© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Gotu kola
Indischer Wassernabel · (Centella asiatica)
Carrot family (Apiaceae)
Description
Gotu kola (also Indian pennywort, Asiatic pennywort or tiger grass) is a perennial, creeping herb of the moist tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. From its slender stolons, which root at the nodes, arise long-stalked, fan- to kidney-shaped leaves with palmate venation, forming a dense ground mat along ditches, rice paddies and stream banks. The small white to reddish flowers are borne in inconspicuous umbels. The medicinal part is the aerial parts, the whole herb (Centellae asiaticae herba). Characteristic constituents are pentacyclic triterpene saponins, chiefly asiaticoside and madecassoside, to which the wound-healing and collagen-promoting effects are attributed. The plant has been a valued remedy in Ayurvedic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries; standardised triterpene fractions (TTFCA, 'titrated extract of Centella asiatica') are used for venous complaints.
CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy
Do not use during pregnancy; safety is not established due to a lack of sufficient data.
- SalveAerial partsExternalTraditional use
Traditional external use to support wound healing and for minor skin inflammation. The EMA classifies the use of the herb for minor wounds as 'traditional use' - effectiveness rests on long-standing experience, not on confirmed clinical trials.
Preparation & dosage
Apply a salve or cream containing an extract of the dried herb (or standardised triterpene extract) thinly once or twice daily to the cleaned, minor superficial wound, graze or mild skin irritation. Do not use on deep, heavily bleeding or infected wounds. Consult a doctor if there is no improvement or if the condition worsens.
- TinctureAerial partsInternalClinical trial
Internal use of the standardised triterpene extract for chronic venous insufficiency. A systematic review (Chong & Aziz 2013) pools controlled trials in which TTFCA improved microcirculatory parameters and symptoms such as leg heaviness, swelling and pain. This indication is not part of the EMA monograph but rests on these clinical data.
Preparation & dosage
Standardised titrated triterpene extract (TTFCA) of the herb, typically about 60-120 mg per day in two single doses, taken orally. The extract is adjusted to asiaticoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. For the relief of symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency such as heaviness and tension, swelling and pain of the legs. Use for limited periods; have persistent or new venous complaints assessed by a doctor.
- Doses per day
- 2×
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years due to a lack of data.
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