Centella Asiatica Gotu Kola Supplement to Support Cognitive Health *

Centella asiatica – also known as gotu kola – is a traditional Ayurvedic herb with a long history of use dating back to the 17th century. It is recognized in several global pharmacopoeias, including those of China, India, Germany, and Britain.*

What is Centella Asiatica?

Centella asiatica—also known as gotu kola, Indian pennywort, Asiatic pennywort, or brahmi—is a perennial, herbaceous plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. Native to the wetlands of Asia, it has a long history of traditional use in both wellness practices and regional cuisines.*

Gotu kola, or Centella asiatica, is often described as an herb associated with vitality and longevity. It is a well-known plant in the Ayurvedic system of traditional wellness practices. While commonly linked to India, Ayurvedic herbs are also widely used in countries like Indonesia and China. In other parts of the world, Centella asiatica supplements are taken for their potential to support cognitive health, and have traditionally been used in connection with skin, kidney, and liver wellness.*

Potential Benefits of Centella Asiatica*

The potential benefits of Centella asiatica are still being explored, but early research has provided some valuable insights.* Certain studies have investigated its role in supporting a healthy inflammatory response and collagen synthesis, which may contribute to the body’s natural processes for skin renewal and repair.*

May Help Support the Body’s Response to Stress*

Stress is a common part of modern life, and researchers continue to explore how certain plant compounds may help the body adapt to occasional stressors.* In a preclinical study, gotu kola was observed to influence behavioral patterns in sleep-deprived mice. The extract was also associated with changes related to motor activity and oxidative balance.* While early findings are interesting, further research is needed to understand their relevance in humans.*

Sleep challenges can also contribute to occasional stress. Some research has explored the potential role of gotu kola in supporting relaxation and healthy sleep patterns.* Additional studies have examined its effects in relation to mood and stress-related responses, though findings are still preliminary.*

May Support Cognitive Health*

While Centella asiatica has traditionally been used to support mental clarity and emotional balance, it has also been explored for its potential role in addressing occasional mental fatigue.*

Some preliminary research has explored the combined use of folic acid and gotu kola extract for their potential role in supporting cognitive function after neurological stressors.* While both have been studied individually for their possible impact on mental performance, early findings suggest that gotu kola may offer additional support in areas related to memory.* These results are still emerging, and further studies are needed to better understand their relevance in broader populations.*

In one preclinical study, mice were given gotu kola-infused water and later evaluated using a behavioral test known as the Morris Water Maze. The study observed changes in memory and learning-related performance in both younger and older animals.*

May Support Circulatory Comfort and Vein Health*

Centella asiatica has been explored for its potential to support overall circulatory wellness and vascular tone, particularly in relation to certain plant-derived compounds known as triterpenes.* At daily intakes around 60 mg, some studies suggest these compounds may influence biochemical markers associated with connective tissue and the vascular wall, including uronic acid and various enzymes.*

In more practical terms, one study explored the potential of Centella asiatica supplements to support lower leg comfort and circulation after extended periods of sitting, such as during a flight lasting over three hours.* The results suggested possible support for temporary fluid balance and vascular function, though more research is needed to confirm these effects.*

In the study, participants with minor circulatory concerns were asked to take Centella asiatica before travel, on the day of a long flight, and again the following day.* Preliminary observations suggested that those who took the supplement experienced greater circulatory comfort compared to those who did not.*

These potential benefits may be particularly relevant for individuals who spend extended periods sitting, such as during daily commutes or desk-based work.*

Additionally, some research has explored the potential of gotu kola to support vascular tone and connective tissue integrity in individuals with circulatory concerns.* These effects may be linked to the way Centella asiatica influences metabolic activity within the vascular wall.*

What to Know About Gotu Kola Supplement Tolerance and Use*

Before starting a Centella asiatica supplement, it’s a good idea to consider whether it aligns with your individual health needs. In general, Centella asiatica is considered well-tolerated by most healthy adults when used as directed.* However, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional and reviewing available information to make an informed decision that suits your wellness goals.*

In certain situations, this natural supplement may interact with other supplements. That’s why it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider about any supplements you’re currently taking.*

Centella asiatica has not been extensively studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women. As a precaution, its use is generally not recommended during pregnancy or lactation unless advised by a healthcare provider. If you are pregnant or nursing, it may be best to wait until more research becomes available before considering a gotu kola supplement.*