Other Names:
Umbelliferae (family) / Indian Pennywort / Pennywort / Jal Brahmi / Mandukaparni / Brahmi (India) / Fo Ti (China)
Botanical Description:
A perennial weed often found in moist places.
A creeping plant forming thin stems with characteristically round or kidney-shaped leaves on long slender stalks.
The flowers are small and inconspicuous, bourne in groups of three.
The species varies considerably in different parts of the world and is sometimes treated as several distinct species.
Part of Plant Used:
Whole Plant
Main Uses:
A nutritional supplement traditionally used as rejuvenating tonic, an aid for circulation, memory, relaxation, and an energy booster.
 
 
 
Contra-indications:
Allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
Don’t take if you have liver disease, are scheduled for surgery in the next two weeks, have a history of precancerous or cancerous skin, have high cholesterol before.
Warnings:
Rated relatively safe when taken in appropriate quantities for short periods of time.
When taken for any ailment if symptoms persist for more than one week consult your doctor or herbal practitioner.
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation may be hazardous.  Always consult with your doctor or herbal practitioner.
Interactions:
Since high doses of Gotu kola can cause sedation, individuals should refrain from taking this herb with medications that promote sleep or reduce anxiety. Some sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others. Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with Gotu kola.
Some medications that can harm the liver include acetaminophen (Tylenol and others), amiodarone (Cordarone), carbamazepine (Tegretol), isoniazid (INH), methotrexate (Rheumatrex), methyldopa (Aldomet), fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), erythromycin (Erythrocin, Ilosone, others), phenytoin (Dilantin), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), and many others.
There are no other known interactions; however, with the proliferation of available drugs it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care professional before taking this or any other supplements.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnant women should not take Gotu kola because it may cause spontaneous abortion. It is therefore always advisable to consult with your doctor or herbal practitioner before taking any medication or supplements.
There is little or no information regarding the safety of this herb during breastfeeding, so nursing mothers should refrain from taking this herb. It is therefore always advisable to consult with your nutritionist, herbal or medical practitioner.
Side Effects – Only With Mega Doses:
High doses of Gotu kola can cause sedation.
Side effects are rare (and only happen with mega doses) but may include skin allergy and burning sensations (with external use), headache, stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, and extreme drowsiness. These side effects tend to occur with high doses of gotu kola.
None expected if you are beyond childhood, basically healthy and do not exceed recommended dosage and use for short periods, but always consult with your doctor before taking this or any medical drugs, herbs or nutritional supplements, particularly if suffering from a serious health condition or on any medication or treatment.
Over Dosage:
Accidental overdose such as child ingesting a whole bottle. As a safety precaution obtain immediate medical assistance.
Information Resources:
http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Centella+asiatica
http://www.centellaasiatica.com/