In nature, function determines the form. Consequently, the form of the brain is determined by its functions. It should not be a surprise then that one of the most precious herbal medicines in Ayurvedic Medicine and Chinese Medicine, Gotu Kola (Sanskrit: Brahmi, Latin: Centella asiatica), has leaves that looks very much like the human brain. After all, it has been revered for thousands of years for its ability to enhance cognitive function. This plant is a true panacea of ​​healing; a true adaptogen (a term used to describe plants that have a balancing and harmonizing effect on the mind, body and spirit). For this reason, it has been highly appreciated both in India and in China, with references to plants appearing in Ayurvedic medical texts and classical texts.

1. Improving brain function and longevity

In all Asia, Gotu Kola was known as the longevity plant. Daoist Master and Plant Seed Grower, Li Ching-Yuen was, during his time, a famous promoter and user of the plant. Ancient Chinese medical texts say he died at the age of 256 and attributed his longevity mostly to the daily use of Gotu Kola. While the accuracy of these records can be debated, Gotu Kola is a well-studied plant, and the vast majority of its therapeutic properties, including the ability to extend lifetime, have been documented and validated by science and the scientific community. [1] Its life extension properties are most likely due to a synergistic combination of its powerful effects on the mind, body and spirit – in every sense, on the whole person. The benefits of the plant range from,  to significantly improve memory,  restore brain cells and nerve function ,improves blood quality and circulation, restores digestion and accelerate wound healing. [1-13]

2. Increasing intelligence and cognitive function

Of particular interest in our modern world, with rapid intellectual rhythm, it is the ability of Gotu Kola to enhance almost every aspect of mental functioning [1-13]. Usually, plants or substances that can produce such effects are very stimulating; however, Gotu Kola is a modulator, which makes it ideal for anyone looking for cognitive stimulus without the undesirable and unbalanced side effects of the stimulant substances. In a study, children who took half a gram of Gotu Kola extract powder each day for one year showed a significant improvement in their intellectual level. After six months, there was a substantial improvement in intelligence, cognitive function and concentration. [9]

3. Rebuilds the nervous system and reduces anxiety and stress

In Ayurvedic Medicine, Gotu Kola effects classifies as a Rasayana or rejuvenate plant because of its ability to restore the balance and health in many parts of the mind and body. For example, it is an extremely healing plant for the nervous system and has been shown to repair and restore axons [2], which are used to transmit nerve impulses to the brain and body. As such, it has been used as an anti-anxiety, anti-stress and anti-insomnia medication throughout its long history of use. [6.12]

Gotu Kola’s ability is to improve blood quality and circulation [1] is probably one of the main components of its rejuvenating effects, as our blood comes in contact and feeds almost every area of ​​our mind and body, supplying oxygen and other phytonutrients.

4. Psycho-spiritual effects: Illumination plant

Gotu Kola has been for a long time the favorite plant of taoists, monks and yogis due to its unique effects on the brain. Many Ayurvedic texts refer to the spiritual properties of the plant, which poetically refer to it as the “Illumination Plant”. Meditators in particular have sought the plant to harmonize the right and left brain hemisphere, which produces an increased awareness, commonly seen by people, that demonstrates what the famous American psychiatrist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi has popularized as a “state of flux” – a state in which you become heavily focused and absorbed by the work you do, in which all the learning circuits (assimilation) in the brain are significantly improved.

Ingredients / capsule:

It does not contain: milk and dairy products, eggs, gluten, soy, wheat, corn, ferments, nuts, sweeteners, flavors, or artificial dyes.

Net weight e = 78.36 g.

Recommended dose (adults only): 2 capsules 3 times a day.

Cautions

• Do not exceed recommended dose for daily consumption!
• For prolonged use, consult a health-care practitioner.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use this product.
• If symptoms persist or worsen, or if new symptoms develop, discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner.
• If you are taking prescription medications, consult a health care practitioner prior to use.
• Dietary supplements do not replace a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Recommendations for administration

As like any new plant product you are administrating for the first time, it is recommended to start with a lower dose and migrate to higher doses as you become familiar with its effects on the mind and body. Gotu Kola supplements are safe to be administered for long term, but many Ayurvedic practitioners recommend taking a 2-3-day break after a 3-4 week continuous administration.

1. Kashmira J. Gohil, et al. “Pharmacological Review on Centella asiatica: A Potential Herbal Cure-all.” Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences2010 Sep-Oct; 72(5): 546–556.
2. Soumyanath A, Zhong YP, Gold SA, Yu X, Koop DR, Bourdette D, Gold BG. Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) accelerates nerve regeneration upon oral administration and contains multiple fractions increasing neurite elongation in-vitro. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2005 Sept;57(9):1221-9.
3. Ganachari MS, Babu V, Katare S. Neuropharmacology of an extract derived from Centella asiatica. Pharm Biol. 2004;42:246–52.
4. Tiwari S, Singh S, Patwardhan K, Gehlot S, Gambhir IS. Effect of Centella asiatica on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and other common age-related clinical problems. Digest J Nanomat Biostruct. 2008;3:215–20.
5. Kumar A, Dogra S, Prakash A. Neuroprotective effects of Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) against intracerebroventricular colchicine induced cognitive impairment and oxidative stress. Int J Alzheimers Dis. 2009;2009:1–8.
6. Jana U, Sur TK, Maity LN, Debnath PK, Bhattacharyya D. A clinical study on the management of generalized anxiety disorder with Centella asiatica. Nepal Med Coll J. 2010 Mar;12(1):8-11.
7. Bradwejn J, Zhou Y, Koszycki D, Shlik J. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) on acoustic startle response in healthy subjects. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2000;20(6):680-684.
8. Rao MK, Rao MS, Rao GS. Treatment with Centalla asiatica (Linn) fresh leaf extract enhances learning ability and memory retention power in rats. Neurosciences(Riyadh). 2007;12(3):236-41.
9. V.R. Appa Rao, et. al, The Effect of Mandookaparni (Centella Asiatica) on the General Mental Ability (Medhya) of Mentally Retarded Children, Journal of Indian Medicine(August 25, 1973), p.9-12.
10. V.R. Appa Rao, et.al, The Study of Mandookaparni (Gotu Kola) and Punarnava for their Pasayan effect on Normal Healthy Adults, Nagarjun, (July, 1969) p.41
11. Wanakhachornkrai, et al. Neuritogenic effect of standardized extract of Centella asiatica ECa233 on human neuroblastoma cells.BMC Complement Altern Med. (2013)
12. Wattanathorn J., et al. “Positive modulation of cognition and mood in the healthy elderly volunteer following the administration of Centella asiatica.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology.2008 Mar 5;116(2):325-32.
13. Sun GY, et al. Phospholipase A2 in the central nervous system: implications for neurodegenerative diseases. J Lipid Res. (2004)