Key takeaways

  • Gotu kola is a traditional medicinal herb used in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Indonesian practice. Some studies suggest it may help support memory, cognitive function, and nerve health, though most research is limited to small or animal studies.
  • Early research indicates gotu kola may help with anxiety, circulation issues, wound healing, and reducing the appearance of stretch marks. However, more robust human studies are needed to confirm these potential benefits.
  • Gotu kola is generally well tolerated but can cause headache, upset stomach, and dizziness. It should only be taken for 2 to 6 weeks at a time, and you should talk with a healthcare professional before use, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, have liver disease, or take certain medications.

Pegged as the “herb of longevity,” gotu kola is a staple in traditional Chinese, Indonesian, and Ayurvedic medicine. Practitioners claim the medicinal plant has the power to boost brainpower, heal skin issues, and promote liver and kidney health — and some studies seem to agree.

Keep reading to learn how gotu kola may help improve your overall health and well-being.

A small 2016 study compared the effects of gotu kola extract and folic acid in boosting cognitive function after a stroke. This small study assessed the impact on three groups of participants — one taking 1,000 milligrams (mg) of gotu kola per day, one taking 750 mg of gotu kola per day, and one taking 3 mg of folic acid per day.

Although gotu kola and folic acid were equally beneficial in improving overall cognition, gotu kola was more effective in improving the memory domain.

A separate study looked at the cognitive-enhancing effects of gotu kola water extract on mice. Although both young and old mice showed improvements in learning and memory using the Morris Water Maze, the effect was higher in the older mice.

Gotu kola has the ability to enhance memory and nerve function, which gives it potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, one 2012 study on mice found that gotu kola extract had a positive effect on behavioral abnormalities in mice with Alzheimer’s disease.

A more recent 2022 study in rats also concluded that gotu kola increased neuronal density and improved cognitive impairment. However, more research is necessary to study and understand the mechanism.

The extract was also shown, in lab and animal studies, to have a modest effect on protecting brain cells from toxicity. This could also protect the cells from forming the plaque associated with Alzheimer’s.

Still, further research is needed to determine exactly how gotu kola could be used to treat Alzheimer’s. If you’re interested in adding this to your treatment plan, talk with your doctor before use.

Researchers in an animal study from 2016 found that gotu kola had an antianxiety effect on male mice that were sleep deprived for 72 hours. Sleep deprivation can cause anxiety, oxidative damage, and neuroinflammation.

Mice that were given gotu kola for five consecutive days before undergoing sleep deprivation experienced significantly less anxiety-like behavior. They also experienced improved locomotor activity and less oxidative damage.

A 2013 review of antianxiety herbal medications also concluded that gotu kola has an acute antianxiety effect. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

A 2021 study also found that consumption of a smoothie with gotu kola improved alertness and contentedness after one hour. A lower dose smoothie also significantly increased clear-headedness.

Gotu kola’s positive effect on brain function may also make it an effective antidepressant.

A review from 2016 supports these findings, in part due to a small study on 33 people with generalized anxiety disorder. The participants were asked to take gotu kola in place of their antidepressant medication for 60 days. They self-reported decreased stress, anxiety, and depression.

However, this is a very small study, and it’s important not to overstate the results. You should not stop taking or try to reduce your antidepressants without consulting a doctor. Let them know if you’re considering taking any new supplements, as they could interact with your medications.

Given its perceived ability to treat anxiety, stress, and depression, gotu kola may also be used to treat the insomnia that sometimes accompanies these conditions. Some consider this herbal remedy to be a safe alternative to prescription medications used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Although older research does suggest that gotu kola can help treat sleep disorders, additional studies are needed to confirm these findings.

According to a 2013 review, gotu kola can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It’s thought that the terpenoids found in gotu kola increase collagen production in the body. This may help prevent new stretch marks from forming, as well as help heal any existing marks.

A 2026 study concluded that applying a gotu kola lotion effectively reduced skin pigmentation and stretch marks. It also increased skin moisture and refined skin texture.

How to do a skin patch test: It’s important to do a patch test before using any topical medication. To do this, rub a dime-sized amount onto the inside of your forearm. If you don’t experience any irritation or inflammation within 24 hours, it should be safe to use elsewhere.

Researchers in a 2015 study on rats found that a wound dressing containing gotu kola had healing effects on multiple types of wounds. This includes clean cuts by sharp objects, irregular tears caused by blunt-force trauma, and infected tissue.

Although promising, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

How to do a skin patch test: It’s important to do a patch test before using any topical medication. To do this, rub a dime-sized amount onto the inside of your forearm. If you don’t experience any irritation or inflammation within 24 hours, it should be safe to use elsewhere.

Newer research is taking a look at gotu kola’s effect on liver and kidney toxicity.

According to one 2017 animal study, gotu kola can be used to suppress the toxic side effects of the antibiotic isoniazid. Isoniazid is used to treat and prevent tuberculosis.

Rats were given 100 mg of gotu kola for 30 days before they were given the antibiotic. These rats experienced less toxicity overall. Rats that experienced toxicity in the liver and kidneys resumed near-normal levels after being given gotu kola.

More research is needed to expand upon these findings.

Gotu kola is generally well tolerated. In some cases, it can cause headache, upset stomach, and dizziness. Starting with a low dose and gradually working up to a full dose can help reduce your risk of side effects.

You should only take gotu kola for two to six weeks at a time. Be sure to take a two-week break before resuming use.

When applied topically, gotu kola has the potential to cause skin irritation. You should always do a patch test before moving forward with a full application. Herbs aren’t monitored by the FDA and gotu kola has been found to have dangerous levels of heavy metals due to being grown in contaminated soil. Choose to buy products from reliable sources.

Don’t use gotu kola if you:

  • are pregnant
  • are breastfeeding
  • have hepatitis or other liver diseases
  • have a scheduled surgery within the next two weeks
  • are under 18 years of age
  • have a history of skin cancer

Talk with your doctor before use if you:

  • have liver disease
  • have diabetes
  • have high cholesterol
  • are taking medications such as sedatives for sleep or anxiety
  • are taking diuretics

Although gotu kola is generally considered safe to use, you should still check in with your doctor before use. This herbal remedy isn’t meant to replace any doctor-approved treatment plan, and, in some cases, it may lead to adverse side effects.

With your doctor’s approval, work an oral or topical dose into your daily routine. You may be able to avoid mild side effects by starting with a small amount and gradually increasing the dosage over time.

If you begin experiencing any unusual or prolonged side effects, discontinue use and see your doctor.