| Recent studies demonstrated that Gotu kola destroyed cultured tumor cells in the laboratory setting (in vitro), promoted wound healing and more. This article summarize a few possible gotu kola benefits. |
Original Article (2008)
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is a slender, creeping plant that grows mainly in swampy areas of
India, Sri Lanka, Madagascara and South Africa. Because gotu kola's leaves are about the size of
an old British penny, people also called it Indian pennywort, marsh penny or water pennywort.
Gotu Kola was considered as a spiritual herb in Ayurveda and it was used to improve meditation
and to revitalize the nerves and brain cells. Some people believe that it can help develop the crown
charka, the energy center at the top of the head. In modern herbal medication, Gotu Kola is always
associated with brain elevation.
EARLY STUDIES As early as in 1950s, Ratsimamanga AR et al and Antonelli NS et al found tgotu
kola might have benefits on refractory wounds, such as leprosy, lupus and ulcers.[1-5]. While,
other scientists studied the composition of gotu kola and they found that gotu kola's key ingredient
is asiatic acid, which is a pentacyclic triterpene. [6-9]
GOTU KOLA BENEFITS, RESEARCH FINDS
Is gotu itself an anti-oxidant? If not, how can it protects us from free radicals? What are its health
benefits? Any evidence?
GOTU KOLA INCREASES THE ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES
Oral treatment with crude methanol extract of gotu kola for 14 days significantly increased the
anti-oxidant enzymes, like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase
(GSHPx), and anti-oxidants like glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid decreased in
lymphoma-bearing mice. [Jayashree G et alFitoterapia. 2003 Jul;74(5):431-4].
VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY, HYPERTENSION
Pointel JP recruited 94 patients suffering from venous insufficiency of the lower limbs participated in
a multicenter, double-blind versus placebo study. They found improvements in symptoms of
heaviness in the lower limbs and edema in the group treated with titrated extract of gotu kola
[Angiology. 1987 Jan;38(1 Pt 1):46-50].
Total triterpenic fraction of gotu kola may have benefits in improving venous wall alterations in
chronic venous hypertension and in protecting the venous endothelium. The total triterpenic
fraction of gotu kola is active on connective tissue modulation, improves the synthesis of collagen
and other tissue proteins by modulating the action of fibroblasts in the vein wall, and stimulates
collagen remodeling in and around the venous wall. Consequently, this fraction may have
significant benefits in venous hypertension and edema or protection against the deterioration of
microcirculation (due to diabetic microangiopathy). [Incandela L et al Angiology. 2001 Oct;52 Suppl 2:S9-13,
Angiology. 2001 Oct;52 Suppl 2:S61-7, Angiology. 2001 Oct;52 Suppl 2:S55-9, Angiology. 2001 Oct;52 Suppl 2:S49-54]
WOUND HEALING
Probably most of us know that gotu kola benefits wound healing. But, how?
Gotu kola may promoting wound healing and this action may be related to collagen and fibronectin.
This argument is based on human skin fibroblast culture studies. [Tenni R et al Ital J Biochem. 1988 Mar-Apr;37(2):69-77].
In 1999, a study showed that topical Asiaticoside application twice daily for 7 days to excision-type
cutaneous wounds in rats led to increased enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, namely
superoxide dismutase (35%), catalase (67%), glutathione peroxidase (49%), vitamin E (77%) and
ascorbic acid (36%) in newly formed tissues. Tjis. the enhanced induction of antioxidant levels at an
initial stage of healing which may have benefits on the healing properties of this substance. [Shukla et
al Phytother Res. 1999 Feb;13(1):50-4]
Asiaticoside was found to induce cell-cycle progression, proliferation and collagen synthesis in
human dermal fibroblasts. Scientists thought, this extracellular matrix sysnthesis might be related to
certain gene expression. [Lu L et alInt J Dermatol. 2004 Nov;43(11):801-7].
ANTI-HSV-II
Aqueous extract of gotu kola was found to be high effective on inhibition of HSV-II. [J Tradit Chin Med.
