Gotu Kola

Originating from Asia, Gotu Kola is an herbaceous perennial that has a long history of promoting brain function in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Topically, it’s known to heal wounds, reduce scarring, and support connective tissue.

How does it work?

Science supports what tradition has long suggested. One of Gotu Kola’s key compounds–asiaticoside, a triterpene saponin–is the powerful catalyst for collagen and fibroblast generation. When we heal from any injury, sometimes we end up with scars or scar tissue, which is disorganized short fibers that don’t transmit force well. The pre-injury strength with such scar tissue usually isn’t fully regained.

Gotu Kola signals to the body to generate more Collagen I and III (scaffolding for new tissue), and remodels the thick fibers in the correct orientation. This reduces the scar tissue and improves the chance of recovering full strength. Progressive loading also helps with this (key word progressive. Don’t load too quickly too soon!).

Tendons face a balance between stiffness and elasticity. If not warmed up properly, or if too stiff, its prone to tears and injury. But too loose, and it won’t hold its shape. Skin is the same way. Gotu kola helps regulate collagen formation in a way that supports both resilience and flexibility.

When combined with Comfrey and Solomon’s seal, you get accelerated cell proliferation and better tensile strength of healed tissue. 

Some Interesting Studies

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3116297/ - A Pharmacological Review on Centenella asiatica

https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/6/3266 - Study showing enhanced wound healing from stimulating collagen and fibroblast production. 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312479812 - Asiaticoside had significantly stronger effects on skin fibroblast proliferation and collagen III production than retinoic acid.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9966672/-

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7222782 - Asiaticoside induces human collagen synthesis