Gotu Kola

I use Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) in my face serum for its rejuvenating and anti-aging impact on skin. It seems to increase collagen production according to studies. I make my own herbal extract of Gotu Kola.  This process takes 6 weeks.

It seems the primary active components of Gotu Kola, according are saponins (also called triterpenoids) consisting of several different types.

According to pharmacological studies, one outcome of gotu kola’s complex actions is a balanced effect on cells and tissues participating in the process of healing, particularly connective tissues. One of its constituents, asiaticoside, works to stimulate skin repair and strengthen skin, hair, nails and connective tissue (Kartnig, 1988)

Wikipedia says that:

Several scientific reports have documented Centella asiatica’s ability to aid wound healing^[16][17] which is responsible for its traditional use in leprosy. Upon treatment with Centella asiatica, maturation of the scar is stimulated by the production of type I collagen. The treatment also results in a marked decrease in inflammatory reaction and myofibroblast production.^[18]

The isolated steroids from the plant also have been used to treat leprosy.^[19][20] In addition, preliminary evidence suggests that it may have nootropic effects.^[10] Centella asiatica is used to revitalize the brain and nervous system, increase attention span and concentration,^[21] and combat aging.^[10] Centella asiatica also has antioxidant properties.^[9] It works for venous insufficiency.^[22] It is used in Thailand for opium detoxification.

According to a study done at the China Pharmaceutical University and published in Experimental Dermatology, a mixture of vitamin C and gotu kola (Centella asiatica) significantly improved the condition of photoaged, damaged, and wrinkled skin. They applied a cream containing 5% vitamin C and 0.1% gotu kola, and two-thirds of participants noted smoother, firmer skin. This beleive this happens because gotu kola stimulates the production of collagen.

Be aware that this herb should be avoided by women who are preganant or hope to be pregnant soon as it is  considered in some traditions as having birth control properties and, according to one study, extracts of the herb showed antifertility action in mice. Also, no studies have been performed as to its safe use by nursing mothers so it should be avoided by this group as well.

For more information refer to this great medical article: “Pharmacological Review on Centella asiatica: A Potential Herbal Cure-all” by Kashmira J. Gohil,* Jagruti A. Patel, and Anuradha K. Gajjar1 available here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3116297/