Gotu Kola (Mandukaparni) in Ayurveda

What it is and how Ayurveda describes it

Centella asiatica, called gotu kola in English and mandukaparni in Ayurveda, is described in a 2021 review as an Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine used for different health problems, and also as an edible vegetable in some diets. [5] A review of "brahmi" explains that the Ayurvedic name corresponds to two plants, Bacopa monnieri and Centella asiatica, both discussed under the medhya rasayana group of memory-supporting herbs. [6] Because of this overlap, read the Latin name on a label. See bacopa (brahmi) for the other plant, and how Ayurvedic herbs are classified for the tradition's terms.

We did not find a source we could read that gives the classical-text description of mandukaparni's properties, so this page does not restate them.

What research has measured

1. Memory and thinking

   No good evidence of benefit (for cognition)

   A 2017 systematic review of 5 randomized trials of gotu kola alone and 6 of products containing it [7] [8] found no significant difference from placebo in any cognitive domain. [9] It concluded there is not strong evidence for cognitive benefit. [10]

2. Alertness and mood

   Insufficient evidence

   The same review found improved alertness and lower anger scores. [10] A 2026 scoping review found two small randomized trials in healthy people (58 in total) reporting better alertness and one open-label anxiety study (33 patients), and said the evidence base was insufficient for a pooled analysis. [11] [12]

3. Chronic venous insufficiency (leg vein problems)

   Promising but limited

   A 2013 review of 8 randomized trials suggested possible benefit for signs and symptoms but said it must be read with caution because reporting was poor. [13] [14]

4. Wound healing

   Insufficient evidence

   A 2022 review found 4 clinical trials and said more studies were needed to judge the effect. [15] [16]

5. Minor wounds, traditional European use

   Traditional use only

   The EU herbal committee lists a traditional herbal medicinal product used to aid healing of minor wounds, applied to the skin. [17] [18]

The cognitive reviewers noted that the dose regimen, plant preparation, standardization and product variation limit the conclusions. [19] The EU listing is a traditional-use status for skin use. It is not proof of benefit, and it does not cover swallowed supplements.

A 2025 trial in India compared gotu kola (mandukaparni) and bacopa (brahmi) with each other in 180 healthy boys, without a placebo group, so it cannot show that either herb works. [20]

Where this fits

Gotu kola appears in some Ayurvedic skin and brain products. See Ayurvedic skin and hair products and Ayurveda for memory and brain health. For other liver concerns see liver injury from Ayurvedic herbs.