Gotu Kola - Botanical Medicines

Gotu Kola

Gotu kola is an herb found in many parts of Asia. Its active substances include asiaticoside and triterpenes which stimulate the reticuloendothial system where new blood cells are formed and old ones destroyed, where fatty materials are stored, iron is metabolized, and immune response and inflammations originate. Murray and Pizzorno report that the primary mode of action of gotu kola appears to be on the various phases of connective tissue development, which are important parts of the healing process. Gotu kola also increases keratinization, the process of creating new skin in infected areas such as sores and ulcers. Asiaticosides also stimulate the synthesis of lipids and proteins necessary for healthy skin, and strenghten the veins by repairing the connective tissues surrounding veins and decreasing capillary fragility. Gotu kola has also been found, according to Daniel Mowrey, to have important healing effects on tissues, including lymph tissues and mucous membranes.