What Gotu Kola is
Gotu kola is a dietary supplement made from Centella asiatica, a leafy plant native to wetlands of Asia. It has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine systems, and in the United States it is sold as a supplement (capsules, extracts, teas, and topical preparations). NIH-funded researchers are studying Centella asiatica, but it is not approved as a treatment for any condition in the United States.
Commonly used for
People take it for memory, focus, and general brain or cognitive supportUsed by some for anxiety, stress, or sleep concernsTraditionally applied to the skin for wounds, burns, and scarsUsed by some for circulation or vein health
What the evidence shows
There is no NIH Office of Dietary Supplements or NCCIH consumer fact sheet that establishes gotu kola as effective for any health condition, so rigorous evidence in people is limited. NCCIH notes only that it funds early-stage research exploring Centella asiatica's potential to support functional resilience in aging, including sleep deprivation; this is exploratory work, not proof that the supplement treats or improves any condition. The popular uses above reflect how people use it traditionally, not confirmed benefits.
Typical dosage
No authoritative US government source establishes a standard or proven dose for gotu kola, and amounts vary widely across products. Because it is not regulated like a drug, supplement strength and quality can differ between brands. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or another qualified clinician before starting gotu kola, especially regarding how much to take and for how long.
Safety
Remember that "natural" does not automatically mean safe, and labels like "standardized" do not guarantee a product's quality or consistency. Although gotu kola is generally regarded as safe, NIH's LiverTox resource notes it has been linked to rare cases of clinically apparent acute liver injury with jaundice, so it should be used cautiously. There is not enough authoritative government safety information to confirm gotu kola is safe for everyone. Talk to a healthcare provider before using it, particularly if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, give it to a child, have liver problems, or take other medicines.
Side effects
High-quality government data on gotu kola's side effects in people are limited, but NIH's LiverTox resource has documented rare instances of liver injury with jaundice, which typically appeared after several weeks of use and resolved after stopping. Herbal supplements can cause unwanted effects and may not be free of risk simply because they are plant-based. Stop use and seek medical care if you notice signs of a possible problem, such as a rash, stomach upset, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or other unexpected symptoms.
Interactions & cautions
Authoritative government data on gotu kola drug interactions are limited, so its effects when combined with prescription or over-the-counter medicines are not well characterized. Dietary supplements can interact with medications and other supplements. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every supplement you take so they can check for possible interactions, especially before surgery or if you take medicines that affect the liver or cause sedation.
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Summarized from public health authorities; general reference, not medical advice. Talk to a licensed healthcare professional before starting any supplement.