1989 Jun;9(2):113-6]
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECT AND GASTRIC ULCER
Guo JS et al, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, investigated the effects of gotu kola water
extract (CE) and its active constituent, asiaticoside (AC), on the expression and activity of inducible
nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) during gastric ulcer healing in rats. They found that the reduction of
the ulcer size was dose-dependent manner with a concomitant attenuation of iNOS activity and
protein expression at the ulcer tissues. Consequently, they suggested that gotu kola water extract
and gotu kola have anti-inflammatory property via inhibition of NO synthesis and thus guto kola
may have benefits on ulcer healing. [Guo JS et al,Planta Med. 2004 Dec;70(12):1150-4].
CANCER
Gotu Kola is believed to have many benefits on patients suffered from cancers. Here are some
studies showing how gotu may benefit cancer patients:
Gotu kola (asiaticoside) was found to be able to induce apoptosis of tumor cells and enchance the
anti-tumor activities of vincristine. The cancer cells studied were KB, KBv200, MCF-7, and
MCF-7/ADM. [Huang YH et al Ai Zheng. 2004 Dec;23(12):1599-604]
SKIN CANCER
A study demonstrated that asiatic acid (gotu kola) could induce apoptosis of SK-MEL-2 human
melanoma cells via generation of ROS, alteration of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and activation of caspase-3, but
p53-independent. Consequently, asiatic acid (gotu kola) may have potential health benefits on
human skin cancer. [Park BC et alCancer Lett. 2005 Jan 31;218(1):81-90].
GASTRIC ADENOCARCINOMA
A Japanese scientist prepared methanol extract from the aerial parts of gotu kola. This extract
contained ursolic acid lactone, ursolic acid, pomolic acid, 2alpha,3alpha-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic
acid, 3-epimaslinic acid, asiatic acid, corosolic acid, and rosmarinic acid. They found that all these
compounds from gotu kola had antiproliferative activities against human gastric adenocarcinoma
(MK-1), human uterine carcinoma (HeLa), and murine melanoma (B16F10) cells was estimated.
[Yoshida M et al Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Jan;28(1):173-5]
UTERINE CARCINOMA
Yoshida M et al, Fukuoka University, Japan prepared methanol extract from the aerial parts of gotu
kola. This gotu kola extract contained ursolic acid lactone, ursolic acid, pomolic acid,
2alpha,3alpha-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid, 3-epimaslinic acid, asiatic acid, corosolic acid, and
rosmarinic acid. They found that all these compounds had antiproliferative activities against human
gastric adenocarcinoma (MK-1), human uterine carcinoma (HeLa), and murine melanoma (B16F10)
cells was estimated. [Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Jan;28(1):173-5]
HEART / LiVER PROTECTION
Gnanapragasam A et al, University of Madras, India, found that pre-co-treatment with gotu kola
(200 mg/kg of body wt/oral) extract significantly prevented the alterations of the levels of serum
makers LDH, CPK, GOT and GPT for myocardial damage as well as several important antioxidant
enzymes such as SOD, CAT, GPx, GST during the treatment of adriamycin. [Life Sci. 2004 Dec
17;76(5):585-97]
Ming ZJ et al, Suzhou University, Jiangsu, found that total glucosides of gotu kola could improve the
liver functions (in terms of serum ALT, AST, HA) as well as liver fibrosis during the treatment with
dimethylnitrosamine in animal studies. [Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2004 Aug;24(8):731-4].
STOMACH (ULCER) PROTECTION
Gotu has been known to benefit stomach for a long time. Here are some proofs of its benefit claims:
Sairam K et al, Banaras Hindu University, India, demonstrated the protection of gotu kola juice
against the ethanol-, aspirin-, cold-restraint stress- and pyloric ligation induced gastric ulcers in
rats. Simultaneously, they also found increased mucin secretion. Thus, they believed that the ulcer
protective effect of gotu kola juice was related to the strengthening of the mucosal defensive
factors. [Indian J Exp Biol. 2001 Feb;39(2):137-42].
