Gotu kola, a local plant that we often hear about the properties of “curing bruises” from “Gotu kola juice”, which is becoming harder to find these days. But that doesn’t mean that the value of Gotu kola is overlooked because the medical community in the United States and Europe is increasingly interested in this herbal plant. And these days, if we look at herbal shops for health. We might see Gotu kola extracts become herbal medicine or dietary supplements that may interest many people to try. But try reading this first because Gotu kola is like other herbs that may have benefits. But it also has side effects that need to be watched out for.
Let me introduce you to “Gotu Kola”.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is a native plant of Asia. Many countries in Asia. Including Thailand, have used Gotu Kola since ancient times, including China, Indonesia, and India (Ayurveda). It is believed that Gotu Kola has many properties. Such as promoting brain function, healing the ทางเข้า ufabet https://ufabet999.app skin, and nourishing the liver and kidneys. These properties of Gotu Kola seem to be confirmed by many scientific studies. Although most of the studies were conducted on laboratory mice, more research is still needed.
However, it seems that Gotu Kola is a safe and interesting herb for treating certain medical conditions. However, there is a warning from the University of Maryland Medical Center in the United States that this herb should not be taken for more than six weeks without consulting a doctor. People with a history of liver disease or skin cancer should not take it.
The good benefits of Gotu Kola
Scientific research confirms the many health benefits of Gotu Kola, especially in these areas:
- Helps heal varicose veins
Gotu kola contains a chemical called TTFCA (triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica). Which is a chemical that is beneficial for varicose veins because it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, connective tissues that are necessary to strengthen the lining and walls of blood vessels. Stronger blood vessels are less likely to develop varicose veins. Collagen and elastin are also important components of healthy skin that are often lost as we age. However, the effectiveness of gotu kola in treating varicose veins has not been confirmed by scientific research. Gotu kola may also help with venous insufficiency by reducing swelling and improving blood flow. Venous insufficiency is a condition in which your blood does not circulate properly, which can be caused by varicose veins. It also plays a part in the unsightly appearance of these veins.
2.Helps in wound healing
Chemicals called triterpenoids in gotu kola appear to speed wound healing by increasing antioxidant activity in the affected area, strengthening the skin, and improving blood flow to the wound. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds examined the effects of gotu kola on wounds in mice and found that wounds treated with gotu kola healed faster than wounds that were not treated. Although human trials have not been conducted. This appears to support the herb’s potential as a wound healer.
- Reduce anxiety symptoms
A 2016 animal study found that gotu kola affected male mice that were sleep deprived for 72 hours. Sleep deprivation causes anxiety, oxidative damage, and neuroinflammation. When mice were given a centella asiatica extract for five days before sleep deprivation, they showed significantly less anxiety-inducing behaviors. In another 2000 study in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, patients who took a centella asiatica extract experienced a reduced startle response to novel sounds, compared to those who did not take it.
4.Nourish the brain
A small 2016 study compared the effects of taking gotu kola extract and folic acid on improving cognitive function after a stroke. Although the effects of gotu kola extract and folic acid were equally beneficial in improving cognitive function, gotu kola appeared to be more effective at improving memory function. This efficacy and neuroprotective effect make it a promising treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. In a 2012 study in mice, gotu kola extract was found to have a positive effect on behavioral abnormalities in mice with Alzheimer’s disease. Gotu kola extract has also been shown in lab studies and in mice to have a moderate effect on protecting brain cells from toxic substances, which may help protect brain cells from the plaques associated with Alzheimer’s.
- Treat arthritis
The anti-inflammatory properties of gotu kola may be useful in treating arthritis, as a 2014 study found that mice given gotu kola had reduced joint inflammation and less wear and tear on bone and cartilage.
- Heals stretch marks
A 2013 review of research suggests that Centella asiatica can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The titerpenoids in Centella asiatica are believed to increase the body’s production of collagen, which may help prevent stretch marks and even heal existing ones.
Gotu Kola Side Effects
Taking 300 mg of Gotu Kola extract for 21 days in humans has not shown any side effects. However, some people have found that using creams containing Gotu Kola extract may cause itchy skin. Drinking too much Gotu Kola in tea form may cause nausea, drowsiness, headache, or low blood pressure. Gotu Kola side effects are rare, but in cases where they do occur. They usually appear as allergic skin reactions, headache, stomachache, nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness.
Which usually occur when taken in very high doses. Gotu Kola is not recommended for children, and adults aged 65 and over should consume it in small amounts. Gotu Kola may be safe for pregnant women when applied to the skin. But it should not be eaten because the safety of eating Gotu Kola is not yet known.
There is also no information that it is safe for breastfeeding women. Therefore, it should be avoided. People with liver disease should not consume it because there is concern that Gotu Kola can damage the liver. Therefore, people with liver disease, such as hepatitis, should avoid Gotu Kola because it may make their symptoms worse. In addition, for those who have undergone surgery, Gotu Kola can cause drowsiness, especially when used with medications during and after surgery. Therefore, Gotu Kola should be stopped two weeks before surgery.
Drug interactions to watch out for
If you are taking certain medications, you should consult your doctor before taking Centella asiatica extract, as Centella asiatica may interact with certain medications, including:
- Medications that affect the liver : Since Gotu Kola contains substances that can harm the liver, taking it together with liver disease medications can cause liver damage.
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs (including statins) In animal studies, gotu kola raised cholesterol levels, so there is a possibility that it could do the same in humans, although human trials have not been conducted.
- Diabetes Drugs In animal studies, Gotu Kola appears to increase blood sugar levels, so people with diabetes should consult their doctor before taking Gotu Kola.
- Diuretics Gotu kola may act like a diuretic, which can cause the body to expel excess water. Taking gotu kola with diuretics can cause the body to expel too much water. Which can upset the body’s electrolyte balance.
- Sedatives: Since Gotu Kola can act like a sedative, it may make medications for anxiety or insomnia more effective.