Heart/Beauty/Cognition

Gotu kola

Centella asiatica herb that may ease heavy-leg venous symptoms and support skin repair in adults using standardized extracts.

Gotu kola

Centella asiatica herb that may ease heavy-leg venous symptoms and support skin repair in adults using standardized extracts.

score

evidence

Caution

risk

Proven Benefits

01Improves venous symptoms

02May support wound healing

03May improve working memory

04May improve microcirculation

05May reduce visible scarring

06May improve skin elasticity

Chemical Forms

Recommended

Extract standardized for asiaticoside/madecassoside
TTFCA (total triterpenic fraction)
Standardized Centella asiatica extract

Avoid

Unstandardized raw powder (very variable triterpene content)
Tinctures with no extract ratio or standardization

Expert Note

Most human studies use standardized extracts rich in triterpenes or the TTFCA fraction, not plain herb powder. Products that declare total triterpenes or asiaticoside/madecassoside are more predictable than raw powders or vague tinctures, which can vary widely in active-compound content.

Protocol

Amount

300-600 mg

Frequency

Once daily or split into 2 doses

When

With food to reduce GI upset; divide the dose if it causes drowsiness.

Condition-Based Dosing

Standardized extract (about 10-20% triterpenes)

300-600 mg daily for 4-8 weeks— A practical range for most adult oral supplements; start lower if you are sensitive to herbs.

TTFCA or total triterpenic fraction products

60-120 mg daily, often split into 2 doses— These products are more concentrated; follow the triterpene amount on the label, not just capsule weight.

Adults prone to drowsiness

Start with 150-300 mg in the evening for 3-7 days, then increase if tolerated— Some users feel mildly sedated or lightheaded at first.

Safety & Limits

Upper Safe Limit

No official UL; common studied oral doses are 300-600 mg/day standardized extract or 60-120 mg/day triterpenes, and long-term continuous use is not well studied.

Cycling

Use for up to 6 weeks, then take at least 2 weeks off before repeating.

Contraindications

Pregnancy or breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; avoid oral use

Liver disease or hepatotoxic drugs — rare cases of liver injury have been reported

Sedatives, sleeping pills, or alcohol — may increase drowsiness and impair coordination

Known allergy or contact dermatitis to Centella products — topical forms can trigger rash

Synergies

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is required for collagen cross-linking and may complement gotu kola's effects on fibroblasts and connective-tissue repair.

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