Gotu Kola for Ulcers: Can It Help Heal Wounds?
Quick Summary: A recent study suggests that taking oral Centellicum® (a form of Gotu Kola) may help speed up the healing of venous ulcers, which are slow-healing sores often caused by poor circulation. The study found that the supplement helped ulcers close and heal faster.
What The Research Found
The study looked at how well oral Centellicum® worked for people with venous ulcers. The results showed that:
- Ulcers seemed to close up and heal more quickly.
- There were no major side effects reported.
Study Details
- Who was studied: People with venous ulcers, a type of chronic wound.
- How long: The exact duration isn't specified in the summary.
- What they took: Oral Centellicum®, a standardized extract of Gotu Kola. The exact dosage isn't specified.
What This Means For You
If you have venous ulcers, this research suggests that Gotu Kola might be a helpful addition to your treatment plan. It could potentially:
- Help your ulcers heal faster.
- Improve your overall wound healing.
Important: Always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplements, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking other medications. Gotu Kola may work best when combined with standard treatments like compression therapy.
Study Limitations
It's important to remember that this was a pilot study, which means:
- It may have involved a smaller group of people.
- It may not have had a control group (people who didn't take Gotu Kola).
- More research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the best dosage.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
The study concluded that oral Centellicum® (a standardized extract of Centella asiatica) improved venous ulcer closure rates and accelerated healing in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Researchers observed enhanced wound repair and reduced ulcer size compared to baseline, with no significant adverse effects reported.
Study Design
This was a pilot registry study conducted in 2025, likely observational in nature, using data from a supplement registry to evaluate efficacy and safety. The provided summary does not specify the exact sample size, duration, or control group details, which are critical for assessing methodological rigor. Pilot studies typically involve small cohorts (e.g., 20–50 participants) and shorter follow-up periods (e.g., 8–12 weeks) to inform larger trials.
Dosage & Administration
Participants received oral Centellicum®, though the exact dosage of triterpenes (the active compounds in Gotu Kola) was not detailed in the provided summary. Administration likely followed standard protocols for venous insufficiency, such as daily dosing (e.g., 30–60 mg of triterpenes), as seen in prior research on Centella asiatica.
Results & Efficacy
The study reported improved ulcer closure and healing metrics with Centellicum®. However, quantitative outcomes (e.g., percentage improvement, time-to-healing) and statistical values (p-values, confidence intervals) were absent from the summary. If consistent with prior trials, effects might include reduced ulcer area (e.g., >50% closure) or faster healing times, but confirmation requires access to full results.
Limitations
As a pilot registry study, limitations include lack of randomization, absence of a placebo/control group, and potential selection bias due to non-random sampling. The open-label design and reliance on registry data may reduce internal validity. Small sample size and short duration could limit generalizability. The summary does not specify funding sources or conflicts of interest, which may affect objectivity.
Clinical Relevance
For individuals with venous ulcers, this study suggests Centellicum® may support healing as an adjunct to standard care (e.g., compression therapy). However, the lack of detailed dosing, statistical metrics, and comparative data (e.g., vs. placebo) makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. The safety profile aligns with existing evidence on Gotu Kola. Larger randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to validate these preliminary findings and establish standardized dosing guidelines.
Note: The analysis is constrained by incomplete methodological details in the provided summary. Full interpretation requires access to primary data (e.g., sample demographics, statistical models, adverse event rates).
Original Study Reference
Improvement in venous ulcer closure and healing with Centellicum®.
Source: PubMed
Published: 2025-08-01
📄 Read Full Study (PMID: 40719428)
