6 health benefits of pennywort

SKĐS - Considered a wild vegetable, pennywort actually contains many biological compounds with the potential to treat the whole body.

Gotu kola is also known as tich tuyet thao, phanok (Vientian), rachiek kranh (Cambodia). Scientific name: Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., (Hydrocotyle asiatica L. Trisanthus cochinchinensis Lour.); belongs to the family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae).

In Oriental medicine, gotu kola has a sweet, slightly bitter taste, cool properties, and its main uses are to clear heat, detoxify, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, hemostatic and blood circulation. Modern medicine has also conducted research on gotu kola and discovered the potential health benefits of this herb.

1. Potential uses of gotu kola

Content

• 1. Potential uses of gotu kola
• 1.1 Gotu kola supports memory and cognitive function
• 1.2 Support skin health
• 1.3 Support stress management
• 1.4 Circulatory support
• 1.5 Supports healthy aging
• 1.6 Supports strengthening joints and muscles
• 2. Does gotu kola have side effects?
• 3. Who should avoid using pennywort?

1.1 Gotu kola supports memory and cognitive function

The potential effects of gotu kola on brain health have been explored in animal and test-tube studies. In these studies, the active compounds in gotu kola, particularly triterpenoids, have demonstrated antioxidant properties, which may help control oxidative stress in the brain. Oxidative stress is a factor in the development and progression of neurodegenerative conditions.

Additionally, research shows that gotu kola extract may support brain health by protecting against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and enhancing neural connectivity. These effects suggest the herb’s potential to promote brain health.

Additionally, some human studies have explored the effects of gotu kola on memory and cognitive function in humans.

Gotu kola has the potential to support cognition and improve memory.

1.2 Support skin health

The potential benefits of gotu kola for skin health may be due to its triterpenoid content, particularly asiaticoside and asiatic acid. When skin is damaged or stressed, inflammation and oxidative stress are common challenges. Triterpenoids in gotu kola act as antioxidants, which may help control oxidative stress and support the body’s natural healing process.

Collagen - a structural protein abundant in the skin, essential for skin strength and elasticity. Triterpenoids may support the production of type I collagen, which aids in the formation of new skin tissue and promotes skin health.

1.3 Support stress management

Some studies suggest that gotu kola may have a calming effect by affecting GABA synthesis. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in calming the nervous system.

Many medications for anxiety, stress, and insomnia work by increasing the effects of GABA in the brain. One study, involving 40 participants, found that high doses of gotu kola improved the startle response, a common reaction to stress and anxiety.

1.4 Circulatory support

Research has shown that triterpenoids in gotu kola can support vascular health and reduce capillary permeability. These effects may contribute to improved venous tone, reducing leakage of blood and fluid into surrounding tissues, addressing key issues in venous insufficiency and circulation.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that using gotu kola for venous insufficiency at doses of 60–120 mg daily for 4–8 weeks can support microcirculatory parameters and reduce ankle swelling.

1.5 Supports healthy aging

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are factors that contribute to premature and unhealthy aging. Gotu kola contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that can help control cell-damaging free radicals by reducing oxidative stress and skin inflammation.

Gotu kola’s role in promoting collagen synthesis and microcirculation also offers potential anti-aging benefits. Collagen and healthy blood flow maintain skin firmness and elasticity, ensuring skin cells receive an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients, while also preventing inflammation.

1.6 Supports strengthening joints and muscles

The anti-inflammatory properties of gotu kola may help support joint and muscle comfort. Animal models have demonstrated the herb’s ability to influence pro-inflammatory cytokines and pain pathways.

These findings suggest the potential of using gotu kola in supporting conditions related to joint and muscle comfort.

2. Does gotu kola have side effects?

Although rare, high doses of gotu kola can cause side effects such as dizziness, excessive drowsiness, headache, nausea, and stomach pain. Additionally, topical forms of gotu kola can cause skin-related side effects such as allergic reactions and burning sensations.

Serious allergic reactions can occur with any medicine, including gotu kola. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, itching, and rash.

Although gotu kola is not toxic to the liver in healthy people, it even has the effect of cooling the liver and detoxifying. However, gotu kola can harm the liver if used in excess or in people with existing liver disease. People with liver disease should consult a doctor before using gotu kola to avoid making the condition worse.

People with liver disease should be careful when using pennywort.

3. Who should avoid using pennywort?

The following cases should be cautious when using pennywort:

Severe allergic reaction: If you have a severe allergy to gotu kola or any of the ingredients, you should absolutely not use it.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Information on the use of gotu kola during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited. Therefore, to use gotu kola safely, consult your doctor before use.

Children: Gotu kola is not recommended for use in children.

Adults over 65 years: Older people are sometimes more sensitive to the side effects of medications. For this reason, use gotu kola with caution and start with a low dose.

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/6-loi-ich-suc-khoe-cua-rau-ma-16925112512142319.htm