We depend on donations from users of our database of over 8000 edible and useful plants to keep making it available free of charge and to further extend and improve it. In recent months donations are down, and we are spending more than we receive. Please give what you can to keep PFAF properly funded. More >>>

Follow Us:

 

Centella asiatica - (L.)Urb.

Common Name Gotu Kola, Spadeleaf
Family Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards There is a warning that the plant can irritate the skin[238], though it is widely used to treat skin complaints[238].
Habitats Old stone walls and rocky sunny places in lowland hills and especially by the coast in central and southern Japan[58]. Shady, damp and wet places such as paddy fields, and in grass thickets[147, 238].
Range E. Asia - India, China and Japan. Australia.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (5 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Moist Soil Wet Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Centella asiatica Gotu Kola, Spadeleaf


http://www.hear.org/starr/
Centella asiatica Gotu Kola, Spadeleaf

 

Translate this page:

Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Centella asiatica is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Hydrocotyle asiatica. L. H. cordifolia. H. repanda.

Habitats

 Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses:

Leaves - raw or cooked. Used in salads and in curries[238]. Cooked as a vegetable[272]. An aromatic flavour, we have found them to be rather overpowering in salads when used in any but small quantities[K].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Adaptogen  Anticonvulsant  Antidiarrhoeal  Antiinflammatory  Antipanic  Antirheumatic  Cardiac  Depurative  
Diuretic  Febrifuge  Hypotensive  Leprosy  Malaria  Nervine  Sedative  
Skin  Tonic

Gotu kola is an outstandingly important medicinal herb that is widely used in the Orient[238] and is becoming increasingly popular in the West[254]. Its Indian name is 'Brahmi' which means 'bringing knowledge of the Supreme Reality' and it has long been used there medicinally and as an aid to meditation[238]. It is a useful tonic and cleansing herb for skin problems and digestive disorders[254]. In India it is chiefly valued as a revitalizing herb that strengthens nervous function and memory[254]. The whole plant is alterative, cardio-depressant, hypotensive, weakly sedative and tonic[240]. It is a rejuvenating diuretic herb that clears toxins, reduces inflammations and fevers, improves healing and immunity, improves the memory and has a balancing effect on the nervous system[147, 152, 238, 240]. It has been suggested that regular use of the herb can rejuvenate the nervous system and it therefore deserves attention as a possible cure for a wide range of nervous disorders including multiple sclerosis[K]. Recent research has shown that gotu kola reduces scarring, improves circulatory problems in the lower limbs and speeds the healing process[238]. It is used internally in the treatment of wounds, chronic skin conditions (including leprosy), venereal diseases, malaria, varicose veins, ulcers, nervous disorders and senility[238, 240]. Caution should be observed since excess doses cause headaches and transient unconsciousness[238]. Externally, the herb is applied to wounds, haemorrhoids and rheumatic joints[238]. The plant can be harvested at any time of the year and is used fresh or dried[238]. Another report says that the dried herb quickly loses its medicinal properties and so is best used fresh[237].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

Now available: PLANTS FOR YOUR FOOD FOREST: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens.

An important new book from PFAF. It focuses on the attributes of plants suitable for food forests, what each can contribute to a food forest ecosystem, including carbon sequestration, and the kinds of foods they yield. The book suggests that community and small-scale food forests can provide a real alternative to intensive industrialised agriculture, and help to combat the many inter-related environmental crises that threaten the very future of life on Earth.

Read More

FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

Cosmetic

Extracts of the plant are added to cosmetic masks and creams to increase collagen and firm the skin[238].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a moist to wet soil in sun or partial shade[238]. Plants also grow on walls in the wild and so should tolerate drier conditions[K]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. It grows and spreads very well outdoors during the summer in most parts of the country and is very easy to increase by division. It can therefore be grown as a summer crop with divisions being taken during the growing season and overwintered in a greenhouse in case the outdoor plants are killed by winter cold[K].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

image

The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

Shop Now

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[238]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year, after the last expected frosts[K]. Division is simple at any time in the growing season, though the spring is probably best[K]. We find that it is best to pot up the divisions until they are rooting away well, though in selected mild gardens it should be possible to plant the divisions out directly into their permanent positions[K].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Print Friendly and PDF

Expert comment

Author

(L.)Urb.

