Gotu Kola
Centella asiatica (Umbelliferae)

Gotu Kola is one of the most widely used herbs in ayurvedic medicine, which it is primarily used as a nerve tonic and other ailments that are linked to the brain and nerves. Among these ailments are the following: heart disease, water retention, hoarseness, bronchitis, coughs, epilepsy, schizophrenia and memory loss. To many herbalists, Gotu kola is considered to be a great nourishment for the brain.

The most active ingredient of Gotu kola are the triperpene saponins asiaticoside, Brahmoside and Brahminoside. Asiacoside, in particular, exhibits the wide range of antibiotic activity of the herb. It has been found to be in bactericidal, fungicidal, ameobacidal, insecticidal and syphlitic skin disease.

The volatile oils of Gotu kola tend to produce a diuretic and blood purifying effect by producing a purge stimulus in the kidneys. These volatile oils have been used historically to help lower serum cholesterol levels. The flavonoids present in the herb also produce antispasmodic effects n smooth muscles.