How Gotu Kola Supports Brain Health

Centella asiatica — commonly known as Gotu Kola — is a botanical with centuries of use in Ayurvedic and traditional Asian medicine as a cognitive tonic. Modern research has begun evaluating its active compounds, particularly pentacyclic triterpenes (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid), for their potential role in supporting brain health, mood, and cognitive resilience.

Based on published research, Gotu Kola appears to support cognitive health through several mechanisms:

• Neuroprotection. Asiatic acid crosses the blood-brain barrier and demonstrates antioxidant and neuroprotective properties in preclinical research.
• Neuronal connectivity. In laboratory studies on human nerve cells, a purified extract of Centella asiatica promoted growth of branch-like projections that support learning and memory networks.
• Mood and alertness. Clinical data suggests improvements in self-reported alertness and reductions in anger following acute dosing.

Human Clinical Evidence

Working Memory in Healthy Elderly

In a double-blind randomized controlled trial of 28 healthy elderly participants, Centella asiatica treatment (750 mg/day) for 2 months enhanced working memory performance. Participants showed decreased reaction time while maintaining accuracy, along with increased N100 amplitude — an electrophysiological marker associated with early cognitive processing.

Wattanathorn J, Mator L, Muchimapura S, et al. Positive modulation of cognition and mood in the healthy elderly volunteer following the administration of Centella asiatica. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008;116(2):325-332.

Vascular Cognitive Impairment After Stroke

In a study of 48 patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment, both doses of Gotu Kola extract (750 mg and 1000 mg per day) effectively improved cognitive function as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-Ina) after 6 weeks. Gotu Kola was particularly effective in enhancing memory performance and was at least as effective as folic acid 3 mg overall.

Farhana KM, Malueka RG, Wibowo S, et al. Effectiveness of Gotu Kola Extract 750 mg and 1000 mg Compared with Folic Acid 3 mg in Improving Vascular Cognitive Impairment after Stroke. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016;2016:2795915.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Scientific Reports examined 11 randomized controlled trials testing Centella asiatica on cognitive function and mood. While the meta-analysis did not find statistically significant differences across all cognitive domains compared to placebo, Centella asiatica was associated with improved mood — specifically increased alertness and decreased anger scores at 1 hour after treatment. Importantly, no adverse effects were reported in any of the studies evaluating Centella asiatica alone.

Puttarak P, Dilokthornsakul P, Saokaew S, et al. Effects of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. on cognitive function and mood related outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2017;7:10646.

Ongoing Research: OHSU Phase I Trial

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is currently conducting a Phase I clinical trial investigating the safety and biological activity of Centella asiatica water extract in individuals aged 60-85 with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimer's disease. This 6-week study aims to evaluate whether Centella asiatica reduces oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial function — two mechanisms believed to play a role in cognitive decline.

ClinicalTrials.gov. Safety and Target Engagement of Centella asiatica in Cognitive Impairment. Oregon Health & Science University.

What the Evidence Suggests

The current body of human evidence on Gotu Kola is promising but still emerging. The strongest findings point to benefits in mood and alertness, with early evidence of memory improvements in specific populations including healthy elderly and post-stroke patients. The safety profile in clinical trials has been consistently favorable, with no adverse effects reported in studies of Centella asiatica alone.

Gotu Kola was included in the Conserve formula as part of a multi-ingredient approach to daily cognitive wellness — selected for its historical significance, favorable safety data, and emerging clinical research supporting its role in brain health.

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Research context: The studies summarized below are provided for educational purposes only. These findings reflect published research on individual ingredients in specific study populations. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Results from cited studies may not reflect the effects of Conserve specifically. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.