Do you know all the benefits of gotu kola?

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Gotu kola is an herb in the celery family and is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. The aboveground parts of gotu kola are used medicinally, for example to treat burns, and poor circulation can lead to varicose veins. So specifically, what are the effects of eating gotu kola and can you eat gotu kola at 5 months pregnant?

1. Nutritional composition of gotu kola

In Southeast Asia, gotu kola (English name gotu kola) is used as food as well as medicine. Gotu kola is an excellent food source of essential vitamins and minerals needed to maintain optimal health.
According to a review in the International Food Research Journal, 100 grams of fresh gotu kola has the following nutritional composition:
Calcium: 171 milligrams (17% of the Daily Nutrient Requirements) day - RDI) Iron: 5.6 milligrams (31% RDI) Potassium: 391 milligrams (11% RDI) Vitamin A: 442 micrograms (49% RDI) Vitamin C: 48.5 milligrams (81% RDI) Vitamin B2: 0 .19 milligrams (9% RDI) Gotu kola is also a good source of fiber, providing 8% of the RDI for women and 5% of the RDI for men.

2. What is the effect of eating gotu kola?

Helps Boost Cognitive Function In 2016, a group of researchers conducted a trial to compare the effects of gotu kola extract and folic acid in enhancing cognitive function after stroke. This small study evaluated the effects on three groups of participants: (1) the group taking 750 mg of gotu kola per day, (2) the group taking 1000 mg of centella asiatica per day, and (3) the group taking 3 mg of gotu kola folic/day.
Although gotu kola and folic acid are equally beneficial in improving general cognition, gotu kola is more effective in improving the memory domain.
Another study looked at the cognitive-enhancing effects of gotu kola extract in rats. Although both young and old rats showed improvements in learning and memory when performing the swimming maze (Morris Water Maze), the effect was higher in older mice.
How to use: Take 750 to 1,000 mg of gotu kola per day for up to 14 days at a time.
Helps treat Alzheimer's disease Gotu kola has the ability to enhance memory and nerve function, which is an effect that makes gotu kola has potential in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In 2012, researchers tested it on mice and found that gotu kola extract had a positive effect on behavioral abnormalities in mice with Alzheimer's disease.
In laboratory and animal studies, this extract has also been shown to have a modest effect on protecting brain cells from toxicity. In addition, this effect may also protect cells in the brain from forming plaque that can lead to Alzheimer's disease.
However, more research is still needed to determine exactly how gotu kola can be used to treat Alzheimer's disease. If you want to include gotu kola or gotu kola extract products into your treatment plan, consult your doctor before use.
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How to use: Take 30 to 60 drops of gotu kola extract and use it 3 times daily. Dosages can vary between manufacturers, so always read and follow the directions on the product.
Blood circulation There is some evidence that gotu kola can improve blood circulation in people with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Venous insufficiency is a condition that occurs when the walls or valves of the veins in the legs don't work properly, making it difficult for blood to return to the heart.
A 2013 meta-analysis of studies in Malaysia concluded that older adults treated with gotu kola showed a significant improvement in CVI symptoms, including leg heaviness, pain, and swelling (edema) masonry).
To explain these effects, the researchers explained that because gotu kola contains chemical compounds called triterpenes, which stimulate the production of cardiac glycosides. Cardiac glycosides are organic compounds that increase the force of the heart and increase the rate of contractions.
There is even some evidence that gotu kola can stabilize fatty plaques in blood vessels, preventing them from bursting and should lead to preventing a heart attack or stroke.
Wound healing For a long time, folk have used poultices and ointments extracted from gotu kola to support wound healing. Scientific evidence suggests that this effect is due to a type of triterpene called asiaticoside, which stimulates collagen production and promotes the growth of new blood vessels at the site of injury.
Disease prevention Gotu kola is known to have a strong antioxidant effect, neutralizing many free radicals that cause cell damage at the molecular level. Experts have theorized that these properties may protect against stomach ulcers and some cancers.
Asiatic acid, found in gotu kola, has been shown to be effective in inducing programmed cell death (apoptosis) and in addition, it inhibits the growth activity of some species. cancer cells, including tumor cells of the liver, breast, skin, brain, and gastrointestinal tract. However, further studies are still needed to consider the possibility of anticancer drug development.

3. Is it good to eat a lot of gotu kola?

When taken by mouth: Gotu kola is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for up to 12 months. Rarely got gotu kola can also cause liver problems if taken by mouth. When applied to the skin: Gotu kola is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when applied to the skin for up to 10 weeks. Gotu kola can cause itching and redness. Pregnancy: Gotu kola is POSSIBLY SAFE for pregnant women when applied to the skin. However, there isn't enough reliable information to know if gotu kola is safe to take during pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid using gotu kola during this period. Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if gotu kola is safe to use while breastfeeding. Therefore, nursing mothers should avoid using gotu kola during this period. Surgery: Gotu kola can cause too much sleepiness if combined with medications used during and after surgery. Patients with scheduled surgery should stop using gotu kola at least 2 weeks before surgery. Although side effects are rare, some people who take gotu kola may experience stomach upset, headache, and drowsiness.
Because gotu kola can increase your sensitivity to the sun, you must limit your sun exposure and when you are outdoors, you should apply or spray sunscreen.
Gotu kola is metabolized by the liver. If you have liver disease, it's best to avoid gotu kola supplements to prevent liver damage or further damage. Using gotu kola for a long time can cause liver toxicity.
Also, note that the calming effect of gotu kola can be amplified with sedatives or alcohol. Avoid taking gotu kola with Ambien (zolpidem), Ativan (lorazepam), Donnatal (phenobarbital), Klonopin (clonazepam), or other sedatives as this can lead to drowsiness.
REFERENCES: webmd.com, healthline.com