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Gotu Kola Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Moderate
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Generally Safe

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)

Full Gotu Kola Guide

References

  1. RCTBradwejn 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
  2. RCTWattanathorn 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
  3. ReviewBrinkhaus B, Lindner M, Schuppan D, Hahn EG (2000). Chemical, pharmacological and clinical profile of the East Asian medical plant Centella asiatica. Phytomedicine. DOI PubMed
  4. RCTWightman E, Khan J, Smith E, Rolfe V, et al. (2023). Chronic supplementation of a multi-ingredient herbal supplement increases speed of cognitive task performance alongside changes in the urinary metabolism of dopamine and the gut microbiome in cognitively intact older adults experiencing subjective memory decline: a randomized, placebo controlled, parallel groups investigation.. Frontiers in nutrition. DOI PubMed
  5. RCTPhoemsapthawee J, Ammawat W, Prasertsri P, Sathalalai P, et al. (2022). Does Gotu kola supplementation improve cognitive function, inflammation, and oxidative stress more than multicomponent exercise alone? - a randomized controlled study.. Journal of exercise rehabilitation. DOI PubMed
  6. RCTCarlson JJ, Farquhar JW, DiNucci E, Ausserer L, et al. (2007). Safety and efficacy of a ginkgo biloba-containing dietary supplement on cognitive function, quality of life, and platelet function in healthy, cognitively intact older adults.. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. DOI PubMed
  7. RCTKaziulin AN, Petukhov AB, Kucheriavyĭ IuA (2006). [Efficiency of includes of bioactive substances in diet of patient with hepatic encephalopathy].. Voprosy pitaniia. PubMed