5 Gotu Kola Studies You Should Know About

Gotu Kola in Ayurveda and Modern Research

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), or brahmi, has been revered by Ayurvedic herbalists and yogis for ages. Known by some as "the herb of enlightenment,"¹ it carries the qualities of clarity and calm and has traditionally been used to support healthy nervous system and brain function.

Recognition of gotu kola as a nootropic herb has spread in recent years, and the humble marsh-dwelling plant has piqued the interest of researchers seeking to better understand its effects on brain health and cognitive function, and on the body overall.

Along with cognitive support, these benefits include things like skin rejuvenation, stress management, and mood support.

Gotu kola is a true botanical gem for both the body and the mind.

In this article, we'll delve into five scientific studies that affirm gotu kola's myriad benefits and bring Ayurveda's ancient wisdom to life in a more modern context.

So grab your herbal tea and let's get started. And if you need a little extra focus, we recommend a tea infused with gotu kola!

1. Gotu Kola for Skin Health

A 2020 study focused on gotu kola's benefits for the skin and its ability to support a healthy skin barrier. This study targeted a group of 30 Indonesian batik workers who suffered from dry skin as a result of their exposure to the chemicals in batik dyes.

Over the course of four weeks, the participants were given a cream containing gotu kola to rub into their hands and arms twice a day.

Various aspects of skin health, including hydration and skin acidity (pH balance), were measured for baseline levels before beginning the trial using a sophisticated device called a Cutometer dual MP-580. The same measurements were then taken again halfway through the study and at the end of the four-week period.

After four weeks, significant improvements were observed in the skin's hydration and acidity, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy skin microbiome and overall skin health.²

2. Gotu Kola for Healthy Facial Complexion

A 2019 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial studied the effect of gotu kola on facial skin recovery in 30 adults who had recently undergone laser skin treatment.

Each participant was given two different gels to apply to their face, one for each side. One gel contained gotu kola, and the other was a placebo. For the first week, the gels were applied four times daily, then twice daily for the following three months.

The skin's texture, biophysics, and redness levels were recorded at baseline before using the gels and then tracked by dermatologists at regular intervals throughout the trial period.

After three months of regular use, the gel containing gotu kola was shown to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of redness, supporting a calmer, more even complexion.³

3. Gotu Kola for Skin Rejuvenation and Wound Healing

A 2022 systematic review analyzed the effects of gotu kola on the rejuvenation of healthy skin tissue and its role in supporting wound healing.

The review covered four clinical trials and focused on various aspects of skin tissue rejuvenation, including the growth of new skin cells, the time required for skin cell regeneration, and the color and appearance of new tissue.

While further research and clinical studies are needed to fully understand gotu kola's benefits, the findings of this review supported the herb's potential to support healthy skin rejuvenation and collagen synthesis. Gotu kola has also been shown to promote the growth of new blood vessels, possibly by stimulating collagen production.⁴

4. Gotu Kola for Nervous System and Nerve Cell Regeneration

This laboratory study focused on the restorative and neuroprotective qualities of gotu kola and its potential role in supporting brain health. An extract of the herb was incubated into individual nerve cells, then observed for neurite outgrowth under the careful scrutiny of a microscope.

Neurite what? Neurite outgrowth is essentially another term for nerve cell growth and regeneration. It's an important initial step in the formation of a neural network, a complex web of interconnected brain cells that transmit information throughout the brain and nervous system.

The scientists conducting the study took precise measurements of the cells after 24 and 48 hours, finding that the gotu kola extract significantly enhanced neurite outgrowth. In other words, it was an up-close and real-time demonstration of gotu kola's ability to support healthy nerve cell regeneration and a resilient nervous system.⁵

5. Gotu Kola for Cognitive Function

This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study investigated the effect of gotu kola on the overall cognitive function and brain health of healthy older adults.

Fairly straightforward in design, the trial included 28 participants who took various doses of gotu kola extract once daily over 2 months. Assessment tools were used to measure both cognitive function and mood before the trial, after a single use of the extract, and after each full month of use.

These assessment tools included computerized cognition tests, mood assessment scales, and event-related potential (recordings of the brain's electrical field in response to stimuli).

