Centella asiatica
Gotu Kola
Apiaceae
At a Glance
- Common name
- Gotu Kola
- Scientific name
- Centella asiatica
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Region
- India
- Plant part
- Leaves, Aerial parts
- Caffeine
- Caffeine Free
- Evidence
- Limited
- Safety review
- Safety information on file
Safety & Cautions
Safety information on fileBotanical Description
A low creeping perennial herb with slender stolons, long-stalked rounded kidney-shaped green leaf blades with scalloped margins, and tiny umbels of small white or pale-pink flowers near the soil.
Also known as: Indian Pennywort, Brahmi-booti, Mandookaparni
Historical Background
Gotu kola has been revered in Ayurveda and Sri Lankan folk medicine for thousands of years as a rasayana for longevity, memory, and skin healing. Legend held that elephants — long-lived animals — grazed on it, giving rise to its reputation as a life-extending herb.
Earliest recorded uses: Ayurveda and classical Sri Lankan (Sinhalese) medicine; one of the rasayana rejuvenatives.
Traditional preparations:
- Leaf infusion
- Fresh leaf paste (topical)
- Rasayana decoction
Traditional Uses
These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.
Ayurveda
Rejuvenative (rasayana) for memory, longevity, and meditation.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Cooling herb for skin, heat, and circulation.
Modern Herbalism
Adaptogen for stress and cognitive support.
Flavor & Aroma
Aroma: Green, earthy, slightly bitter, grassy
Tea Preparation
Modern Evidence
Gotu kola has a long Ayurvedic tradition for cognition, wound healing, and skin. Small trials suggest modest benefits for venous circulation, wound healing, and anxiety, but evidence is limited and it is not a treatment for cognitive decline or any disease.
Evidence levels describe the state of research for the traditional use discussed here, not a recommendation. Historical use does not imply effectiveness.
Related Herbs
Entry last updated August 4, 2026