Medicinal effects
Gotu kola is a mild
adaptogen, is mildly
antibacterial,
anti-viral,
anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic,
anxiolytic, a
cerebral tonic, a circulatory stimulant, a
diuretic, nervine and vulnerary.
[5][6]
When eaten raw as a
salad leaf, pegaga is thought to help maintain youthfulness. In Thailand cups with gotu kola leaves are used as an afternoon pick me up.
[7] A decoction of juice from the leaves is thought to relieve hypertension. This juice is also used as a general tonic for good health. A
poultice of the leaves is also used to treat open sores.
Richard Lucas claimed in a book published in 1966
[8](second edition in 1979) that a subspecies "Hydrocotyle asiatica minor" allegedly from Sri Lanka also called "Fo ti tieng", contained a longevity factor called 'youth Vitamin X' said to be 'a tonic for the brain and endocrine glands' and maintained that extracts of the plant help circulation and skin problems.
[9] However according to medicinal herbalist
Michael Moore, it appears that there is no such subspecies and no Vitamin X is known to exist.
[10] Nonetheless some of the cerebral circulatory and dermatological actions claimed from centella (as hydrocotyle) have a solid basis.
Several scientific reports have documented
Centella asiatica's ability to aid wound healing, which is responsible for its traditional use in leprosy. Upon treatment with
Centella asiatica, maturation of the scar is stimulated by the production of type I collagen. The treatment also results in a marked decrease in inflammatory reaction and myofibroblast production
[11].
The isolated steroids from the plant have been used to treat
leprosy.
[12][13] In addition, preliminary evidence suggests that it may have
nootropic effects.
[14] Centella asiatica increase attention span and concentration is used to re-vitalize the brain and nervous system,
[15], and combat aging.
[14] Centella asiatica also has anti-oxidant properties.
[5] It works for venous insufficiency.
[16] It is used in Thailand for opium detoxification.