The results of the study showed that the higher doses of gotu kola enhanced memory and increased overall brain engagement. The participants also reported improvements in their mood.⁶

Bridging Gotu Kola's Place in Ayurveda and Modern Research

The studies highlighted here offer only a glimpse of the wealth of clinical research on gotu kola's brain health and cognitive benefits in recent years. The majority of these projects reinforce what Ayurveda has known for millennia: the astounding potential of this herb, particularly in enhancing the health of the skin, brain, and nervous system.

There's still plenty more to learn about gotu kola:

• Check out a 2019 clinical trial that put Banyan's Healthy Skin tablets, which include gotu kola as a main ingredient, to the test.
• Explore the benefits of gotu kola through the Ayurvedic lens and learn more about growing, harvesting, and using Banyan's gotu kola in your daily health routine.

FAQs: Health Benefits of Gotu Kola

Why does Banyan offer the whole herb in powdered form, not a gotu kola extract of a certain constituent?

Gotu kola naturally contains beneficial phytoconstituents, such as triterpenoid saponins like asiaticoside, which studies show may reduce oxidative stress and enhance antioxidant enzyme activity in brain cells. When working with a standardized extract, certain constituents can be isolated and standardized at a certain percentage.

Ayurveda traditionally works with whole herbs. When working with the whole plant, either fresh or dried and powdered, you may not get a guaranteed percentage of constituents, but you do get all of the constituents the plant naturally has to offer, in a form that nature intended. In many cases, working with a whole herb can be more bioavailable, with fewer possible side effects, making it a sustainable solution for long-term use.

How do I use gotu kola to support brain health and nervous system function?

Gotu kola can be taken daily to support mental clarity, focus, and nervous system health. You can choose to take it on its own as a powder or in pure pressed Gotu Kola tablets, or opt for an herbal blend. For some options, Mellow Mind tea blends gotu kola with other calming herbs for an easy daily tea ritual. It can also be found in Mental Clarity tablets and Focus liquid extract.

How do I Use gotu kola for my skin care, including healthy skin repair and complexion?

To support healthy skin, gotu kola can be taken internally on its own or in a formula like Healthy Skin tablets. It can also be used externally right on the skin. Brahmi Oil combines gotu kola with bacopa, another nootropic known for its cognitive benefits, and comes in either cooling coconut oil or warming sesame oil. You can also make your own cooling, gentle DIY face wash with gotu kola, which is especially supportive in summer or any time you need a gentle cleanser.

Is gotu kola safe? Are there any side effects or drug interactions?

Gotu kola is generally well tolerated by most healthy adults when used as directed (though mild side effects are occasionally reported when using liquid extracts of an active compound). As with any herbal supplement, it's smart to start with a smaller dose and see how your body responds. More research is needed to understand how herbs interact with pharmaceuticals, so consult your health practitioner if you have a health condition or are taking medications as gotu kola may interact with certain medications, including those that affect the liver.

We also recommend talking with your health practitioner if you're pregnant or nursing before adding gotu kola to your routine. For more on how this herb works within the Ayurvedic tradition, see our gotu kola benefits guide.

How long does it take to notice the benefits of Gotu Kola?

Many of the studies highlighted above measured cognitive and skin benefits over weeks to months of consistent use, which lines up with how Ayurveda has traditionally approached gotu kola: as a rejuvenative herb meant to be taken steadily over time rather than as a quick fix. Some people notice a sense of mental clarity fairly early on, while deeper support for memory and skin health tends to build gradually.

Consistency matters most, so a daily tea infused with gotu kola or a tablet form you can stick with is more effective than occasional use.

What makes Banyan's gotu kola different?

Banyan sources certified organic, sustainably grown gotu kola from trusted farming partners and processes it using traditional Ayurvedic methods, so the herb arrives in a form that honors its heritage while meeting modern quality standards. Every batch is third-party tested for purity and safety, giving you confidence in what you're including in your daily routine. Careful growing and testing is incredibly important for every herb you choose to take, and especially so for gotu kola, which can absorb heavy metals and toxins from its environment if it's grown in contaminated soil.

Whether you prefer tea, tablets, or a topical application, our full line of gotu kola products makes it easy to find the format that fits your wellness goals.