Treatment of Hair Loss with Gotu Kola

Gotu kola (Hydrocotyle asiatica) also known as Brahmi, Chi-hsueh Ts’ao, Man t’ien hsing, Indian Pennywort, Brahma-manduki, Marsh Penny, Water Pennywort, is a slender herb found growing as a perennial in the tropics. Much of the swampy areas in tropical countries such as India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, South America, the southern United States and tropical regions of Australia have thriving populations of this creeping perennial herb. The plant is difficult to cultivate although it is hardy in the wild and grows as a weed in many places. In Sri Lanka, the crushed leaves of Gotu kola are commonly eaten, either in the form of a hot beverage or as a green salad.

Gotu kola and hair loss

Gotu kola is used in the form of an oil extract to promote hair growth. In addition, Gotu kola is believed to promote healthy skin and collagen production. It has been used to aid the healing of minor wounds and skin irritations, help support blood vessel integrity and promote circulation. In one study in alopecic rats, administration of Gotu kola was shown to thicken the epidermis and restore thick hair growth. In another study involving rats, Gotu kola was demonstrated to significantly speed up wound healing by increasing the rate of collagen synthesis. This suggests that the herb may be capable of reducing, and possibly healing the inflammation that occurs around hair follicles in male pattern baldness. At this time there have been no clinical studies.

Side effects of Gotu kola

Problems or side effects in taking Gotu kola have rarely been reported, with the rare exception of people who are allergic to the herb. The occasional case of nausea has occurred when doses of the herb have been excessively high. Pregnant women are advised to avoid the use of Gotu kola. The herb may cause miscarriage if it is taken or applied during pregnancy. Very little information is available on how gotu kola might affect an infant or a small child. Therefore, its use is not recommended while breast-feeding or during early childhood. Gotu kola may raise cholesterol and blood sugar levels so individuals with high cholesterol or diabetes should not take or apply it.

Medicinal uses

In the ancient Indian system of medicine known as Ayurveda, Gotu kola has been used for thousands of years. Traditionally, herbalists have used this herb in treating mental illness, high blood pressure, abscesses, rheumatism, fever, ulcers, leprosy, nervous disorders and jaundice. In recent times Gotu kola has aquired a reputation as an aphrodisiac.

Gotu kola medications are utilized in the treatment of skin problems and topical wounds. The herb is believed to aid mental concentration as well as memory. Remedies made from Gotu kola are also used to boost fertility, as a tonic for improving poor digestion as well as for the treatment of rheumatism.

Gotu kola is used in treating children for dysentery – a few freshly plucked leaves of the herb are given along with the daily meal. Gotu kola remedies are also believed to be helpful in the treatment of fevers, as well as in alleviating all kinds of abdominal disorders, in the treatment of asthma, and in the treatment of bronchitis.

In India, Gotu kola is regarded as perhaps the most spiritual of all herbs. Growing in some areas of the Himalayas, Gotu kola is used by yogis to improve meditation. It is said to develop the crown chakra, the energy center at the top of the head and to balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

Gotu kola research

The primary active constituent in Gotu kola are the saponins asiaticoside, madecassoside and madasiatic acid. These saponins beneficially affect collagen (the material that makes up connective tissue), for example, inhibiting its production in hyperactive scar tissue.

The compounds present in the Gotu kola have been investigated in numerous studies. Initial research conducted during the1990s suggested that the asiaticocide and thankuniside fractions in the herb may actually reduce fertility in people. This surprising discovery strongly contrasts with one of the main traditional uses of the herb in India, where it  is taken to boost fertility.

Remedies made from Gotu kola have been shown to thin the blood and when used in larger dosages, the herb has been demonstrated to aid in lowering elevated blood sugar levels in patients.

Laboratory studies on animals have shown a definite sedative action using relatively large doses of Gotu kola. The sedative action is induced by two saponin glycosides present in the herb, which are designated brahminoside and brahmoside. Some anti-inflammatory action is also exhibited by another glycoside (madecassoside). A compound called asiaticoside, also seems to stimulate the healing of wounds. With regard to a traditional use of Gotu kola as a promoter of longevity, there is no current research that supports this.

Gotu kola dosage

Gotu kola is typically taken orally. Dosages for Gotu kola differ, and are given on a case by case basis. Tea: An herbal tea can be prepared from dried Gotu kola leaves by adding 1-2 teaspoons of the leaves to 150 ml of boiling water. This must be allowed to steep for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the herb to infuse into the water. Dosage of this tea is usually three cups per day. Tincture: Gotu kola based herbal tincture can be taken at doses of 10-20 ml 3 times per day. Extracts: Standardized Gotu kola extracts which contain up to 100% total triterpenoids in them are also usually taken at 60 mg doses once or twice a day. Dried herb: 2500mg per day has been suggested. Capsules: Tow 500 mg capsules of powdered herb can be taken per day.