Brain-Boosting Benefits of Gotu Kola

Better known as the "herb of longevity," Gotu Kola has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine [1]. 

Legend has it that one ancient Chinese herbalist lived for more than 200 years because of consuming this incredible herb.

So, does Gotu kola live up to the hype? 

And can this natural herb really help you to live a healthy, active, mentally sharp and long life?

Let’s discuss.

What is Gotu Kola Herb?

Gotu kola (Centella Asiatica) is a member of the parsley family. Its leaves and stems are edible, with no taste or smell, but it packs quite the nutritional punch. 

That’s because gotu kola also contains vitamins B and C, essential minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, and many important phytonutrients that may be responsible for its anti-aging and brain-boosting powers.

Traditionally, gotu kola was used to treat varicose veins, fever, and a variety of skin conditions because gotu kola may help reduce swelling, pain and inflammation. Modern science supports this as well as gotu kola’s possible anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, wound-healing, and anti-microbial activities [1].

Most importantly, gotu kola has been shown to be incredibly beneficial to brain health. 

Its neuroprotective and brain-boosting properties support the functioning of the brain and nervous system and can help slow the onset and progress of age-related brain disorders.

Gotu Kola Increases Serotonin and Protects Brain Cells

Research has linked chemical compounds in gotu kola to increase brain levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, noradrenaline, and dopamine [1]. 

These compounds exhibit a wide range of therapeutic properties. 

Serotonin is a very important neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood, emotions, appetite, and digestion. In addition to being a mood stabilizer, serotonin plays a key role in the progression of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. 

It was previously thought that Alzheimer’s resulted in low levels of serotonin in the brain. However, newer research suggests that it is exactly the opposite; low levels of serotonin (the mood regulator) may actually drive Alzheimer’s [3].

Because of its impact on brain serotonin levels, gotu kola may be used in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Gotu kola enhances nerve function by protecting brain cells from toxicity and preventing the formation of amyloid plaques, which damage brain nerve cells in people with Alzheimer’s [3].  Plus, gotu kola may have the ability to enhance memory and cognitive function.

Additionally, since gotu kola increases serotonin levels and serotonin helps regulate the sleep-wake cycles, better sleep may also be the result -- which may further assist in better cognition.

Gotu Kola Reduces Stress and  Anxiety

The unique compounds (called triterpenoids) found in gotu kola also have an anti-anxiety effect due to their impact on serotonin levels. 

Gotu kola also contains Asiatic acid that reduces stress and anxiety by regulating the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). 

Low GABA activity has been shown to cause severe stress and anxiety. GABA, the neurotransmitter, works to calm the brain and slow down the nervous system. By influencing how GABA is absorbed in the brain, gotu kola can relieve anxiety without the sedative effect of traditional anti-anxiety drugs like Ambien [1].

Experience the Wonderful Benefits of Gotu Kola

Gotu kola is a wonderful natural herb that can help relieve stress and calm your mind; protect your brain cells from toxicity; improve cognition and memory and stabilize your mood while promoting overall brain health and anti-aging.

Being a natural remedy, gotu kola doesn't carry the negative effects of most anti-anxiety drugs. As such, you can safely consume the herb and benefit from its brain-boosting effects. 

Only the highest quality supplements contain gotu kola. At Lean Factor, we use the best quality and most effective forms of gotu kola in our popular brain supplement, Limitless Mind.   

Limitless Mind is a natural brain-boosting nootropic supplement designed to help you think more clearly, improve your memory, increase your focus and concentration,  and eliminate  brain fog.  It's made from all-natural ingredients that  protect your brain health and provide lasting cognitive benefits.   For more information about Limitless Mind, go here.

References

1. Chandrika, Udumalagala Gamage, and Peramune AAS Prasad Kumara. "Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica): nutritional properties and plausible health benefits." Advances in food and nutrition research 76 (2015): 125-157.
2. Belwal, Tarun, et al. "Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)." Nonvitamin and non-mineral nutritional supplements. Academic Press, 2019. 265-275.
3. Sabaragamuwa, Rasangani, Conrad O. Perera, and Bruno Fedrizzi. "Centella Asiatica (Gotu kola) as a neuroprotectant and its potential role in healthy aging." Trends in Food Science & Technology 79 (2018): 88-97.
4. Bradwejn, Jacques, et al. "A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) on acoustic startle response in healthy subjects." Journal of clinical psychopharmacology 20.6 (2000): 680-68