Gotu Kola extract 20% | Centella asiatica

Properties: Asiatic pennywort, popularly known as Gotu Kola, exhibits adaptogenic and nootropic properties. For a long time it has been common knowledge that it has a great influence on the functioning of the nervous system. Perhaps this is why Gotu Kola appears in many Asian legends. For centuries, stories about the special properties of this plant have been passed down from generation to generation. There is, for example, a legend about an injured tiger who rolled on the Asiatic pennywort’s leaves, thanks to which his wound healed faster. An interesting fact is that Gotu Kola is also liked by other animals. In India and Sri Lanka, this plant is a delicacy of elephants, and the inhabitants of these areas are convinced that it is thanks to the Gotu Kola that these animals are characterized by excellent intelligence and memory. But let’s focus on the hard facts. Scientific research allows us to verify how many folk beliefs are true and how many of them are simply fantasies…

Based on the research, scientists were able to establish that Gotu Kola supports brain functions, specifically the information processing. The active substances contained in this plant intensify the process of neurogenesis – which simply means that our brain produces more neurons. In addition, they facilitate the formation of connections between neural cells. This affects the brain’s overall ability to process and absorb new information. Gotu Kola also stimulates the activity of acetylcholine – a neurotransmitter responsible for memory and concentration. Thanks to this, we get an excellent combination of nootropic properties, which allows us to think more efficiently.

In addition, Asiatic Pennywort has been shown to be a good stress-resistance agent. It supports the activity of neurotransmitters responsible for our mood and emotions – primarily GABA, serotonin and dopamine. As a result, it helps to maintain emotional balance and also reduces the level of perceived stress. Importantly, Gotu Kola has an antioxidant effect. It facilitates the removal of excessive free oxygen radicals that can be harmful to our cells. In addition, it improves blood circulation in the capillaries. In this way, it contributes to the inhibition of the aging processes and helps to maintain the good condition of the entire body.

All these properties show that there are many facts in traditional legends. Gotu Kola actually has a number of beneficial properties. Therefore, it is a great dietary supplement, especially for people who want to maintain the smooth functioning of the mind and reduce nervous tension.

Occurrence: Asiatic Pennywort (Centella asiatica, Hydrocotyle asiatica) is a perennial, creeping herb from the celery family (Apiaceae, Umbelliferae). Naturally, it occurs mainly near water bodies in Central Asia. It is also found in South Africa, Australia, Sri Lanka, and most of the South Pacific islands. You can see Gotu Kola in two versions. In high moisture areas its climbers are decorated with wide fan-shaped leaves, while in drier areas they are small and thin. The herbal raw material consists mainly of leaves that can be harvested all year round.

In traditional Indian medicine (Ayurveda), Asiatic Pennywort has been used for over 3,000 years as a revitalizing agent strengthening the body and having a beneficial effect on blood circulation as well as the skin condition. Gotu Kola is classified as Medhya Rasayana – a rejuvenating plant that brings clarity and peace of mind. It has also been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), mainly as a source of longevity, as its regular use delayed the aging process, but also as a remedy for insomnia and fever.

Biochemistry: The substances to which the Asiatic pennywort owes its properties are triterpenoids: asiaticoside, bramoside, brahinoside, centelloside and tankunizide. From the chemical point of view, they belong to the pentacyclic triterpene saponins. What is more, the plant also contains: bioflavonoids, phytosterols (sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol), tannins, resins, camphor and vitamins A, C, E and K.

Fun fact: The Asiatic pennywort is commonly known as Gotu Kola. The name comes from the Sinhala language spoken in Sri Lanka. In this language, the word “kola” is translated as a leaf, while “gotu” refers to something that is shaped like a cup.