Dietary Supplement Database

1. Bradwejn J, Zhou Y, Koszycki D, Jakov S. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of gotu kola on acoustic startle responses in healthy subjects. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2000:20;680-684.
2. Chung IW, Kim YS, Ahn JS, et al. Pharmacological profile of natural products used to treat psychotic illnesses. Psychopharmacol Bull. 1995;31:139-145.
3. Cott J. Medicinal plants and dietary supplements: sources for innovative treatments or adjuncts? Psychopharmacol Bull. 1995;31:131-137.
4. Skidmore-Roth L. Mosby's handbook of herbs and natural supplements. St. Louis: Elsevier Science Imprints. 2001.


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	Scientific Names \| Reported Uses \| Scientific Evidence \| Adverse Effects \| References Scientific Names: centella asiatica Common Names: centella, hydrocotyle, indian pennywort, indian water navelwort, talepetrako, teca, water pennywort Gotu kola is a creeping plant found in the swamps of Africa, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. There is a dearth of scientific study into this herb. Scientific Names \| Reported Uses \| Scientific Evidence \| Adverse Effects \| References Reported Uses: Used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to alleviate symptoms of depression Anxiolytic Fertility enhancement Scientific Names \| Reported Uses \| Scientific Evidence \| Adverse Effects \| References Scientific Evidence: A study designed to evaluate the effects of gotu kola on the acoustic startle response (ASR) in humans was carried out in 2000. The experimental group was orally administered a 12 gram dose of gotu kola, and when compared to the placebo group, demonstrated a significantly attenuated peak ASR amplitude both 30 and 60 minutes after the single oral dose.¹ No significant change was observed on self-rated mood, heart rate, or blood pressure Binding studies have shown gotu kola to bind to both CCK and GABA receptors.^2,3 Scientific Names \| Reported Uses \| Scientific Evidence \| Adverse Effects \| References Adverse Effects, Contraindications, Drug Interactions: Mosby's Nursing guide states that gotu kola may lead to hyperglycemia and increased serum cholesterol, and as such, should not be taken in conjunction with anti-diabetics or anti-lipidemic medication.⁴ Sedation. Should not be used by those with a known hypersensitivity to herbs in the celery family.⁴ Scientific Names \| Reported Uses \| Scientific Evidence \| Adverse Effects \| References pub med search References: 1. Bradwejn J, Zhou Y, Koszycki D, Jakov S. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of gotu kola on acoustic startle responses in healthy subjects. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2000:20;680-684. 2. Chung IW, Kim YS, Ahn JS, et al. Pharmacological profile of natural products used to treat psychotic illnesses. Psychopharmacol Bull. 1995;31:139-145. 3. Cott J. Medicinal plants and dietary supplements: sources for innovative treatments or adjuncts? Psychopharmacol Bull. 1995;31:131-137. 4. Skidmore-Roth L. Mosby's handbook of herbs and natural supplements. St. Louis: Elsevier Science Imprints. 2001. Please direct all comments and questions to the webmaster. Copyright 2004, University of California, San Diego. All rights reserved