Botanical References

58265266

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Abdussyukur   Mon May 2 12:31:24 2005

We cultivate medicinal plants including Centella asiatica in Java, Indonesia. We seek buyer from anywhere who request the herbal leaves.

Jane Huang   Tue May 31 06:24:51 2005

Guangxi Changzhou Natural Products Development Co., Ltd. is a medium-sized high-tech company located in Nanning, the capital city of Guangxi Province and one of the coastal opening cities at south of China. As a largest Asian manufacturer specialized in researching, developing and manufacturing Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Series extract products, we are able to supply top quality botanical extract products of Asiaticoside, Madecassoside, Asiatic acid, Madecassic acid, Centella Selected Triterpenes (TECA, titrated extract of Centella Asiatica), Notoginseng triterpenes, Notoginseng leaf triterpenes, Mucuna, Levodopa, Mangiferin etc, which have been exporting to Korea, Japan, America and Europe market at competitive price. We welcome you to be our partner to exploit south China¡¯s abundant botanical resources in the 21th century which is a green era.

1¡¢Centella Asiatica(Gotu Kola) Series Extract: 1) Asiaticoside 5%--90% 2) Asiatic acid 95% 3) Madecassoside 95% 4) Madecassic acid 95% 5) Gotu Kola P.E. (Total Triterpenes) 5%--90% 6) Centella Selected Triterpenes (Asiaticoside 36--44%, Asiatic & Madecassic acid 56--64%) (Synonyms: TECA, titrated extract of centella asiatica) 7) Centella Triterpenic Genine 95% (Asiatic & Madecassic acid 95%) 2¡¢Notoginseng Series Extract: 1) Notoginseng Triterpenes 95% 2) Notoginseng Leaf Triterpenes 80% 3) Notoginseng Extract 30% 3¡¢Mangiferin 60%--80% 4¡¢Levodopo 99% 5¡¢Mucuna Extract 10%--30%

Analytical Method: HPLC Packing: In fibre drum or carton, lining with double sealed PP bags.

Ms.Jane Huang

Guangxi Changzhou Natural Products Development Co., Ltd. Add: No.17 West 2nd Lane Shunfeng Street, Dashatian Economic Exploitation Zone, Nanning 530219, Guangxi China Tel: +86-771-4506480 Fax: +86-771-4506481 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.changzhou-centella.com

Eduardo H. Rapoport   Thu Feb 2 2006

Centella asiatica became adventitious in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, S. Brazil, USA, Caribbean, Central & S. Africa and Australia.

adam   Thu Mar 2 2006

this page is very good and important but i want to know centella asiatica in self polination or cros polonation plant and how many flavonids are there in this palnt thank you

Jan Smith   Sat Mar 4 2006

I want to buy gotu kola seeds or plants Jan Smith, [email protected]

jose ingles jr.   Sat Apr 22 2006

we are propagating different varieties in the philippines. we would like to obtain samples of the african variety for comparison. jr ingles. cell 632926 906 1221. [email protected]

Margaret McCaffrey, [email protected]   Mon May 1 2006

I would like to purchase Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) plants or seeds. Thanks, Margaret A. McCaffrey [email protected]

   Mon Jun 5 2006

I want to buy gotu kola seeds or plants (Kay) [email protected]

linda parker   Sun Jun 18 2006

I would like to purchase gotu kola seeds or plants. Thanks, (linda) [email protected]

dhinuka   Mon Jul 31 2006

Eating Gotu Kola daily (fresh leaves plus natural vegetable tablets) will improve the quality and quantity of your hair. Try it nowww !! Dhinuka Athauda [email protected]

Irene Jones   Wed Aug 16 2006

I would like to purchase gotu kola seeds or plants. Thanks. (Irene) [email protected]

John Chong   Mon Mar 5 2007

Grateful if you can clarify this small matter for me. I have been advised that Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is different to the herb called Brahmi which is the Indian name for Bacopa monnieri. Please adivse. Thanks.