Cheng CL et al, The University of Hong Kong,, Hong Kong, induced gastric ulcers (kissing ulcers) in
rats with acetic acid (gotu kola). And, they found that gotu kola water extract and Asiaticoside
upregulated the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor in the ulcer tissues. Consequently, they
suggested to use gotu kola and gotu kola's active ingredient as anti-gastric ulcers drugs. [Life Sci.
2004 Mar 19;74(18):2237-49]
NEURON PROTECTION
How does guto benefit conditions like Alzheimer's Disease? Here are some answers:
Lee MK et al, Seoul National University, Korea, modified the chemical structure of asiatic acid (from
gotu kola) and obtained 36 derivatives and they found three derivatives significantly mitigated the
neurotoxicity induced by glutamate in their screening system. The neuroprotective activities of
these 3 derivatives appeared to be more powerful than that of asiatic acid itself. These 3
derivatives significantly attenuated decreases in the levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase
and other enzymes, which participate in the cellular defense mechanisms blunting oxidative stress.
Furthermore, they also significantly reduced the overproduction of NO induced by glutamate. [Res
Commun Mol Pathol Pharmacol. 2000 Jul-Aug;108(1-2):75-86]
Considering, oxidative stress or an impaired endogenous anti-oxidant mechanism is an important
factor for Alzheimer's disease and Intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (IS) in rats has been
likened to sporadic AD in humans, Veerendra Kumar MH et al, All India Institute of Medical
Sciences, India, studied the effect of an aqueous extract of gotu kola on IS- rats. They found that
rats treated with gotu kola showed a dose-dependent increase in cognitive behaviour. They
concluded that aqueous extract of C. asiatica is effective in preventing the cognitive deficits, as well
as the oxidative stress, caused by Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) streptozotocin in rats. [Clin Exp
Pharmacol Physiol. 2003 May-Jun;30(5-6):336-42]
RADIATION
Sharma et al, University of Rajasthan, India, found gotu kola dose increased the survival time of the
mice significantly, when the mice were irradiated with Co 60 gamma radiation externally. [Phytother Res.
2002 Dec;16(8):785-6]
Side Effects??
Some websites say asiaticoside is associated with tumor in an animal study. But an in vitro study
indicates asiaticoside is an anti-tumor agent and enhanced anti-tumor activity of vincristine in the
study. [A5] Overdose of gotu kola may cause side effects such as headache, stomach upset,
nausea, dizziness, and extreme drowsiness.
REFERENCES USED IN THE STUDIES IN THE EARLY STAGE
1. RATSIMAMANGA AR et al., Therapie. 1956;11(1):125-49. 2. RATSIMAMANGA AR et al., Lyon Med. 1957 Apr 28;89(17):389-95. 3. RATSIMAMANGA AR et al., Presse Med. 1958 Dec
6;66(86):1933 passim. 4. Fubcato M., Minerva Chir. 1960 Nov 30;15:1235-8. 5. Antonellic NS, Prensa Med Argent. 1961 Nov 24;48:3154-6. 6. RAHANDRAHA T et al, Ann Pharm Fr. 1963
Apr;21:313-20. 7. RAHANDRAHA T et al, Ann Pharm Fr. 1963 Jul-Aug;21:561-7. 8. Boiteau P et al, C R Acad Sci Hebd Seances Acad Sci D. 1967 Jan 9;264(2):407-10. 9. Park BC et al,
Cancer Lett. 2005 Jan 31;218(1):81-90
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is a slender, creeping plant that grows mainly in swampy areas of
India, Sri Lanka, Madagascara and South Africa. Because gotu kola's leaves are about the size of
an old British penny, people also called it Indian pennywort, marsh penny or water pennywort.
Gotu Kola was considered as a spiritual herb in Ayurveda and it was used to improve meditation
and to revitalize the nerves and brain cells. Some people believe that it can help develop the crown
charka, the energy center at the top of the head. In modern herbal medication, Gotu Kola is always
associated with brain elevation.
