Gotu kola for memory: what it is and how it is used
Short answer: Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a leafy herb long used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese practice for mental clarity, memory and calm. Human research on memory is small and early, so it is best understood as a traditional herb rather than a proven treatment. It is generally well tolerated, but rare liver problems have been reported, so check with your doctor if you have liver disease or take other medicines.
Gotu kola is less famous than ginkgo or ginseng, but in South and Southeast Asia it has been eaten and used for a very long time.
What it is
Gotu kola is a small creeping plant with round leaves, in the parsley family. It grows in damp areas of India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, where the leaves are eaten in salads and drinks. In Ayurvedic practice it is used to support clarity, memory and a calm mind, and in Chinese practice it has a long history as a tonic herb.
It is not related to the kola nut and contains no caffeine.
What the research says
Laboratory and animal studies have looked at its compounds, called triterpenes, for effects on nerve cells and stress. Human studies on memory and mood are few, small and of mixed quality. Some report small improvements in mood or calm; results on memory are not consistent. There is no trial in women going through perimenopause.
So the fair way to describe gotu kola is: a herb with a long traditional use for the mind, early research, and no proof.
Safety
- Usually well tolerated. Possible side effects include stomach upset, headache and drowsiness.
- Rare cases of liver injury have been reported. Avoid it if you have liver disease, and stop and see a doctor if you notice yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or unusual tiredness.
- It may add to the effect of sedatives and sleep medicines.
- Not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Gotu kola in Clear Cognition
Gotu kola leads the blend by weight in Clear Cognition, with bacopa, astragalus, cistanche, maritime pine bark and Panax ginseng. It is there for its long traditional use for mental clarity. The product supports memory and word recall, focus and mental clarity, and a calm, steady mind.*
Judge any herb by your own numbers
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Related reading
Sources: US National Institutes of Health LiverTox entry on Centella asiatica. This article is for information and is not medical advice.