Known as the ‘herb of enlightenment’, Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) has long been used as a cognitive enhancer in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and modern studies have confirmed its protective and growth effects on brain cells.
Neurogenesis
Gotu Kola promotes regeneration of the brain by activating the release of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), a hormone that triggers the growth of new neurons. It also increases neuroplasticity and communication between neurons by stimulating dendrite branching. This effect is similar to that of Bacopa Monnieri, which is often paired Gotu Kola in traditional preparations. Gotu Kola’s ability to create and strengthen connections between nerve cells has been observed in several regions of the brain including the hippocampus, the first region of the brain to be affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have demonstrated that Gotu Kola is most effective in enhancing brain function when taken regularly over the long term.
Neuroprotection
Gotu Kola also protects the brain in several ways from the stresses of modern living. It has been shown to protect neurons from toxins such as aluminum and monosodium glutamate (a common food additive), as well as to decrease brain levels of beta-amyloid, the signature protein of Alzheimer’s disease. In trials using MPTP, a neurotoxin that mimics early phase Parkinson’s disease, Gotu Kola slowed the death of brain cells and improved mobility. Gotu Kola also exerts antioxidant effects in the brain by increasing the production of BDNF and glutathione, the most powerful detoxification compound naturally produced in the body.
Anti-Inflammatory
Gotu Kola increases the release of anti-inflammatory signaling molecules by immune cells and suppresses the activation of the NF-kB pathway, your body’s ‘on’ switch for inflammation. These mechanisms are thought to underlie Gotu Kola’s ability to soothe arthritis symptoms as well as external manifestations of inflammation like eczema.
Circulation & Skin
Traditionally, Gotu Kola has been consumed both internally and used topically for the purpose of wound regeneration. Similar to how it encourages the growth of new brain cells, it helps maintain the skin by inhibiting a group of enzymes that break down collagen while simultanously increasing the rate that collagen is synthesized. Gotu Kola’s ability to improve blood flow also contributes to keeping body tissues healthy and young.
Studies:
[1] Centella asiatica accelerates nerve regeneration upon oral administration and contains multiple active fractions increasing neurite elongation in-vitro
[2] Neuritogenic effect of standardized extract of Centella asiatica ECa233 on human neuroblastoma cells
[3] Centella asiatica treatment during postnatal period enhances learning and memory in mice
[4] Enhancement of Amygdaloid Neuronal Dendritic Arborization by Fresh Leaf Juice of Centella asiatica (Linn) During Growth Spurt Period in Rats
[5] Centella asiatica (L.) leaf extract treatment during the growth spurt period enhances hippocampal CA3 neuronal dendritic arborization in rats
[6] Enhancement of hippocampal CA3 neuronal dendritic arborization by Centella asiatica (Linn) fresh leaf extract treatment in adult rats
[10] Centella asiatica attenuates the neurobehavioral, neurochemical and histological changes in transient focal middle cerebral artery occlusion rats
[11] Centella asiatica Extract Improves Behavioral Deficits in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease: Investigation of a Possible Mechanism of Action
[12] Neuroprotective evaluation of standardized extract of Centella asciatica in monosodium glutamate treated rats
[13] Prophylactic neuroprotective property of Centella asiatica against 3-nitropropionic acid induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions in brain regions of prepubertal mice
[14] Effect of Centella asiatica leaf powder on oxidative markers in brain regions of prepubertal mice in vivo and its in vitro efficacy to ameliorate 3-NPA-induced oxidative stress in mitochondria
[15] Neuroprotective effects of madecassoside in early stage of Parkinson's disease induced by MPTP in rats
[17] Neuroprotective signaling mechanisms of telomerase are regulated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor in rat spinal cord motor neurons
[18] Effect of Centella asiatica on cognition and oxidative stress in an intracerebroventricular streptozotocin model of Alzheimer's disease in rats
[19] Centella asiatica Attenuates D-Galactose-Induced Cognitive Impairment, Oxidative and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Mice
[20] Effect of Centella asiatica on pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling, cognition and oxidative stress in rats
[21] Asiatic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene in Centella asiatica, attenuates glutamate-induced cognitive deficits in mice and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells
[22] Asiatic acid derivatives protect cultured cortical neurons from glutamate-induced excitotoxicity
[24] Anti-inflammatory effects of madecassic acid via the suppression of NF-kappaB pathway in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells
[25] Madecassoside attenuates inflammatory response on collagen-induced arthritis in DBA/1 mice
[26] Madecassoside suppresses LPS-induced TNF-alpha production in cardiomyocytes through inhibition of ERK, p38, and NF-kappaB activity
[27] Inhibition of LPS-induced NO and PGE2 production by asiatic acid via NF-kappa B inactivation in RAW 264.7 macrophages: possible involvement of the IKK and MAPK pathways
[28] Nutritional support for wound healing
[29] Asiaticoside induction for cell-cycle progression, proliferation and collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts
[30] Asiaticoside enhances normal human skin cell migration, attachment and growth in vitro wound healing model
[31] Identification of Major Active Ingredients Responsible for Burn Wound Healing of Centella asiatica Herbs
[32] Matrix metalloproteinase, hyaluronidase and elastase inhibitory potential of standardized extract of Centella asiatica