EARLY STUDIES As early as in 1950s, Ratsimamanga AR et al and Antonelli NS et al found tgotu
kola might have benefits on refractory wounds, such as leprosy, lupus and ulcers.[1-5]. While,
other scientists studied the composition of gotu kola and they found that gotu kola's key ingredient
is asiatic acid, which is a pentacyclic triterpene. [6-9]
GOTU KOLA BENEFITS, RESEARCH FINDS
Is gotu itself an anti-oxidant? If not, how can it protects us from free radicals? What are its health
benefits? Any evidence?
GOTU KOLA INCREASES THE ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES
Oral treatment with crude methanol extract of gotu kola for 14 days significantly increased the
anti-oxidant enzymes, like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase
(GSHPx), and anti-oxidants like glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid decreased in
lymphoma-bearing mice. [Jayashree G et alFitoterapia. 2003 Jul;74(5):431-4].
VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY, HYPERTENSION
Pointel JP recruited 94 patients suffering from venous insufficiency of the lower limbs participated in
a multicenter, double-blind versus placebo study. They found improvements in symptoms of
heaviness in the lower limbs and edema in the group treated with titrated extract of gotu kola
[Angiology. 1987 Jan;38(1 Pt 1):46-50].
Total triterpenic fraction of gotu kola may have benefits in improving venous wall alterations in
chronic venous hypertension and in protecting the venous endothelium. The total triterpenic
fraction of gotu kola is active on connective tissue modulation, improves the synthesis of collagen
and other tissue proteins by modulating the action of fibroblasts in the vein wall, and stimulates
collagen remodeling in and around the venous wall. Consequently, this fraction may have
significant benefits in venous hypertension and edema or protection against the deterioration of
microcirculation (due to diabetic microangiopathy). [Incandela L et al Angiology. 2001 Oct;52 Suppl 2:S9-13,
Angiology. 2001 Oct;52 Suppl 2:S61-7, Angiology. 2001 Oct;52 Suppl 2:S55-9, Angiology. 2001 Oct;52 Suppl 2:S49-54]
WOUND HEALING
Probably most of us know that gotu kola benefits wound healing. But, how?
Gotu kola may promoting wound healing and this action may be related to collagen and fibronectin.
This argument is based on human skin fibroblast culture studies. [Tenni R et al Ital J Biochem. 1988 Mar-Apr;37(2):69-77].
In 1999, a study showed that topical Asiaticoside application twice daily for 7 days to excision-type
cutaneous wounds in rats led to increased enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, namely
superoxide dismutase (35%), catalase (67%), glutathione peroxidase (49%), vitamin E (77%) and
ascorbic acid (36%) in newly formed tissues. Tjis. the enhanced induction of antioxidant levels at an
initial stage of healing which may have benefits on the healing properties of this substance. [Shukla et
al Phytother Res. 1999 Feb;13(1):50-4]
Asiaticoside was found to induce cell-cycle progression, proliferation and collagen synthesis in
human dermal fibroblasts. Scientists thought, this extracellular matrix sysnthesis might be related to
certain gene expression. [Lu L et alInt J Dermatol. 2004 Nov;43(11):801-7].
ANTI-HSV-II
Aqueous extract of gotu kola was found to be high effective on inhibition of HSV-II. [J Tradit Chin Med.
1989 Jun;9(2):113-6]
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECT AND GASTRIC ULCER
Guo JS et al, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, investigated the effects of gotu kola water
extract (CE) and its active constituent, asiaticoside (AC), on the expression and activity of inducible
nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) during gastric ulcer healing in rats. They found that the reduction of
the ulcer size was dose-dependent manner with a concomitant attenuation of iNOS activity and
protein expression at the ulcer tissues. Consequently, they suggested that gotu kola water extract
and gotu kola have anti-inflammatory property via inhibition of NO synthesis and thus guto kola
may have benefits on ulcer healing. [Guo JS et al,Planta Med. 2004 Dec;70(12):1150-4].
