Gotu Kola

Gotu kola grows in tropical, swampy areas, including parts of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, South Africa, and Eastern Europe. The leaves and roots are the parts used medicinally.

This plant has played an important role in the traditional medicinal systems of Central Asia for centuries. In Sri Lanka, it was traditionally believed to promote longevity because elephants, known for their long lifespans, commonly feed on its leaves. Gotu kola has also been used historically for a variety of skin conditions, ranging from poorly healing wounds to leprosy. For centuries, it has been valued for boosting mental clarity and supporting overall wellness, while in Ayurvedic medicine, it is also traditionally used to support cardiovascular health.

The primary active constituents of gotu kola are saponins (also called triterpenoids), which include asiaticoside, madecassoside, and madasiatic acid. These compounds are associated with healthy wound healing and may also reduce excessive scar formation by inhibiting collagen production at the wound site.