• Toning influence on the central nervous system
• Supports creativity and mental functions
• Improves memory and cognitive functions
• Natural nootropic properties
• Reduces anxiety and neurosis
• Neuroprotective properties
• Fights bacteria, viruses and fungi
• Increases concentration skills
• Improves cerebral circulation
• Regenerates the nervous system
• Activates collagen synthesis
• Natural antidepressant
• Anti-inflammatory properties

Hepatica Gotu Kola is a dietary supplement which contains the highest quality extract from Centella asiatica, standardized for the content of biologically active compounds, triterpenes and asiaticosides.

Gotu kola (Asiatic pennywort, Centella asiatica) is one of the most popular adaptogenic plants; for centuries it has been used in the traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of bacterial infections. In recent years, the Gotu kola extracts have been successfully used to sooth nerves, enhance memory and relieve anxiety. Its complex chemical structure, particularly the presence of glycosides, pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins, phenols, vitamins and minerals, is responsible for the unique properties of the plant. The main pharmacologically active substances, for which supplements are standardized, are asiaticosides and triterpenes.

The improvement of mental health
The best documented and most common use of Gotu kola is associated with its impact on the central nervous system. The extracts of this plant are widely used in the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders as well as to reduce the negative effects of stress.

Madecassosides and asiaticosides, included in the above-ground parts of the plant, affect particular neuromodulators in the GABAergic system and cholecystokinin receptors (CCK receptors). Dysfunctions within the neurotransmitters of these systems are combined with the occurrence of anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Gotu kola shows smooth sedative properties, suppresses fear and anxiety. In the studies on the reactivity of the nervous system using the so-called startle reflex in response to a stimulus (ASR, acousting startle reflex), it has been demonstrated that Gotu kola effectively reduces the intensity of anxiety reaction.

Next to sedative and relax promoting properties, Gotu kola perfectly improves mood. It acts as an anti-depressant and does not cause any side effects. It effectively protects the nervous system from the negative effects of prolonged stress and, as an adaptogenic plant, supports the body system in adaptation to difficult conditions.

Improvement in cognitive functions
Gotu kola will be great in a period of increased intellectual effort. Sedatives effects if its extracts have no negative impact on the responsiveness or reflex. The ability to concentrate and focus remains at the highest level. Gotu kola helps to clear the mind, increases mental abilities and creativity as well as makes it easier to remember new information.

Gotu kola is a natural booster of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which is a protein responsible for the growth, health and lifetime of neurons. A higher level of BDNF can improve cognitive and intellectual functions. In the study, it has been proven that Gotu kola extracts increase the amount of dendrites and they promote the growth of axons in the brain, so that it clears the mind and significantly improves memory.

Neuroprotection
Protection of nerve cells against pathological changes is one of the core elements of maintaining the proper mental functions and efficiency as well as of the protection against neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.

Gotu kola shows multi-directional neuroprotective properties. It inhibits the action of enzymes that contribute to the destruction of neurons. It reduces oxidative stress and protects nerve cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. It prevents amyloid plaques from accumulation, which is the main cause of Alzheimer's disease.

Some research also suggests that Gotu kola affects the turnover of dopamine, which can be potentially neurotoxic in Parkinson's disease. Moreover, saponins contained in its leaves protect neurons from glutamic acid toxicity.

Health promoting properties
Gotu kola shows a great antioxidant potential. It contains kaempferol, quercetin and vitamin C, that is, the substances known for their antioxidant properties. Moreover, Gotu Kola increases the amount of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx). It also raises the level of the most important antioxidant, glutathione. Thanks to this it is much easier to maintain the oxidative balance and avoid many diseases induced by an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

In many parts of the world, the Gotu kola extracts are used to accelerate wound healing and increase the tensile strength of tissues treated. This is due to the improvement in collagen synthesis and stabilization of fibres. Compounds contained in Gotu kola stimulate the production of collagen type I, so that skin damage can heal faster. It also reduces the risk of unaesthetic scars. This effect is also used for aesthetic purposes; Gotu kola slows down the ageing of skin, smoothes fine lines and helps to eliminate cellulite.

Gotu kola has a positive influence on the health of blood vessels; it improves their tension and elasticity and protects the delicate endothelium lining of small vessels. It also improves lymph flow and peripheral circulation. Thanks to antiagregatic properties it prevents the formation of blood clots. Because of that, the supplements containing Gotu kola extracts are an important element of the cardiovascular disease prevention.

Antibacterial and antifungal properties of Gotu kola allow for the use of this plant to treat infections caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi and protozoa. These properties, combined with anti-inflammatory properties and the positive influence on skin, make Gotu kola an ideal therapeutic agent in the treatment of acne and other skin diseases.

To sum it all up, Gotu Kola is a natural supplement of a broad spectrum of therapeutic properties. It is recommended especially for physically and mentally tired people, complaining about the lack of concentration and memory problems. It will be also helpful in fight against bacterial infections. Because of its neuroprotective properties it can be a standard element in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.