Evidence Level
Moderate
Gotu kola has a diverse evidence base spanning anxiety, cognition, and wound healing. The most rigorous anxiety study is Bradwejn et al. (2000), which used acoustic startle response as an objective anxiety measure. For wound healing, the TECA extract has the most clinical support, with Brinkhaus et al. (2000) reviewing multiple positive trials. Wattanathorn et al. (2008) provided evidence for cognitive benefits in elderly subjects. A notable safety concern: rare cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported, leading to recommendations for cyclic use rather than continuous long-term supplementation.