Gotu Kola
Also known as: Centella asiatica, Asiaticosides, Tiger grass, Cica
Centella triterpenes stimulate collagen synthesis in vitro and in animal wound models. Human oral data are mostly small or older trials on venous insufficiency; cognitive claims rest on traditional use and preclinical work.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-06 · 0 indexed studies
Set your location for accurate regulatory status
Saved on this device — no sign-in needed.
Overview
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is standardised for triterpenes such as asiaticoside and madecassoside. Best known in skincare ('cica'), oral use is positioned for circulation, skin and traditional cognitive support; human evidence is limited.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Asiaticosides promote fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis, and may improve venous tone. Neuroprotective and anxiolytic effects are suggested by animal studies but not established in humans.
Physiological Role
No physiological role; a traditional botanical.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
No established performance relevance.
Evidence Review
No human clinical studies indexed for this ingredient yet.
No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.
Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- Not established
- Optimal Range
- Extracts in studies typically 60–180 mg/day standardised triterpenes
- Upper / Caution Level
- Rare hepatotoxicity case reports with high-dose or prolonged use
- Timing
- Daily
- Best Format
- Extract standardised to asiaticosides
- Bioavailability
- Triterpene glycosides are hydrolysed in the gut to active aglycones.
- Absorption Considerations
- Limited human pharmacokinetic data.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Rare GI upset
- •Rare liver-enzyme elevations
Contraindications
- Liver disease
- Pregnancy (insufficient data)
Drug Interactions
- •Sedatives (theoretical)
Who Should Avoid
- •People with liver conditions
- •Pregnant women
Monitoring
Limit continuous use; monitor for liver symptoms with prolonged high-dose use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Gotu Kola typically used or indicated?
Gotu Kola is most commonly used for: Skin and connective-tissue formulas, Circulation supplements, Traditional cognitive support. No physiological role; a traditional botanical.
How does Gotu Kola work?
Asiaticosides promote fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis, and may improve venous tone. Neuroprotective and anxiolytic effects are suggested by animal studies but not established in humans.
What is the recommended dose of Gotu Kola?
The optimal range is Extracts in studies typically 60–180 mg/day standardised triterpenes. with a minimum effective dose of Not established. Best taken: Daily. Upper / caution level: Rare hepatotoxicity case reports with high-dose or prolonged use.
What are the side effects of Gotu Kola?
Reported side effects include: Rare GI upset; and Rare liver-enzyme elevations. Monitoring: Limit continuous use; monitor for liver symptoms with prolonged high-dose use.
Does Gotu Kola interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Sedatives (theoretical). Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Gotu Kola?
Gotu Kola is generally not recommended for: People with liver conditions; Pregnant women; Liver disease; and Pregnancy (insufficient data).
How strong is the evidence for Gotu Kola?
Evidence level: Preliminary (overall score 25/100), based on 0 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (0)
No studies match this filter
Trademark Ingredients
Related Ingredients
Other top-rated ingredients in Botanical Extracts.
Curcumin
85/100Polyphenolic compound that modulates NF-κB, COX-2, and multiple inflammatory cascades with demonstrated efficacy comparable to NSAIDs in some osteoarthritis trials, when bioavailability-enhanced formulations are used.
Pycnogenol
78/100Standardised pine bark extract delivering procyanidins, catechins, and phenolic acids; raises eNOS-derived NO, scavenges ROS, and supports collagen integrity.
Rhodiola Rosea
76/100Adaptogenic botanical containing rosavins and salidroside that modulate cortisol response, enhance stress resilience, and improve cognitive and physical performance under fatigue conditions.
Research Overview
Preliminary EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/gotu-kola
SuppIndex. (2026). Gotu Kola: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/gotu-kola
Based on 0 indexed studies · Evidence level: Preliminary.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Appears in skin-health blends with collagen and hyaluronic acid.