Ken Fern, Plants for a Future   Mon Mar 5 2007

The confusion of common names! Centella asiatica has many different common names, amongst them are Gotu Kola and Brahmi. Bacopa monnieri is a very different plant and also has a range of common names, including Brahmi. In India, the name Brahmi is more commonly applied to Bacopa - it is the original Sanskrit name for the plant and is very similar to other Indian vernacular names (including Bramhi, Brambhi and Brihmi). To avoid confusion in the West, the name Gotu Kola is usually given to Centella and Brahmi to Bacopa

Tony Rola   Thu Dec 28 2006

We are cultivating a wide field of Centella asiatica and have some potted plants for sale at a very reasonable price. Those interested may contact Tony Rola at Mobile phone number (0920) 2277-141 or at landline (02)293-8489. Email at [email protected]

Rebecca   Fri Mar 9 2007

So what is the ayurvedic difference between the two plants Gotu Kola and Brahmi

Ana Granda   Sat Mar 31 2007

I recently visited the Phillipines and experienced Centella and am very i interested in purchase seeds....have searched many web sites but no one has seeds.....can u help me locate some....Thank You

Dr.Joy , A.D.   Wed Apr 4 2007

Centella asiatica , the malayalam name ? Is it widely used as anticholestrol drug? Is it good for reducing LDL Cholesterol

Sue Allard   Sat Jun 23 2007

I would like to find some Gotu Kola seeds. Does anyone have any suggestions? I've tried several places with no luck. Thanks,

Fernando Costa Pinto   Fri Jul 13 2007

I would like to purchase Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) seeds. Thanks, Fernando Costa Pinto [email protected]

Bronwen Clark   Wed Aug 8 2007

Can one grow Gotu Kola in The UK and if so where can one purchase the plants.

Donald Hoffman   Thu Aug 23 2007

I am looking to buy live gotu kola plants of the standard India variety(s?) and hopefully of the Madagascar subspecies. (I understand it is very hard to germinate from seeds). Thanks, Donald Hoffman, [email protected] (remove _nospam_ to respond)

ledruide   Sun Sep 16 2007

i did not found plants to buy anybody know a vendor for living plants? you can buy seeds (from france) in that online shop (very good) http://www.ethnoplants.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=167&language=fr&

www.ethnoplants.com Graines de Centella asiatica"Gotu Kola"

Donald Hoffman   Wed Oct 3 2007

I finally purchased a single pipe-cleaner size plant from Florida via ebay for around $17. Subsequently I have been told it is probably not Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) anyway, but a similar native american species called American Coinwort. I have also recently read that Hydrcotyle Asiatica is *NOT* Gotu Kola but a *different* Indian medicinal herb with *different* properties. Many Nurseries have attempted to sell me what they claimed was Gotu Kola ("Oh this is the same thing...") - Totally different appearance, Totally different plants. Poisonous for all I know. Scheese. Donald Hoffman.

tyra   Wed Oct 24 2007

i am doing a research about can centella asiatica act as insecticide? can anyone help me out because i don't know the reason why. there is a reserch done by toronto university " Larvicidal and Adult Emergence Inhibition Effect of Centella asiatica Brahmi (Umbelliferae) against Mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera : Culicidae) " could anybody explain to me why centella can inhibit larvicidal and adult emergence despite it has high nutritional value.. [email protected]~

   Tue Apr 1 2008

I want to buy Gotu kola seeds in the USA. Is there any help of where to find the seeds but not the capsules. Thank you. email: [email protected]

Sheri Abate   Wed Apr 2 2008

I want to buy seeds to grow Goto Kola. Or where can I get fresh leaves?

