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Asian Pennywort - source, function, application
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In traditional Chinese medicine, Asian pennywort was known as the elixir of life due to its health-promoting properties. It is currently regarded in modern medicine as an effective remedy for many civilization diseases. Who can utilize it, and who can be harmed by it? Where does this plant originate from? What is exceptional about Asian pennywort?
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Goto kola – source
Goto kola, Latin. Centella asiatica, also known as Asian water navel, belongs to the same family as celery, carrots, and parsley. In the Sinhalese language, gotu means cup-shaped, and kola means leaf. The Asian water navel is found in tropical and subtropical regions such as India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Madagascar. It grows mainly along the edges of water reservoirs and in swamps, less often in sunny, rocky areas. Its appearance and content of active substances depend on the environmental conditions in which it grows. In herbal medicine, the above-ground part of the plant is usually used. The herb is harvested before or at the beginning of the growing season, as the plant accumulates the most active substances at this time. In Chinese medicine, it has been known as a life elixir for over 2000 years.
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Asian Pennywort - effects on the body
Asian Pennywort contains a number of active substances, including triterpene acids such as Asiatic, Madecassic, Terminolic, Brahamic, and Centellic acid, which are synthesized during the growth and development of the plant. These substances affect the pharmacological activity of the plant. In addition, volatile oils, flavonoids, polysaccharides, phytosterols, and vitamins A, E, K, C, magnesium, glutamic acid, serum, and alanine have been extracted from the plant. In Ayurvedic medicine, Asian Pennywort has many applications. It improves the condition of the skin, prevents the formation of wrinkles, stimulates hair growth and nails by increasing the synthesis of collagen and elastin. It also improves the function of the central nervous system, improves memory, concentration, and cognitive functions, reduces nervousness, soothes, and prevents depression. It inhibits the aging process of nerve cells, which helps to remain mentally fit for longer. Asian Pennywort also has a pain-relieving effect in the case of muscle, joint, and sports injuries. In addition, the essential oil obtained from Gotu Kola has an inhibitory effect on the growth of various bacteria and fungi, especially E. coli and A. niger.
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Application of Centella asiatica
Centella asiatica, also known as Gotu kola, has a long history of usage in medicine, dietetics, and cosmetology. It is used in the treatment of asthma, anemia, diabetes, urinary tract injuries, and infections, as well as influenza. It also aids in the management of digestive tract diseases, including bowel and stomach inflammation, liver infections, and conditions such as diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and indigestion. The plant has anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, and antiviral properties, making it an effective remedy in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and hypertension. Centella asiatica also has a rejuvenating effect, making it useful in the treatment of wrinkles, dryness, and loss of elasticity in the skin. Furthermore, the plant has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it an effective remedy in the treatment of skin diseases, including psoriasis and eczema. Scientific research confirms that Centella asiatica has anti-tumor properties, making it an interesting subject for cancer therapy.
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Gotu Kola – adverse effects
Excessive intake can be toxic and cause liver damage, as well as causing irritation, inflammation of the mucous membranes, disorders of the nervous and motor systems, and bleeding. Gotu kola should not be given to pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, young children, people with low blood pressure and epilepsy. People taking acetylsalicylic acid, cocaine, or heparin should be particularly cautious. Preparations containing Gotu kola should not be taken in the evening as it may cause sleep disturbances. It is not recommended to combine Gotu kola with other psychoactive substances. Gotu kola is one of the most valued medicinal plants due to its wide range of therapeutic applications. Asian pennywort has been used for thousands of years in traditional Indian medicine, both externally and internally, with great success, particularly in the treatment of diseases of the nervous system, circulatory system, and skin disorders. Gotu kola is considered an elixir of life, a remedy for longevity, vitality, and mental fitness. The promising therapeutic potential of Gotu kola arouses the interest of scientists, as evidenced by numerous studies that have been conducted. In order to discover other secrets hidden in this plant, further extensive biological and chemical research is required.
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• 17.03.2026
mgr Bylka W., Znajdek-Awiżeń P., Studzińska-Sroka E. et al., Centella asiatica in cosmetology, „Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii” 2013, 30(1), 46–49. Einerson L.S., A Delphi Study on Herbs Used to Address Depression and Anxiety According to Master Herbalists, Texas 2017, 33. Karłowicz-Bodalska K. et al., Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, syn. Hydrocotyle asiatica L. – wąkrota azjatycka – znana roślina lecznicza Dalekiego Wschodu, „Postępy Fitoterapii” 2013, 4, 225–235. Król D., Wąkrota azjatycka (Centella asiatica L.) – właściwości lecznicze, „Postępy Fitoterapii” 2010, 2, 101–105. Lamer-Zarawska E., Kowal-Gierczak B., Niedworok J., Fitoterapia i leki roślinne, Warszawa 2007, 431. Nowak T.Z., Zielony detoks – jak rośliny lecznicze wymiatają z organizmu wolne rodniki i gwarantują długie życie, „Eureka” 2017, 148–153. Gotu cola – Centella asiatica (L.) Urban – wąkrotka azjatycka i Hydrocotyle vulgaris L. – wąkrotka pospolita, luskiewnik.strefa.pl/psychostymulantia/p27.htm (27.02.2018). Leonard D.B., Gotu kola (Centella asiatica), herbrally.com/monographs/gotu-kola/ (27.02.2018).
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