prostwell wrote:
> > HTH.....Heather
> >
> > PS...I tried it for memory and it didn't work.....if I recall correctly
> > (G).
>
> Heather,
>
> Actually, I guess *I* might need this for memory <g>
>
> In my post, I meant to reference Gotu Kola (not Gingko), which is the
> herb that has been shown to reduce scarring.
> (yes, I *did* ask my doctor about Gotu Kola, not Gingko :-) )
>
> Sorry for the confusion caused by my post.
>
> "Gotu Kola is an herbal product that promotes wound healing by
> stimulating the manufacture of structural proteins like collagen. Gotu
> Kola has demonstrated impressive clinical results in promoting wound
> repair. The types of wounds healed include surgical wounds..."
> - Dr. Michael Murray, "How to Prevent and Treat Cancer with Natural
> Medicine"
>
> I plan to take this *after* surgery, and take no supplements for a
> week *before* surgery, in case they might interfere with the
> anesthesia.
The topical is claimed to reduce scarring.
J
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/gotu-kola-000253.htm
Gotu kola
Overview:
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands
of years in India, China, and Indonesia. It was used to heal wounds, improve
mental clarity, and treat skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis. Some
people use it to treat respiratory infections such as colds, and it has a
history of use for that purpose in China. It has been called "the fountain of
life" because legend has it that an ancient Chinese herbalist lived for more
than 200 years as a result of using the herb.
Historically, gotu kola has also been used to treat syphilis, hepatitis,
stomach ulcers, mental fatigue, epilepsy, diarrhea, fever, and asthma. Today,
American and European herbalists use gotu kola most often to treat chronic
venous insufficiency (a condition where blood pools in the legs). It's also
used in ointments to treat psoriasis and help heal minor wounds.
Gotu kola should not be confused with kola nut (Cola nitida). Unlike kola
nut, gotu kola has no caffeine, and is not a stimulant.
Plant Description:
Gotu kola is a perennial plant native to India, Japan, China, Indonesia,
South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the South Pacific. A member of the parsley
family, it is tasteless and odorless. It thrives in and around water. It has
small fan-shaped green leaves with white or light purple-to-pink flowers, and
it bears small oval fruit. The leaves and stems of the gotu kola plant are
used for medicinal purposes.
Medicinal Uses and Indications:
Treatment
Venous insufficiency and varicose veins
When blood vessels lose their elasticity, blood pools in the legs and fluid
leaks out of the blood vessels. That causes the legs to swell (venous
insufficiency). Several small studies suggest gotu kola may help reduce
swelling and improve circulation. In a study of 94 people with venous
insufficiency, those who took gotu kola had a significant improvement in
symptoms compared to those who took placebo. In another study of people with
varicose veins, ultrasound tests showed improvements in the vascular tone
(meaning there was less leakage) of those who took gotu kola.
Wound healing and skin lesions
Gotu kola contains chemicals called triterpenoids. In animal and lab studies,
these compounds appear to help heal wounds. For example, some studies
indicate that triterpenoids strengthen the skin, boost antioxidants in
wounds, and increase blood supply to the area. Based on these findings, gotu
kola has been used topically (applied to the skin) for minor burns,
psoriasis, prevention of scar formation following surgery, and prevention or
reduction of stretch marks.
You can find gotu kola in many topical preparations for wound healing. Ask
your health care provider.
Anxiety
Triterpenoids (the compounds found in gotu kola) seem to decrease anxiety and
increase mental function in mice. One human study found that people who took
gotu kola were less likely to be startled by a new noise than those who took
placebo. Since the "startle noise" response can be an indicator of anxiety,
researchers theorize that gotu kola might help reduce anxiety symptoms. But
the dose used in this study was very high, so it's impossible to say how gotu
kola might be used to treat anxiety.
Scleroderma
A single study of 13 women with scleroderma found that gotu kola decreased
joint pain and skin hardening, and improved finger movement.
Insomnia
Gotu kola acts as a sedative when given to animals in tests. Because of that
effect, it is sometimes suggested to help people with insomnia. But no human
studies have been done to see whether it works and whether it's safe.
Dosage and Administration:
Gotu kola is available in teas and as dried herbs, tinctures, capsules,
tablets, and ointments. Products should be stored in a cool, dry place and
used before the expiration date on the label.
Pediatric
Gotu kola is not recommended for those under 18 years old.
Adult
The adult dosage of gotu kola varies depending on the condition being
treated. Your health care provider can help you choose the right dose for
you.
The standard dose of gotu kola (Centella asiatica) varies depending on the
preparation. Most studies have used standardized extracts:
* Dried herb -- you can make a tea of the dried leaf, three times daily.
* Powdered herb (available in capsules) -- 1,000 - 4,000 mg, three times
a day
* Tincture (1:2 w/v, 30 % alcohol) 30 - 60 drops (equivalent to 1.5 - 3
mL -- there are 5 mL in a teaspoon), three times daily.
* Standardized extract -- 50 - 250 mg, two to three times daily.
Standardized extracts should contain 40 % asiaticoside, 29 - 30 % asiatic
acid, 29 - 30 % madecassic acid, and 1 - 2 % madecassoside. Doses used in
studies mentioned in the Treatment section range from 20 mg (for scleroderma)
up to 180 mg (in one study for venous insufficiency, although most of the
studies for this condition were conducted using 90 - 120 mg daily).
Precautions:
Gotu kola has been used in some studies that lasted up to one year. However,
in some people gotu kola may affect the liver. It's best not to use gotu kola
for more than 6 weeks without talking to your doctor. You may need to take a
2-week break before taking the herb again.
Asiaticoside, a major component of gotu kola, has also been associated with
tumor growth in mice. Anyone with a history of precancerous or cancerous skin
lesions -- such as squamous cell, basal cell skin cancer, or melanoma --
should not use gotu kola.
People with liver disease, or who take medications that affect the liver,
should not take gotu kola.
Side Effects
Side effects are rare 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.
Women
Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should not use gotu kola,
because animal studies have shown a reduction in fertility after taking gotu
kola. Researchers don't know whether gotu kola is safe to take when you are
breast-feeding, so nursing mothers should avoid it.
Pediatric Use
Gotu kola is not recommended for children.
Geriatric Use
People older than 65 should take gotu kola at a lower than standard dose.
Your health care provider can help you determine the right dose for you,
which can be increased slowly over time.
Interactions and Depletions:
Gotu kola may interact with the following medications:
Cholesterol-lowering drugs (including statins) -- In animal studies, gotu
kola increased cholesterol levels. It may also raise cholesterol levels in
humans, although no studies have been done.
Diabetes medications -- In animal studies, gotu kola seems to increase blood
sugar levels. People with diabetes should not take gotu kola without first
talking to their doctor.
Diuretics (water pills) -- Gotu kola appears to have diuretic effects,
meaning it helps rid the body of excess fluid. Taking diuretic medications
and gotu kola could cause your body to lose too much fluid, upsetting the
balance of electrolytes you need. The same is true of taking gotu kola with
herbs that have diuretic effects, such as green tea, astragalus, or gingko.
Sedatives -- Because of gotu kola's sedative effects, it might increase the
effect of other medications taken to relieve anxiety or insomnia. It might
also increase the effects of herbs taken for anxiety or insomnia, such as
valerian.
Alternative Names:
Brahmi; Centella; Centella asiatica; Hydrocotyle; Indian pennywort; Luei gong
gen; Marsh pennywort
* Reviewed last on: 12/16/2008
* Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, private practice specializing in complementary
and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare
Network.
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