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Bulk Gotu Kola Leaf (dried, cut and sifted, 3 ounces)

Botanical Name: Centella asiatica

Family: Umbelliferae

Folk History and Use

Gotu Kola is one of the most widely used herbs in ayruvedic (Indian) medicine, where it is used as a nerve tonic and all ailments of the mind and nerves, including epilepsy, schizophrenia and memory loss.

The Chinese value gotu kola more as a plant that increases longevity and brain capacity than for any other purpose. An Indian proverb had been translated and reads: "A leaf or two a day will keep old age away."

Interest in gotu kola began when modern scientists, investigating its use in longevity and brain capacity, discovered that gotu kola is a great value in fever and inflammatory conditions. It has been used for centuries to treat scrofulous skin diseases like leprosy, syphilitic skin diseases and ulcers. The Indians also value it for the treatment of dysentery, ulcers, cholera, fever, headaches and stomach aches.

Medical Properties

Definite Action

Antibacterial (saponins)

Antifungal (saponins)

Vulnerary (saponins)

Antiulcer (flavonoids)

Anti-inflammatory (flavonoids)

Probable Action

Diuretic (volatile oil)

Antispasmodic (flavonoids)

The most active constituents of gotu kola re the triterpene saponins asiaticoside, Brahmoside and Brahminoside. Asiaticoside, in particular, exhibits the wide range of antibiotic activity of the herb. It has been found to be in bactericidal, fungicidal, ameobacidal, insecticidal and syphilitic skin diseases.

As with all saponins, the mode of action is to weaken membrane tissues. By partially dissolving cell walls, various microbes become easier to kill. Therefore, it is used in scrofulous diseases like leprosy, where the saponins can, in this case, break down the waxy covering of the leprosy bacillis so the become susceptible to the body's immune system.

Asiaticoside is a cell proliferant and speeds wound healing by stimulating mitosis (cell division). It is thus useful in treating gastric and duodenal ulcers. Because it stimulates mitosis, asiaticoside had been classed as a carcinogen by some researchers.

The volatile oils produce a diuretic and blood purifying effect by producing a purge stimulus in the kidneys. The volatile oils also contain cholesteremic steroids like Beta-sitosterol that helps lower serum cholesterol levels.

Flavonoids present in the herb also produce antispasmodic effects on smooth muscles.

Typical Daily Usage

Fresh leaf: 1/4 cup

Dried Leaf: 6 gm

Extract: 6 gm dried leaf, 30 ml alcohol, 30 ml water

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*Note: The descriptions of the products that we sell suggest traditional uses and are not intended to take the place of your Medical Doctor's advice and perscriptions. Many uses of these products are not accepted by the FDA, and not all uses have been scientifically validated. This is intended for educational purposes, and not as a means to diagnose, prescribe or treat disease.

* Note: images might vary slightly from actual product, see product title and description. Some items are available in multiple sizes (see below), the photos might only depict one of the available sizes.

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