triterpene content
Dried herb powder
Used in capsules and traditional preparations.
Whole-herb form
Topical cream or gel
Used for wound healing and scar improvement.
For external application on skin
Safety
Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.
Common side effects
Serious risks
Rare reports of liver injury (causality debated)
Who should avoid it
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with liver disease
- Those taking hepatotoxic drugs
- Adolescents
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and traditional cautions.
Interactions
May potentiate sedation
Possible additive liver stress
May enhance glucose-lowering effects
Food sources
| Food | Amount | %DV |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh gotu kola leaves (Asian cuisine, salads) | Used in some Sri Lankan, Thai, and Vietnamese cooking | — |
Fresh gotu kola leaves (Asian cuisine, salads)
- Amount
- Used in some Sri Lankan, Thai, and Vietnamese cooking
- %DV
- —
Choosing a product
What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.
Look for…
Be skeptical of…
Frequently asked questions
Does gotu kola contain caffeine?⌄
No. Despite the 'kola' in its name, gotu kola is unrelated to the caffeine-containing kola nut. It contains no caffeine.
Can gotu kola help my varicose veins?⌄
Standardized Centella extract has shown modest benefit for chronic venous insufficiency symptoms in multiple trials. It does not reverse existing varicose veins but may reduce associated symptoms like heaviness and swelling.
Is gotu kola safe for my liver?⌄
Rare reports of liver injury exist, though causality is debated. People with liver disease should use caution and avoid combining with other hepatotoxic substances.
Will gotu kola improve my memory?⌄
Some small trials suggest possible modest cognitive benefits, particularly in older adults and stressed individuals. Evidence is preliminary; effects are not as strong as established cognitive treatments.
Can I use gotu kola topically?⌄
Yes. Topical Centella preparations are used for wound healing and scar improvement with some clinical evidence supporting these uses.
References by claim
Track Gotu Kola with Pilora
Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.
Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.