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GNC Laboratories
Gotu Kola
Product Highlights
Gotu Kola for
Memory and Circulation
Gotu kola (CentelIa
asiatica) is an ancient herb used in traditional Indian medicine (ayurvedic
medicine) for wound healing and leprosy. It is a small herbaceous plant
found growing mostly in the damp areas of India, China, Indonesia,
Australia, the South Pacific, Madagascar, and Africa. In the
past, a few authors have reportedly confused Gotu kola with Cola
(or "Kola")
nut, and incorrectly attributed it's activity to caffeine, which Gotu kola
does not contain.
Benefits
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Memory
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Circulatory Support
varicose veins, venous insufficiency
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Wound Healing scars,
burns, ulcers
Memory
One of the more popular
modern uses for Gotu kola is in support of memory function. Some research
into this use has found Gotu kola to exhibit a mild antianxiety; antistress
and tranquilizing action (due to cholinergic mechanisms) which may improve
mental function. It is used specifically for brains that are stressed by
deadlines and intense intellectual activity.
In addition to the above
action, Gotu kola may help improve circulation to the brain, and protect the
brain against oxidative damage due to aging. In this manner, Gotu kola is
thought to have actions similar to those of Ginkgo Biloba.
Circulatory Support
Use of Gotu kola may be
beneficial in conditions involving varicose veins and venous insufficiency
(a hardening of the veins and loss of circulation to the extremities).
Research has found Gotu kola to be effective through its effect on
connective tissue (as explained below), which is an important structural
component of veins. Gotu kola has also shown the ability to lessen hardening
of the artery (atherosclerosis) and to increase blood flow to the vein. In
clinical studies,
a decrease in many of the symptoms and physical findings
accompanying venous insufficiency and varicose veins,
such as feelings of
heaviness in the lower legs, tingling sensations, night cramps, spider
veins, and edema where also observed.
Wound Healing
This is the area of use
for which there exists the most scientific research for Gotu kola. However,
as of yet, Gotu kola is rarely used in the United States to promote wound
healing. Gotu kola promotes healthy development and maintenance of blood
vessels and connective tissue, and has been studied for this activity in
conditions involving wound healing, including scarring, ulcers, and burns.
Of major importance to
the healing function of Gotu kola is its ability to improve the connective
tissue matrix which is essential in the structure of skin and organ
membranes. A further summary of the other internal actions of Gotu kola
includes the ability to enhance skin and nail growth, improve circulation to
the connective tissue, to increase other substances important in wound
healing, such as chondroitin sulfate, and improve the strength of the
dermis.
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