GOTU KOLA (Centella asiatica) GOTU KOLA (Centella asiatica)Common Uses
Arthritis, cognitive disorder, epilepsy, heart conditions, infections, kidney disease, wound healing
The primary chemicals in gotu kola are triterpenoid compounds; flavonoids including quercetin are also contained in this herb. The triterpenes have remarkable wound-healing properties.
Gotu kola has been recommended in people for many clinical applications, including anal fissures, burns, lupus, mycosis fungoides, periodontal disease, surgical wounds, skin ulcers, and various infections including leprosy (mycobacterial infections) and tuberculosis. Similar applications may occur in pets.
Gotu kola is a mild diuretic and may be useful in pets with heart disease and other conditions where fluid accumulates abnormally. Used externally, the herb’s antioxidants speed the healing of skin.
It has been recommended to promote hair and nail growth.
Gotu kola can be used in older pets (especially those with cognitive disorder) to increase mental clarity. It has also been suggested for pets with epilepsy.
Gotu kola can reduce inflammation and can be used for arthritic pets.
In people, the usual dosage of gotu kola is 20 to 40 mg 3 times daily of an extract standardized to contain 40% asiaticoside, 29 to 30% asiatic acid, 29 to 30% madecassic acid, and 1 to 2% madecassoside. Gotu kola takes at least 4 weeks to work.
Orally, gotu kola appears to be nontoxic. It seldom causes any side effects other than the occasional allergic skin rash. However, there are some concerns that gotu kola may be carcinogenic if applied topically to the skin. Although gotu kola has not been proven safe for pregnant or nursing women, studies in rabbits suggest that it does not harm fetal development, and pregnant women were enrolled in one research trial.
Safety in young children and those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established. Similar precautions are probably warranted in pets.
Do not use in pregnant animals or those receiving hypoglycemic therapy. It may sensitize animals to ultraviolet light (in excessive quantities) and may cause excessive sedation.