Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola

In Ayurvedic Medicine, Gotu Kola is considered the most important rejuvenative herb. The Name for Gotu Kola in Sanskrit Is Brahmi, which Means Wisdom or Consciousness.

There is no better time than NOW to support your memory and brain health with a scientifically proven, time-tested herb. Gotu kola has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to support memory, clarity of thinking, and the nervous system, as well as to promote a state of well-being. Now scientific research is demonstrating how this superior herb works. Your brain is what makes everything in your life possible. It controls your consciousness—and whether you are asleep or awake—your thought processes, reasoning, judgment, memory, and emotions. We certainly owe it to ourselves to protect and nourish our brain with a proven and effective herb such as Gotu kola.
What Makes Gotu Kola Special?Gotu kola is a perennial plant native to India, Japan, China, Indonesia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the South Pacific. Gotu kola's small, fan-shaped green leaves are used for medicinal purposes. In Ayurvedic medicine, Gotu kola is considered the most important rejuvenative herb. It is believed to increase intelligence, fortify the immune system, and strengthen the adrenal glands. It is an excellent nerve and restorative tonic, and also helps maintain healthy skin. Scientists attribute Gotu kola's unique healing abilities to these pharmacologically active constituents:

•
Triterpenoids produce remarkable wound-healing activity (1) and an anti-stress action. (2)

•
Asiatocosides support collagen production, enhancing skin repair and strengthening hair, skin, nails, (3, 4-6 )and other connective tissue. (6,7)

•
Saponin glycosides produce a sedative effect.
"Gotu kola helps balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain," according to Dr. Vasant Lad, a prominent Ayurvedic physician, and co-author of The Yoga of Herbs (Lotus Press, 1986.)Scientific studies have shown that Gotu kola:

•
Decreases amyloid beta plaque (considered a culprit in Alzheimer's disease) formation in animals (8)

•
Supports healthy brain aging (9)

•
Enhances GABA (a neurotransmitter in the brain) activity in the brain (10)

•
Enhances learning and memory in laboratory animals (11)

•
Supports healthy mood (12 )

How Safe Is Gotu Kola? Gotu kola is safe and nontoxic in recommended doses. It has not been proven safe for pregnant and nursing women, however. Superb Herb for Brain HealthPioneers in brain research have made significant advances in the field of neuroscience that have shown the potential for preserving and enhancing brain health. Now, thanks to scientific studies about Gotu kola, we know that ancient Ayurvedic medicine has been right all along. Gotu kola is one of the best herbs on the planet to maintain and support your brain health!

References:
1.
Boiteau P, Ratsimamanga AR: Asiaticoside extracted from Centella asiatica, its therapeutic uses in the healing of experimental or refractory wounds, leprosy, skin tuberculosis, and lupus. Therapie 11, 125-149, 1956.

2.
Ramaswamy AS, Periyasamy SM, Basu N. Pharmacological studies on Centella asiatica L. (Brahma manduki) (N.O. Umbelliferae). J Res Indian Med 4, 160-175, 1970.

3.
Kartnig T: Clinical applications of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. Herbs Spices Med Plants 3, 146-73, 1988.

4.
Boiteau P, Ratsimamanga AR. Asiaticoside extracted from Centella asiatica, its therapeutic uses in the healing of experimental or refractory wounds, leprosy, skin tuberculosis, and lupus. Therapie 11, 125-149, 1956.

5.
5. Boiteau P, Nigeon-Dureuil M, and Ratsimamanga AR. Action of asiaticoside on reticuloendothelial tissue. Acad Sci Compt Rend 232, 760-762, 1951.

6.
Monograph: Centella asiatica. Indena S.p.A., Milan, Italy, 1987.

7.
Kartnig T. Clinical applications of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. Herbs Spices Med Plants 3, 146-73, 1988

8.
Dhanasekaran M, Holcomb LA, Hitt AR, Tharakan B, Porter JW, Young KA, Manyam BV. Centella asiatica extract selectively decreases amyloid beta levels in hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease animal model. Phytother Res. 2009 Jan;23(1):14-9

9.
Singh RH, Narsimhamurthy K, Singh G Neuronutrient impact of Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy in brain aging. Biogerontology. 2008 Dec;9(6):369-74. Epub 2008 Oct 18

10.
Awad R, Levac D, Cybulska P, Merali Z, Trudeau VL, Arnason JT. Effects of traditionally used anxiolytic botanicals on enzymes of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2007 Sep;85(9):933-42.

11.
Rao SB, Chetana M, Uma Devi P. Centella asiatica treatment during postnatal period enhances learning and memory in mice. Physiol Behav. 2005 Nov 15;86(4):449-57. Epub 2005 Oct 6.

12.
Chen Y, Han T, Qin L, Rui Y, Zheng HEffect of total triterpenes from Centella asiatica on the depression behavior and concentration of amino acid in forced swimming mice. Zhong Yao Cai. 2003 Dec;26(12):870-3.