CANCER
Gotu Kola is believed to have many benefits on patients suffered from cancers. Here are some
studies showing how gotu may benefit cancer patients:
Gotu kola (asiaticoside) was found to be able to induce apoptosis of tumor cells and enchance the
anti-tumor activities of vincristine. The cancer cells studied were KB, KBv200, MCF-7, and
MCF-7/ADM. [Huang YH et al Ai Zheng. 2004 Dec;23(12):1599-604]
SKIN CANCER
A study demonstrated that asiatic acid (gotu kola) could induce apoptosis of SK-MEL-2 human
melanoma cells via generation of ROS, alteration of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and activation of caspase-3, but
p53-independent. Consequently, asiatic acid (gotu kola) may have potential health benefits on
human skin cancer. [Park BC et alCancer Lett. 2005 Jan 31;218(1):81-90].
GASTRIC ADENOCARCINOMA
A Japanese scientist prepared methanol extract from the aerial parts of gotu kola. This extract
contained ursolic acid lactone, ursolic acid, pomolic acid, 2alpha,3alpha-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic
acid, 3-epimaslinic acid, asiatic acid, corosolic acid, and rosmarinic acid. They found that all these
compounds from gotu kola had antiproliferative activities against human gastric adenocarcinoma
(MK-1), human uterine carcinoma (HeLa), and murine melanoma (B16F10) cells was estimated.
[Yoshida M et al Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Jan;28(1):173-5]
UTERINE CARCINOMA
Yoshida M et al, Fukuoka University, Japan prepared methanol extract from the aerial parts of gotu
kola. This gotu kola extract contained ursolic acid lactone, ursolic acid, pomolic acid,
2alpha,3alpha-dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid, 3-epimaslinic acid, asiatic acid, corosolic acid, and
rosmarinic acid. They found that all these compounds had antiproliferative activities against human
gastric adenocarcinoma (MK-1), human uterine carcinoma (HeLa), and murine melanoma (B16F10)
cells was estimated. [Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Jan;28(1):173-5]
HEART / LiVER PROTECTION
Gnanapragasam A et al, University of Madras, India, found that pre-co-treatment with gotu kola
(200 mg/kg of body wt/oral) extract significantly prevented the alterations of the levels of serum
makers LDH, CPK, GOT and GPT for myocardial damage as well as several important antioxidant
enzymes such as SOD, CAT, GPx, GST during the treatment of adriamycin. [Life Sci. 2004 Dec
17;76(5):585-97]
Ming ZJ et al, Suzhou University, Jiangsu, found that total glucosides of gotu kola could improve the
liver functions (in terms of serum ALT, AST, HA) as well as liver fibrosis during the treatment with
dimethylnitrosamine in animal studies. [Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2004 Aug;24(8):731-4].
STOMACH (ULCER) PROTECTION
Gotu has been known to benefit stomach for a long time. Here are some proofs of its benefit claims:
Sairam K et al, Banaras Hindu University, India, demonstrated the protection of gotu kola juice
against the ethanol-, aspirin-, cold-restraint stress- and pyloric ligation induced gastric ulcers in
rats. Simultaneously, they also found increased mucin secretion. Thus, they believed that the ulcer
protective effect of gotu kola juice was related to the strengthening of the mucosal defensive
factors. [Indian J Exp Biol. 2001 Feb;39(2):137-42].
Cheng CL et al, The University of Hong Kong,, Hong Kong, induced gastric ulcers (kissing ulcers) in
rats with acetic acid (gotu kola). And, they found that gotu kola water extract and Asiaticoside
upregulated the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor in the ulcer tissues. Consequently, they
suggested to use gotu kola and gotu kola's active ingredient as anti-gastric ulcers drugs. [Life Sci.
