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Dietary supplement

Gotu Kola Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbalist & Alchemist

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Gotu Kola is a dietary supplement by Herbalist & Alchemist with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for wound healing, varicose veins and poor circulation, anxiety and stress.Based on those ingredients, 579 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are dried Gotu Kola herb extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Gotu Kola by Herbalist & Alchemist

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains a single active ingredient: dried Gotu Kola herb extract. Gotu Kola is a plant used traditionally in Asian medicine.

The liquid form also includes ethyl alcohol and distilled water as inactive ingredients (the carrier and preservative base for the extract).

Does it work?

Leans against
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Leans against

The strongest graded evidence we hold for the stated purpose leans against a benefit.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: mental clarity and cognitive function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Cognitive function, Alzheimer disease, Mental focus, Brain health, Dementia.
  • The closest evidence on file: Gotu Kola is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Cognitive function (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Gotu Kola is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Alzheimer disease.

Gotu kola has the most evidence for venous insufficiency (poor circulation in the veins) and burns — both rated possibly effective. For radiation skin damage, cognitive function, and Alzheimer's disease, the evidence doesn't support a benefit or is too sparse to say.

There isn't enough reliable data to know whether it helps anxiety.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Gotu Kola

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Gotu kola is generally well tolerated in the short term, though solid safety data is limited. The most common side effect when taken by mouth is stomach irritation and nausea.

Liver injury is rare but has been reported in at least four cases; however, these cases didn't rule out contaminants in the products or confirm the doses used. When a clinical trial monitored liver function at 120 mg daily for 6 months, no changes were seen.

Pregnancy safety data is limited, so traditional advice is to avoid it during pregnancy. There isn't enough information about safety during breastfeeding, so it's best avoided then too.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Gotu Kola

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Gotu Kola.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 580 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, double-check with your pharmacist or doctor if you take hepatotoxic drugs (medications that can stress the liver — ask your provider which ones you're on) or CNS depressants like sleep aids, anxiety medications, or pain relievers. Both are rated Moderate interactions and could add up.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with graded evidence leaning against its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Gotu kola may help with poor vein circulation or burn healing, but the evidence for cognitive or anxiety benefits isn't there yet. If you take drugs that affect your liver or medications that make you drowsy, you'll want to check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this product.

It's generally well tolerated, but liver concerns and pregnancy caution mean it's not for everyone.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 23, 2018.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Gotu Kola, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbalist & Alchemist
Barcode (UPC) 667056114701
Net contents 2 fl. Oz.; 60 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 23, 2018
DSLD ID 174323
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Organic
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Gotu Kola by Herbalist & Alchemist, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 mL
Servings per container
20
UPC/BARCODE
667056114701
IngredientAmount% DV
dried Gotu Kola herb extract3 mL--

Other ingredients: Ethyl Alcohol, distilled Water

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formula

Centella asiatica

OK

General Statements

Promotes mental clarity

Botanical preparation ratio 1:4

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 40-60 drops (2-3 mL) in juice or water. Take 3 times per day. Shake well before using.

Precautions

Keep out of children's reach

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General

NO. GTK-2 1737TH

Seals/Symbols

OK

See for yourself

Gotu Kola by Herbalist & Alchemist label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Gotu Kola by Herbalist & Alchemist

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container20 Amounts shown are per serving.

Dried Gotu Kola herb extract

Interacts with
579 drugs
3 mL per serving

Gotu kola is a traditional Ayurvedic and Asian herb that people use for wound healing, circulation, skin problems, and as a calming or memory-supporti...

Dried Gotu Kola herb extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Ethyl Alcohol, Distilled Water. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Gotu Kola by Herbalist & Alchemist Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Gotu Kola?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
579Drugs
579 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Gotu Kola with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

dried Gotu Kola herb extract2 drug types · 579 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, taking gotu kola might increase the sedative effects of CNS depressants.
In vitro research suggests that gotu kola may have sedative effects via binding of GABA receptors.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, taking gotu kola with hepatotoxic drugs might have additive adverse effects.
There are at least four case reports of hepatotoxicity associated with the use of gotu kola. However, more information is needed to determine if gotu kola was the causative factor in these cases.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Gotu Kola, from the product label.

