Safety Profile
Overall safety rating: Generally Safe
Gotu Kola Side Effects & Safety
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Potential Side Effects
- Mild GI upset (nausea, stomach pain)
- Headache and dizziness (uncommon)
- Skin irritation with topical use (contact dermatitis)
- Hepatotoxicity reported in rare cases with prolonged high-dose use
- Drowsiness in some individuals
Drug & Supplement Interactions
- May have additive sedative effects with anxiolytic and sedative medications
- Potential hepatotoxicity risk — avoid combining with other hepatotoxic drugs
- May interact with diabetes medications (blood sugar-lowering effects)
- May enhance effects of diuretics
- Cycle use (2-6 weeks on, 2 weeks off) to reduce hepatotoxicity risk
Maximum Dose
Do not exceed: 1000mg extract daily (higher doses increase liver toxicity risk)
References
- Bradwejn J, Zhou Y, Koszycki D, Shlik J (2000). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) on acoustic startle response in healthy subjects. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. DOI PubMed
- Wattanathorn J, Mator L, Muchimapura S, et al. (2008). Positive modulation of cognition and mood in the healthy elderly volunteer following the administration of Centella asiatica. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. DOI PubMed
- Brinkhaus B, Lindner M, Schuppan D, Hahn EG (2000). Chemical, pharmacological and clinical profile of the East Asian medical plant Centella asiatica. Phytomedicine. DOI PubMed