   Thu May 15 2008

I would like to buy seeds

BS Biology Student   Fri Aug 29 2008

I am asking for help regarding in the species of gotu kola found in the philippines...here is my email ad [email protected] ...please do help me, it is for my thesis proposal..thank you

Deanna Kaihara   Wed Oct 1 2008

where can I purchase Gotu Kola?

derek   Sat Oct 18 2008

where can i buy goyu kola

ethno   Wed Nov 19 2008

hello! if you search a seeds or plants of GOTU KOLA (Centella asiatica) there are available in www.ethnoplants.com

ethnoplants seeds and plants of Centella asiatica "GOTU KOLA"

Shure Scott   Sat Dec 13 2008

Is there a place where I can buy seeds/plants here in the US?

Migara   Sat Dec 27 2008

Where can I buy Gotu Kola plants or Seeds in New Zealand. Does anyone know?

david n   Sun Dec 28 2008

One mail order source of this and many other herbs,(plants not seeds) is "The Fragrant Garden" www.fragrantgarden.co.nz, Last time I checked you can view the plant list on-line, but have to order by mail. Centella asiatica is sometimes in regular nuseries, the local garden centre might be worth a call.

bhim singh   Thu Jan 15 2009

I want to buy GOTU KOLA seeds and capsules both in delhi in India. Please Help !!!

abi   Tue Jan 20 2009

can we use centella asiatica as antioxident?

www.google.com

Lily Yao   Fri Feb 20 2009

We suppply high quality centella asiatica extracts.Email:[email protected] Contact:Lily Yao www.centella.cn

   Mon Apr 27 2009

Help please. Is there anywhere I can buy centella asiatica seeds or plants in England? [email protected]. Thank you

Cecille   Wed Jun 10 2009

hello! is there anybody in tacloban city who is selling the real centella asiatica specie of gotu kola? i am interested to buy. call 321-3354 or email [email protected]

Ima Nurmaryati   Mon Jul 13 2009

I was doing research on the influence of nitrogen fertilization to centella asiatica L Urban in high altitude(1 500 meters above sea level) plants showed me the strange response. The speck on the leaves appear blackish brown. Is this an indication of frost injury? an average temperature of the research in progress is 18-20 C. with rainfall and rainy days high and clouds often appear

kasthuri   Sat Aug 15 2009

i want to know about the centella asiatica seed now am doing my bio chemistry in the auxilium college at vellore

Petr Josifek   Thu Sep 10 2009

What is % germinate of seeds?

mike13   Tue Oct 27 2009

is centella asiatica can contribute to increase blood sugar level and cholesterol?

Vitalis Sodatonou   Fri Dec 18 2009

We are the major producers of African centella asiatica from Togo (West Africa) please contact us for any inquiries...

OPPAM TOGO TOGO MEDICINAL & AROMATIC PLANTS PROMOTION ORGANIZATION

syamala   Fri Jan 1 2010

pls help by sending information abt this plant

   Fri Jan 1 2010

hello any one help me pls i selected my project on analgesic effect of centella asiatica

Add a comment

If you have important information about this plant that may help other users please add a comment or link below. Only comments or links that are felt to be directly relevant to a plant will be included. If you think a comment/link or information contained on this page is inaccurate or misleading we would welcome your feedback at [email protected]. If you have questions about a plant please use the Forum on this website as we do not have the resources to answer questions ourselves.

* Please note: the comments by website users are not necessarily those held by PFAF and may give misleading or inaccurate information.

To leave a comment please Register or login here All comments need to be approved so will not appear immediately.

Subject : Centella asiatica  
© 2010, Plants For A Future. Plants For A Future is a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Charity No. 1057719, Company No. 3204567.