What is it?

Gotu Kola is an herbal medicine used to treat peripheral vascular disease (diseases of arteries and veins of arms and legs), varicose veins (visible blue veins on legs), Hansen's disease, stomach ulcers, increase mental functioning, and help you relax (a sedative). It is also used on the skin for wounds that do not heal and for scars.

Other names for Gotu Kola include: Centella, Hydrocotyle, and Indian Pennywort.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you need more information about this medicine or if any information in this leaflet concerns you.

Before Using:

Tell your doctor if you

• are taking medicine or are allergic to any medicine (prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) or dietary supplement)
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine
• are breastfeeding
• have any other health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart or blood vessel disease

Dosage:

Talk with your caregiver about how much Gotu Kola you should take. The amount depends on the strength of the medicine and the reason you are taking Gotu Kola. If you are using this medicine without instructions from your caregiver, follow the directions on the medicine bottle. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than the directions tell you to.

To store this medicine:

Keep all medicine locked up and away from children. Store medicine away from heat and direct light. Do not store your medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down and not work the way it should work. Throw away medicine that is out of date or that you do not need. Never share your medicine with others.

Warnings:

• Before taking Gotu Kola, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Gotu Kola may increase blood sugar, talk to your doctor before using if you have diabetes or other problems with your blood sugar (3).
• Gotu Kola may increase cholesterol. Talk to your doctor if you have high cholesterol or heart disease (3).

Side Effects:

Stop taking your medicine right away and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following side effects. Your medicine may be causing these symptoms which may mean you are allergic to it.

• Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
• Chest pain
• Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin

Other Side Effects:

You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.

• Problems trying to get pregnant (infertility) (3,4)
• Skin rash or itching (4,5)
• Skin may become sensitive to the sun and burn easily (5)

References:

1. Anon: British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. British Herbal Medicine Association, Keighley, UK; 1983.

2. Aguirre A, Gardeazabal J, Izu R et al: Allergic contact dermatitis due to plant extracts in a multisensitized patient. Contact Dermatitis 1993; 28: 186-187.

3. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD: Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. The Pharmaceutical Press, London, UK; 1996.

4. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Eclectic Institute Inc, Sandy, OR; 1997.

5. Morisset R, Cote NG, Panisset JC et al: Evaluation of the healing activity of Hydrocotyle tincture in the treatment of wounds. Phytother Res 1987; 1: 117-121.

6. Arpaia MR, Ferrone R, Amitrano M et al: Effects of Centella asiatica extract on mucopolysaccharide metabolism in subjects with vericose veins. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 1990; 10(4): 229-233.