Gotu Kola
Gotu kola — a traditional botanical studied for cognition, alertness and neuroprotective activity.
Gotu kola, or Centella asiatica, is a low-growing herb native to tropical and subtropical regions. It has a long history of use in Ayurvedic and traditional Asian medicine, particularly as a “brain tonic” associated with memory and mental performance. Modern research has focused on compounds including asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside and madecassoside, as well as caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids. [1][2]
What is gotu kola?
Gotu kola is a small leafy plant in the Apiaceae family.
It contains several groups of naturally occurring plant compounds, especially triterpenes — compounds found in many plants that can interact with a range of biological pathways — alongside flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids. [1]
Much of the scientific interest in gotu kola centres on the brain, particularly cognition, antioxidant activity and neuroprotection. [1][2]
Is gotu kola a nootropic?
Gotu kola is often described as a nootropic, meaning a substance studied in relation to cognitive functions such as memory, learning or attention.
That description has some scientific basis, but the evidence needs context.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that the available trials did not provide strong evidence that gotu kola improves all areas of cognitive function compared with placebo. However, some studies reported effects on alertness and mood, and individual trials have found improvements in measures such as working memory. [3][4]
How does gotu kola work?
There is no single established mechanism.
Research suggests gotu kola compounds may influence several processes relevant to brain function, including:
- antioxidant responses
- mitochondrial activity — how cells produce and manage energy
- signalling involved in the growth and communication of neurons
- inflammatory pathways
- aspects of memory and cognition [1]
Some animal and laboratory studies have also investigated its major triterpenes in relation to GABA-A receptors. Interestingly, asiatic acid has shown negative modulation of certain GABA-A receptor subtypes in a laboratory model, so gotu kola should not be described simply as a GABA-enhancing herb. [5]
That distinction is important for Sentia. Not every botanical in a Sentia blend needs to perform the same job. For Sentia, the useful point is simple: gotu kola contains neuroactive plant chemistry that can participate in a wider formulation.
Why does Sentia use gotu kola?
Sentia does not build its drinks by collecting botanicals because they carry fashionable labels such as “nootropic” or “adaptogen”.
The more interesting question is what the chemistry inside a plant contributes to the blend.
Gotu kola brings a different role from more directly GABA-related botanicals such as magnolia bark or passionflower. Its research sits more strongly around cognition, alertness, neuroprotection and wider brain function.
That matters because social ease is not about becoming switched off.
A good social moment asks you to feel settled while still being present, responsive and engaged.
In Sentia, gotu kola forms part of a wider neurobotanical structure in which different plants contribute different pieces of the puzzle.
Which Sentia products contain gotu kola?
Gotu kola is found in:
GABA Black is built around focus, flow and social connection, making gotu kola’s cognitive and neuroactive research particularly relevant to the blend.
Gotu Kola FAQs
- What is gotu kola?
Gotu kola is the common name for Centella asiatica, a tropical herb with a long history of traditional use as a brain tonic and modern research into cognition and neuroprotection. [1][2]
- Is gotu kola a nootropic?
It is commonly described as a nootropic because it has been studied in relation to memory, attention and cognition. Human evidence is mixed, however, and systematic reviews do not support broad claims that it reliably improves all areas of cognitive performance. [3]
- Does gotu kola affect GABA?
Some isolated gotu kola compounds have interacted with GABA-A receptors in laboratory research, but the effects identified are not straightforwardly GABA-enhancing. Sentia therefore does not rely on gotu kola as a primary GABA-supportive botanical. [5]
- What are the main active compounds in gotu kola?
Important compounds include asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside and madecassoside, alongside caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids. [1]
- Why is gotu kola in Sentia GABA Black?
Sentia uses gotu kola for its broader neuroactive and cognitive profile. It complements other botanicals in the blend rather than being expected to reproduce the same mechanism.
Sources
[1] Gray NE et al. Centella asiatica — Phytochemistry and mechanisms of neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement. Phytochemistry Reviews / related review literature. PMID 31736679.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31736679/
[2] Orhan IE. Centella asiatica (L.) Urban: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine with Neuroprotective Potential. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012. PMID 22666298.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22666298/
[3] Puttarak P et al. Effects of Centella asiatica on cognitive function and mood related outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Scientific Reports. 2017. PMID 28878245.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28878245/
[4] Wattanathorn J et al. Positive modulation of cognition and mood in the healthy elderly volunteer following the administration of Centella asiatica. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2008. PMID 18191355.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18191355/
[5] Hamid K et al. An Investigation of the Differential Effects of Ursane Triterpenoids from Centella asiatica, and Their Semisynthetic Analogues, on GABAA Receptors. Chemical Biology & Drug Design. 2016. PMID 27062315.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27062315/
[6] Wright KM et al. Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Key Components of a Standardized Centella asiatica Product in Cognitively Impaired Older Adults. Antioxidants. 2022. PMID 35204098.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35204098/