Nootropics

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

Evidence: moderate_human

Mechanism of Action

Pentacyclic triterpenes — asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid — provide neuroprotection through multiple mechanisms: inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity and enhancement of cholinergic transmission; reduction of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity to attenuate neuroinflammation; protection against beta-amyloid aggregation and tau hyperphosphorylation; and upregulation of BDNF to promote neuronal growth and synaptic plasticity. Asiaticoside enhances collagen synthesis and wound healing, while asiatic acid activates the MAPK/ERK pathway to promote neurite outgrowth.

Dosing Protocol

Standard: 500-1000 mg/day of standardized extract (35-45% triterpenes) or 750-1500 mg/day of whole herb extract

Maintenance: 500 mg/day of triterpene-standardized extract

Administration: oral

Timing: Morning or split morning/afternoon. With or without food. Acute mood effects (alertness, reduced anger) noted within 1 hour of dosing.

Duration: Ongoing; traditional use suggests no cycling required. Clinical trials run 2-6 months.

Notes

Often confused with Bacopa monnieri — both are called 'Brahmi' in different regional Ayurvedic traditions, but they are completely different plants with different mechanisms. The Puttarak 2017 meta-analysis found no significant cognitive effects vs. placebo across domains, but did find improvements in alertness and mood acutely. The Wattanathorn 2008 RCT showed improved working memory at 750mg/day in elderly. Best evidence is for anxiolysis and mood improvement rather than pure cognitive enhancement. The rare hepatotoxicity cases are concerning and should be monitored — periodic liver function tests recommended for prolonged high-dose use. Also widely used for wound healing and skin health.

Stacking

  • Bacopa Monnieri
  • Lion's Mane
  • Ashwagandha
  • Alpha-GPC

Interactions

  • Hepatotoxic drugs [MEDIUM] — Rare case reports of hepatotoxicity with centella; additive hepatic burden with other hepatotoxic agents
  • Sedatives/CNS depressants [LOW] — May potentiate sedative effects
  • Antidiabetic medications [LOW] — May affect blood glucose; monitor
  • Cholesterol-lowering agents [LOW] — Triterpenes may affect lipid metabolism

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy (traditionally contraindicated; may have emmenagogue effects)
  • Hepatic disease (rare hepatotoxicity reported)
  • Scheduled surgery (may affect wound healing dynamics)

Side Effects

  • GI discomfort
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Skin irritation (topical use)
  • Hepatotoxicity (rare, with prolonged high-dose use)

Key Papers

  • 10.1038/s41598-017-09823-9
  • 10.1016/j.tifs.2017.10.002
  • 10.3390/antiox8120630

Source Quality

Standardized extracts containing 35-45% triterpenes are preferred. Acid-resistant capsule formulations may improve bioavailability of triterpenes through gastric passage. ECa 233 is a standardized extract (>80% triterpenoid glycosides, primarily madecassoside and asiaticoside) with some clinical validation. Nootropics Depot offers a triterpene-standardized extract. Whole herb extracts are less predictable in active compound content.

Buy Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

If you want to source it today, here’s a fast Amazon search link (we may earn a small commission at no extra cost).

Search on Amazon →
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. BioAccelera Labs does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before using any compound.

Should Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) Be in Your Stack?

Take the free assessment and get personalized recommendations based on your biology and goals.

Get Your Free Protocolor take the assessment →
← Browse All 231 Compounds