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Dietary supplement

Gotu Kola Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Indiana Botanic Gardens

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

Gotu Kola is a dietary supplement by Indiana Botanic Gardens 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 Gotu Kola extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Gotu Kola by Indiana Botanic Gardens

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 liquid supplement contains one active ingredient: gotu kola extract. Gotu kola is a plant traditionally used in Asian herbal medicine, and research suggests it may work through compounds that bind to GABA receptors, which are involved in calming the nervous system.

The liquid also contains glycerin and water as inactive ingredients to deliver the extract.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Gotu Kola's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Gotu Kola for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Burns — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).
  • On file: Venous insufficiency — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for gotu kola is mixed and depends on what you're using it for. It's rated possibly effective for venous insufficiency (poor blood circulation in the veins) and burns.

For radiation dermatitis, cognitive function, and Alzheimer's disease, the evidence is either insufficient or leans toward ineffectiveness. For anxiety, there isn't enough reliable evidence to say whether it works.

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.

When taken by mouth, gotu kola is generally well tolerated in the short term, though quality evidence is limited. The most common side effects are gastric irritation and nausea.

Liver toxicity is rare but has been reported in case studies; however, those cases didn't rule out contaminants or unknown doses, so the actual risk is unclear. There isn't enough safety data to use gotu kola during pregnancy, and it's traditionally been avoided then.

Safety during breastfeeding is unknown, so it's best to avoid it while nursing. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this supplement is right for you if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

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 you take this product, double-check it with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on CNS depressants (sleeping pills, benzodiazepines, opioid painkillers, or other sedating drugs) — gotu kola may increase their drowsy effects. Also verify it with them if you take any medication known to affect your liver.

No interactions are documented for the other medications we track, but that doesn't mean none exist.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Gotu Kola by Indiana Botanic Gardens may be worth considering if you're looking to support venous circulation or help with wound healing, and many people tolerate it without problems. However, if you take sedating medications or drugs that stress your liver, or if you're pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Run your exact medications through the search tool on this page to see if any interactions apply to you.

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 Aug 22, 2017.

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 Indiana Botanic Gardens
Barcode (UPC) 703308200515
Net contents 1 fl. Oz.; 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 22, 2017
DSLD ID 76180
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Indiana Botanic Gardens, 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:
1 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
UPC/BARCODE
703308200515
IngredientAmount% DV
Total Carbohydrates1 Gram(s)1%
Gotu Kola extract65 mg--

Other ingredients: Glycerin, 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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 1 mL (approx. 28 drops) three times daily, in a small amount of water.

Best if used by date on bottle.

Shake well.

Precautions

Warning: If you are taking any medications or are pregnant or nursing do not use prior to consulting a physician.

Use only if seal is unbroken

Keep out of reach of children

Storage

Store in a dry, cool place.

Formulation

Alcohol free liquid extract

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

IBG Indiana Botanic Gardens

See for yourself

Gotu Kola by Indiana Botanic Gardens label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Gotu Kola by Indiana Botanic Gardens

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

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Amounts shown are per serving.

Gotu Kola extract

Interacts with
579 drugs
65 mg 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...

Gotu Kola extract monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Gotu Kola by Indiana Botanic Gardens 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.

Gotu Kola 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.

Indiana Botanic Gardens

See all Indiana Botanic Gardens products
Name
Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc.
Street Address
3401 W. 37th Ave.
City
Hobart
State
IN
ZipCode
46342
Phone Number
1-800-644-8327
Web Address
www.botanicchoice.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Gotu Kola by Indiana Botanic Gardens: Common Questions

Does Gotu Kola by Indiana Botanic Gardens 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 gotu kola if I'm pregnant?
There isn't enough safety data to know either way. Gotu kola has traditionally been avoided in pregnancy. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice before taking it.
Can I take gotu kola while breastfeeding?
Safety during breastfeeding is unknown, so it's best to avoid it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about what's safe for you and your baby.
Does gotu kola actually work for memory or brain health?
The evidence isn't established. For Alzheimer's disease, there's insufficient reliable evidence. For general cognitive function, research leans toward it being ineffective. More study is needed.
What are the most common side effects?
When taken by mouth, the most common are gastric irritation and nausea. Most people tolerate it well short-term, though liver concerns have been reported in rare cases.
Is gotu kola safe for long-term use?
Quality evidence for long-term safety is limited. In one trial, 120 mg daily for 6 months didn't cause liver-function changes, but be aware that liver toxicity has been reported in case studies. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about how long you plan to take it.
What is gotu kola used for?
Research suggests it may help with venous insufficiency (poor leg circulation) and burns. Evidence for other uses like anxiety or memory is either absent or doesn't support effectiveness.

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

Not sure if Gotu Kola is safe with your meds?

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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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