2004 Mar 19;74(18):2237-49]
NEURON PROTECTION
How does guto benefit conditions like Alzheimer's Disease? Here are some answers:
Lee MK et al, Seoul National University, Korea, modified the chemical structure of asiatic acid (from
gotu kola) and obtained 36 derivatives and they found three derivatives significantly mitigated the
neurotoxicity induced by glutamate in their screening system. The neuroprotective activities of
these 3 derivatives appeared to be more powerful than that of asiatic acid itself. These 3
derivatives significantly attenuated decreases in the levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase
and other enzymes, which participate in the cellular defense mechanisms blunting oxidative stress.
Furthermore, they also significantly reduced the overproduction of NO induced by glutamate. [Res
Commun Mol Pathol Pharmacol. 2000 Jul-Aug;108(1-2):75-86]
Considering, oxidative stress or an impaired endogenous anti-oxidant mechanism is an important
factor for Alzheimer's disease and Intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (IS) in rats has been
likened to sporadic AD in humans, Veerendra Kumar MH et al, All India Institute of Medical
Sciences, India, studied the effect of an aqueous extract of gotu kola on IS- rats. They found that
rats treated with gotu kola showed a dose-dependent increase in cognitive behaviour. They
concluded that aqueous extract of C. asiatica is effective in preventing the cognitive deficits, as well
as the oxidative stress, caused by Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) streptozotocin in rats. [Clin Exp
Pharmacol Physiol. 2003 May-Jun;30(5-6):336-42]
RADIATION
Sharma et al, University of Rajasthan, India, found gotu kola dose increased the survival time of the
mice significantly, when the mice were irradiated with Co 60 gamma radiation externally. [Phytother Res.
2002 Dec;16(8):785-6]
Side Effects??
Some websites say asiaticoside is associated with tumor in an animal study. But an in vitro study
indicates asiaticoside is an anti-tumor agent and enhanced anti-tumor activity of vincristine in the
study. [A5] Overdose of gotu kola may cause side effects such as headache, stomach upset,
nausea, dizziness, and extreme drowsiness.
REFERENCES USED IN THE STUDIES IN THE EARLY STAGE
1. RATSIMAMANGA AR et al., Therapie. 1956;11(1):125-49. 2. RATSIMAMANGA AR et al., Lyon Med. 1957 Apr 28;89(17):389-95. 3. RATSIMAMANGA AR et al., Presse Med. 1958 Dec
6;66(86):1933 passim. 4. Fubcato M., Minerva Chir. 1960 Nov 30;15:1235-8. 5. Antonellic NS, Prensa Med Argent. 1961 Nov 24;48:3154-6. 6. RAHANDRAHA T et al, Ann Pharm Fr. 1963
Apr;21:313-20. 7. RAHANDRAHA T et al, Ann Pharm Fr. 1963 Jul-Aug;21:561-7. 8. Boiteau P et al, C R Acad Sci Hebd Seances Acad Sci D. 1967 Jan 9;264(2):407-10. 9. Park BC et al,
Cancer Lett. 2005 Jan 31;218(1):81-90
Gotu Kola Benfits and Side Effects Centella asiatica
updated September 2009
updated September 2009
News
Chinese scientists found a
new triterpene in Centella
asiatica. But, this chemical
does not show any activities
against Hela and A549 cell
lines at concentrations of 10
and 30 microg/mL.
Reference Yu QL et al, A novel
triterpene from Centella asiatica,
Molecules 2006 Sep 4;11(9):66-5
Chinese scientists found a
new triterpene in Centella
asiatica. But, this chemical
does not show any activities
against Hela and A549 cell
lines at concentrations of 10
and 30 microg/mL.
