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Gotu kola (Indian pennywort)

Centella asiatica

Also calledMandukaparni · Brahmi · Gotukola · Indian pennywort · Asiatic pennywort · Chi-hsueh-ts'ao · Rau má

In older monographsHydrocotyle asiatica

A creeping herb of Asian wetlands used for wounds, skin disease and as a 'brain tonic'. Its triterpenes (asiaticoside, madecassoside) are studied for wound and scar healing, and EMA recognises traditional use for minor wounds. Rare cases of liver injury have been reported with oral use.

Full natural-history sheet →

What it is used for

Wounds and cuts
Limited
The WHO monograph lists treatment of wounds, ulcerous skin conditions and prevention of keloid and hypertrophic scars as uses supported by clinical data, mostly older uncontrolled studies. EMA recognises traditional use to aid healing of minor wounds.^2,1,5
Burns and sunburn
Limited
WHO cites studies in which extracts were used on second- and third-degree burns; the trials are small and dated.²
Stomach ulcers and gastritis
Limited
WHO notes extracts have been given orally for stress-induced stomach and duodenal ulcers; evidence is limited to early studies.²
Circulation and varicose veins
Traditional
The WHO monograph records use for venous disorders in pharmacopoeias and traditional systems, rather than among clinically supported uses.²
Memory and cognition
Traditional
WHO lists use as a 'brain tonic' among folk uses not supported by experimental or clinical data.²

How it is prepared

compress

A small amount of dried herb is infused in boiling water and the still-warm infusion is used to soak a dressing laid on the wound.

EMA monograph: 0.6 g herb per dressing, 3 times daily (1.8 g daily), adults only, for no more than 1 week.

Wounds and cuts

powder

Powdered herb dusted onto a minor wound.

EMA monograph: 0.6 g powder applied 3 times daily, adults only, up to 1 week.

Wounds and cuts

infusion

Dried herb taken by mouth as an infusion or powder.

WHO monograph (citing the Indian Pharmaceutical Codex and British Herbal Pharmacopoeia): 0.33–0.68 g, or an infusion of a similar amount, three times daily.

Circulation and varicose veins

Amounts are as recorded by the named source, not a recommendation.

Safety

Pregnancy: Insufficient data
Breastfeeding: Insufficient data
Children: EMA: not recommended under 18 (lack of data).

Do not use if

Allergy to plants of the carrot family (Apiaceae)
Liver disease (case reports of hepatitis with oral use)

Side effects

Allergic contact dermatitis from topical products (possibly due to other ingredients)
Rare hepatitis with oral use: three Argentinian women developed jaundice after 20–60 days, one with recurrence on rechallenge

In the healing traditions

Traditional medicine (WHO monograph)
Herba Centellae
Pharmacopoeias and traditional systems record it for leprous ulcers and venous disorders; folk uses listed by WHO, without supporting evidence, run from asthma and epilepsy to use as a 'brain tonic'. Poultices used for bruises, closed fractures, sprains and boils.

Active compounds

asiaticoside: pentacyclic triterpene; one of the main active compounds
madecassoside: pentacyclic triterpene; one of the main active compounds
asiatic acid and madecassic acid: pentacyclic triterpene; one of the main active compounds

History

Centella has been called a 'panacea' used for some 3000 years. The WHO monograph's list of folk uses runs to dozens of conditions, while the uses it treats as clinically supported are wounds, burns, ulcerous skin conditions and scar prevention.

Sources

Reference, not prescription. Nothing here is medical advice. Herbs can interact with medicines and be dangerous in pregnancy; tell your doctor or pharmacist about anything you take.