Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is a herb found in Madagascar and East Africa. An extract of Centella asiatica has been used for wound healing and venous insufficiency. Various studies have shown active components in Centella asiatica to be effective in scar management by aiding in the production of collagen Type I (Bonte et al. 1994; Maquart et al. 1999; Widgerow et al. 2001). Centella asiatica, under the name Madecassol, has been used on focal and systemic scleroderma with positive results.
It is a perennial herb creeping along the ground and rooting at leaf nodes. Its leaves are heart shaped to circular or kidney shaped with straight or regularly shallow lobed margins. They may be slightly hairy and vary from 2-3cm in length. Flowers occur in small heads of three to four with small leaf-like bracts under the flower head. Petals are pink or white and overlap. The fruit is compressed sideways and measures 3mm or so in diameter. This herb rebuilds the energy reserves, and is useful after a nervous breakdown and to help prevent nervous breakdown. Gotu Kola is sometimes called "food for the brain". It helps to combat stress, improve reflexes, and increase mental and physical power. Gotu Kola is used for high blood pressure, senility, aging, and to help the body protect itself against toxins.
The constituents of Gotu Kola are Triterpenoid glycosides (including asiaticoside), Vallerin, Tannins, Alkaloid, Volatile oil and Pectin. Besides, it is also usually apply for fever, bowel complaints, noted remedy for leprosy, rheumatism ichthyoids, poultice for syphilitic ulcers, uterine cancer, wounds, arthritis, stuttering, hemorrhoids, ‘fountain of youth herb’, cellulite, skin disease, respiratory tract infection, cirrhosis, venous insufficiency and tremors and twitching muscles.
The primary active constituents of gotu kola are saponins (also called triterpenoids), which include asiaticoside, madecassoside and madasiatic acid.
These saponins may prevent excessive scar formation by inhibiting the production of collagen at the wound site. These constituents are also associated with promoting wound healing. One preliminary trial in humans found that a gotu kola extract improved healing of infected wounds (unless the infection had reached bone). Additionally, a review of French studies suggests that topical gotu kola can improve healing of burns and wounds. Adding this herb, it helps to promote a health vagina by improving the healing of infectious area.