Reference Yu QL et al, A novel
triterpene from Centella asiatica,
Molecules 2006 Sep 4;11(9):66-5
 |  |  |  |
THIS WEBSITE TALKS ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS AND THE POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF HERBS, SUPPLEMENTS, PHYTONUTRIENTS AND DRUG
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ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008. DO NOT COPY NOR
TRANSFER ARTICLES TO OTHER WEBSITES NOR OTHER FORMS OF PUBLICATIONS. Privacy Policy. ARTICLE INDEX/ Science
PRODUCTS. THIS WEBSITE ALSO TALKS ABOUT SOME POPULAR HEALTH ISSUES AND DISEASES. ARTICLES IN THIS WEB SITE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE
ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2008. DO NOT COPY NOR
TRANSFER ARTICLES TO OTHER WEBSITES NOR OTHER FORMS OF PUBLICATIONS. Privacy Policy. ARTICLE INDEX/ Science
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| September 2009 Potential Health Benefits Potential Benefits on Brain Researchers from Michigan State University showed that the neuroprotective properties of asiatic acid (a key ingredient from Gotu Kola) might be mediated in part through decreased blood-brain barrier permeability and reduction in mitochondrial injury in a mouse model of permanent cerebral ischemia. Asiatic acid significantly reduced the infarct volume by 60% at day 1 and by 26% at day 7 postischemia and improved neurological outcome at 24 hr postischemia. [A1] Centella asiatica extract altered amyloid beta pathology in the brains of PSAPP mice and modulating components of the oxidative stress response that has been implicated in the neurodegenerative changes that occur with Alzheimer's disease. [A4] Potential Benefits of Antioxidant activity.Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) rendered radioprotection to DNA and membranes against radiation exposure, both in vitro and in vivo. We have earlier reported that administration of the extract can prevent a radiation-induced decline in antioxidant enzyme levels. [A2] Potential Benefits on Joints Researchers from Centre for Specialised Nutrition demonstrated that Centella asiatica fraction was able to inhibit the zymosan-induced cartilage degradation in vivo without affecting the zymosan-induced inflammatory cell infiltration and joint swelling. [A3] |
A1 Krishnamurthy RG, Senut MC, Zemke D, Min J, Frenkel MB, Greenberg EJ, Yu SW, Ahn N, Goudreau J, Kassab M, Panickar KS, Majid A. Asiatic acid, a
pentacyclic triterpene from Centella asiatica, is neuroprotective in a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia. J Neurosci Res. 2009 Aug 15;87(11):2541-50. A2.
Joy J, Nair CK. Protection of DNA and membranes from gamma-radiation induced damages by Centella asiatica. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2009 Jul;61(7):941-7.
A3 Hartog A, Smit HF, van der Kraan PM, Hoijer MA, Garssen J. In vitro and in vivo modulation of cartilage degradation by a standardized Centella asiatica
fraction.Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2009 Jun;234(6):617-23. Epub 2009 Mar 23. [A4] Dhanasekaran M, Holcomb LA, Hitt AR, Tharakan B, Porter JW, Young KA,
Manyam BV. Centella asiatica extract selectively decreases amyloid beta levels in hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease animal model. Phytother Res. 2009
Jan;23(1):14-9. [A5] Huang YH, Zhang SH, Zhen RX, Xu XD, Zhen YS. Asiaticoside inducing apoptosis of tumor cells and enhancing anti-tumor activity of
vincristine. Ai Zheng. 2004 Dec;23(12):1599-604.Click here to read
pentacyclic triterpene from Centella asiatica, is neuroprotective in a mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia. J Neurosci Res. 2009 Aug 15;87(11):2541-50. A2.
Joy J, Nair CK. Protection of DNA and membranes from gamma-radiation induced damages by Centella asiatica. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2009 Jul;61(7):941-7.
A3 Hartog A, Smit HF, van der Kraan PM, Hoijer MA, Garssen J. In vitro and in vivo modulation of cartilage degradation by a standardized Centella asiatica
fraction.Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2009 Jun;234(6):617-23. Epub 2009 Mar 23. [A4] Dhanasekaran M, Holcomb LA, Hitt AR, Tharakan B, Porter JW, Young KA,
Manyam BV. Centella asiatica extract selectively decreases amyloid beta levels in hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease animal model. Phytother Res. 2009
Jan;23(1):14-9. [A5] Huang YH, Zhang SH, Zhen RX, Xu XD, Zhen YS. Asiaticoside inducing apoptosis of tumor cells and enhancing anti-tumor activity of
vincristine. Ai Zheng. 2004 Dec;23(12):1599-604.Click here to read