Herbalist & Alchemist

See all Herbalist & Alchemist products
Name
Herbalist & Alchemist, Inc.
City
Washington
State
NJ
ZipCode
07882
Phone Number
800-611-8235
Web Address
www.herbalist-alchemist.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Gotu Kola by Herbalist & Alchemist: Common Questions

Does Gotu Kola by Herbalist & Alchemist interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Gotu Kola has a known interaction with 579 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Gotu Kola contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this while pregnant?
There isn't enough safety data to know for sure. Tradition advises avoiding it during pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist — they know your health history and can give you personalized advice.
Can I take this while breastfeeding?
Safety during breastfeeding isn't established, so it's best avoided. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for your specific situation.
What are the side effects?
Most people tolerate it well. The most common side effect is stomach irritation and nausea when taken by mouth. Liver injury is rare but has been reported. If you have a history of liver disease, mention it to your pharmacist.
Does gotu kola really help with memory or brain function?
The evidence doesn't support that use. For brain function and Alzheimer's disease, either the research shows no benefit or there's too little data to say. The strongest evidence is for leg circulation and burns.
What is gotu kola used for?
It's traditionally used for circulation, especially in the veins of the legs, and for wound healing. The evidence supports use for venous insufficiency and burns as possibly effective.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Gotu Kola label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Gotu Kola's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 18 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Gotu Kola 18 references
  1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
  2. Pointel JP, Boccalon H, Cloarec M, et al. Titrated extract of Centella asiatica (TECA) in the treatment of venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Angiol 1987;38:46-50. PubMed
  3. Brinkhaus B, Lindner M, Schuppan D, Hahn EG. Chemical, pharmacological and clinical profile of the east Asian medical plant Centella asiatica. Phytomedicine 2000;7:427-48.
  4. Eun HC, Lee AY. Contact dermatitis due to madecassol. Contact Dermatitis 1985;13:310-3.. PubMed
  5. Hausen BM. Centella asiatica (Indian pennywort), an effective therapeutic but a weak sensitizer. Contact Dermatitis 1993;29:175-9..
  6. Bilbao I, Aguirre A, Zabala R, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis from butoxyethyl nicotinic acid and Centella asiatica extract. Contact Dermatitis 1995;33:435-6.
  7. Cesarone MR, Incandela L, De Sanctis MT, et al. Evaluation of treatment of diabetic microangiopathy with total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica: a clinical prospective randomized trial with a microcirculatory model. Angiology 2001;52 Suppl 2 DOI
  8. Bradwejn J, Zhou Y, Koszycki D, Shlik J. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the effects of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) on acoustic startle response in healthy subjects. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2000;20:680-4. PubMed
  9. Young GL, Jewell D. Creams for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000;(2):CD000066. PubMed
  10. Jorge OA, Jorge AD. Hepatotoxicity associated with the ingestion of Centella asiatica. Rev Esp Enferm Dig 2005;97:115-24. PubMed
  11. Mallol J, Belda MA, Costa D, et al. Prophylaxis of striae gravidarum with a topical formulation. A double blind trial. Int J Cosmet Sci 1991;3:51-7.
  12. Izu, R., Aguirre, A., Gil, N., and Diaz-Perez, J. L. Allergic contact dermatitis from a cream containing Centella asiatica extract. Contact Dermatitis 1992;26(3):192-193.
  13. Santucci, B., Picardo, M., and Cristaudo, A. Contact dermatitis due to Centelase. Contact Dermatitis 1985;13(1):39. PubMed
  14. Vena, G. A. and Angelini, G. Contact allergy to Centelase. Contact Dermatitis 1986;15(2):108-109. PubMed
  15. Marastoni, F., Baldo, A., Redaelli, G., and Ghiringhelli, L. [Centella asiatica extract in venous pathology of the lower limbs and its evaluation as compared with tribenoside]. Minerva Cardioangiol. 1982;30(4):201-207.
  16. Danese, P., Carnevali, C., and Bertazzoni, M. G. Allergic contact dermatitis due to Centella asiatica extract. Contact Dermatitis 1994;31(3):201.
  17. Bilbao, I., Aguirre, A., Zabala, R., Gonzalez, R., Raton, J., and Diaz Perez, J. L. Allergic contact dermatitis from butoxyethyl nicotinic acid and Centella asiatica extract. Contact Dermatitis 1995;33(6):435-436.
  18. Dantuluri S, North-lewis P, Karthik SV. Gotu Kola induced hepatotoxicity in a child - need for caution with alternative remedies. Dig Liver Dis. 2011;43(6):500. PubMed

See these in context on the Gotu Kola monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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