Gotu Kola
Gotu kola, also known as Centella asiatica, in capsules, powders and tinctures. Here you will find standardised extracts and whole leaf options, plus our guidance on strengths, sensible daily use and honest expectations.Read more →
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Centella asiatica: the forms, the strengths and how we choose them
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a small creeping plant that grows in damp ground across India, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. The fan-shaped leaves are eaten as a vegetable there and have a long history in Ayurveda. In supplements, the leaf is the part that is used, either dried and milled or turned into a concentrated extract. You will find both types here, alongside the wider range of herbal supplements we carry.
Standardisation matters more than milligrams
The compounds usually measured in Centella asiatica are triterpenes, a group of plant substances that includes asiaticoside and madecassoside. A concentrated extract states how much of them it contains, for example standardised to 10% or 20% triterpenes. Whole leaf powder contains the same compounds, but far less per gram.
That is why 500 mg of leaf powder and 500 mg of extract are not the same product. If a label only prints a milligram number and no extract ratio or percentage, you cannot tell what you are actually taking. We list this information where the brand provides it.
A name that causes mix-ups
In India, gotu kola is sometimes called brahmi. The same name is also used for Bacopa monnieri, a completely different plant. If a label says only brahmi, check the Latin name before you buy. Centella is also widely used in cosmetics, so "centella cream" and a capsule taken with water are two separate things.
How we choose gotu kola
We look at three things: the form, the amount and whether the combination makes sense. We prefer extracts that name their triterpene percentage, because that is the only way to compare two jars honestly. We keep whole leaf powder as well, for people who want the plant as close to its natural state as possible, and we say plainly which is which. We buy directly from the brands, with no middlemen, so you get authentic goods. Every product passes our compliance team, we test in house and independent labs spot-check batches. You can read how we select brands and products.
What we can and cannot tell you
Under EU rules, no health claim has been approved for Centella asiatica. So we will not promise you a result. What we can do is describe the plant, the part used, the form, the strength and how people generally take it, and leave the decision with you. That is more useful than a vague benefit sentence.
Two practical points from experience with herbal extracts. First, give it time: with consistent daily use, most people judge a herb after two to three weeks, not after two days. Second, keep it simple at the start. One new supplement at a time tells you far more than four at once.
Who this collection suits
- People already familiar with Ayurvedic herbs who want a clearly standardised extract.
- Anyone who prefers plant powders and wants the leaf itself rather than a concentrate.
- Readers who came from skincare interest in Centella and want the oral form, often next to collagen products.
- Shoppers comparing calm-herb options, for whom supplements with ashwagandha may be the more researched starting point.
Most products here are vegan, since the capsule shells are usually plant based. Check the label if that is a firm requirement for you, because it varies per brand. Keep jars closed, dry and out of direct light: plant powders lose colour and aroma quickly in a warm kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
What is gotu kola?
Gotu kola is the common name for Centella asiatica, a low creeping plant with round, fan-shaped leaves. It grows in wet ground in India, Sri Lanka and parts of Southeast Asia, where the leaves are also eaten as a green vegetable. It has been used in Ayurveda for a very long time. In supplements, only the leaf is used, either as dried powder or as a concentrated extract, in capsules, loose powder or liquid drops.
Is gotu kola the same as brahmi or bacopa?
No, and this is a common mix-up. In parts of India the name brahmi is used for gotu kola, but it is also used for Bacopa monnieri, which is a different plant with different compounds. Because the common names overlap, we always check the Latin name on a label rather than the marketing name. If you specifically want Centella asiatica, look for that Latin name on the ingredient list.
Which form of gotu kola should I choose?
It depends on whether you want a measured concentrate or the plant itself. Standardised extracts let you compare products; powder gives you the whole leaf; liquid drops are useful if swallowing capsules is a problem.
| Form | What it is | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Standardised extract capsule | Concentrate with stated triterpene % | Comparing and repeating a fixed amount |
| Whole leaf powder | Dried, milled leaf | Plant purists, adding to drinks |
| Capsule with leaf powder | Powder in a shell, no concentration | Convenience, no taste |
| Tincture or drops | Liquid extract, often in alcohol | Flexible amounts, no capsules |
Our liquid tinctures sit in a separate collection if you prefer drops.
How do I read the amount on the label?
Look for three things. The plant part (leaf), the extract ratio (for example 10:1, meaning ten parts plant to one part extract) and the standardisation (for example 20% total triterpenes). Without those, a milligram figure tells you very little, because leaf powder and extract differ hugely in strength per gram. Brands that print all three make comparison possible, which is why we prefer them.
When is the best time to take it?
There is no fixed rule. Most people take gotu kola with a meal, simply because plant extracts sit more comfortably on a full stomach than an empty one. If you use it twice a day, splitting it between breakfast and your evening meal is the easiest routine to keep. Consistency matters more than timing: a herb you remember every day is more useful than a stronger one you take twice a week.
How long before I notice anything?
Give it two to three weeks of daily use before you judge it. Herbal extracts rarely do anything on day one, and expecting an immediate change is the main reason people stop too early. Note down when you started and what you take, so you are not guessing later. If nothing has changed after about six to eight weeks of consistent use, it is reasonable to conclude this herb is not doing much for you.
Can I combine gotu kola with other supplements?
Practically, yes: it is usually taken alongside a normal daily routine such as a multivitamin or an omega-3. We do not claim that any combination reinforces another, because no such claim is approved for Centella asiatica. Our advice is to introduce one new product at a time, so you can tell what does what. If you are building a routine around hair, skin and nails, keep the number of new items small.
Who should be careful with gotu kola?
Herbal supplements are not for everyone. Do not use gotu kola during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and do not give it to children, as there is no adequate safety information for these groups. If you take prescription medication, have a liver condition, or have surgery planned, speak to your GP or pharmacist first. Tinctures often contain alcohol, which matters if you avoid it. Stop using it and seek advice if you feel unwell.
Do people cycle gotu kola, and why?
Some users take it for a set period, for example eight to twelve weeks, then pause for a few weeks. There is no official rule requiring this, so treat it as a habit rather than a guideline. The practical argument for a break is useful: after a pause you can tell whether the herb was actually contributing anything to your routine. It also keeps your total intake of concentrated plant extracts modest over a year, which is sensible with any strong botanical.
