Gotu Kola (scientific name Centella asiatica) is a perennial plant that grows in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. The plant has been used in traditional medicine, primarily in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, for thousands of years, and has gained renewed popularity in recent years due to its active compounds. One intriguing claim that has emerged is a possible connection between the plant and telomeres, a central mechanism in the aging process. In this article, we will examine what the research really shows and what has not yet been proven.

Note on the name: Gotu Kola is sometimes called "Brahmi," but this is a confusing name. In most contexts, "Brahmi" actually refers to a completely different plant, Bacopa monnieri, and in different parts of India, the name is attributed to either of the two plants. To avoid confusion, we will use the precise scientific name here: Centella asiatica.

What are telomeres, and why are they important:

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences located at the ends of chromosomes. They function as a protective cap that safeguards genetic information and enables normal cell division. With each cell division, telomeres shorten slightly, and when they become too short, the cell stops dividing. Telomere shortening is one of the biological markers of aging and has been linked in epidemiological studies to age-related diseases. An enzyme called telomerase can lengthen telomeres anew, but its activity is low in most adult body cells.

What the research on Gotu Kola and telomeres actually found:

The study cited in this context is a laboratory (in vitro) study by Tsoukalas and colleagues, published in 2019 in the journal Molecular Medicine Reports. The study tested various natural compounds on cultured human blood cells (white blood cells). An extract of Centella asiatica (a formulation called 08AGTLF) increased telomerase enzyme activity by approximately 8.8-fold compared to untreated cells, which was among the highest increases reported at that time.

It is important to understand what this finding means and what it does not mean. The study measured telomerase activity in cultured cells, not actual lengthening of telomeres, and certainly not in living humans. Increased telomerase activity in a test tube is an interesting signal, but it is far from proof that consuming Gotu Kola lengthens telomeres in the body. The common phrasing that "a 2016 study found that Gotu Kola lengthened telomeres in human cells" is inaccurate: the study was published in 2019, and what was measured was enzyme activity, not telomere length.

What about human studies:

It is sometimes claimed that a human study showed that a supplement containing Gotu Kola lengthened telomeres. This is a misleading presentation of the evidence. The only human study that measured telomere length in this context is a study by Praengam and colleagues from 2024, published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that included 32 adults aged 50 to 65 who took a supplement for 8 weeks.

But there is a crucial point here: the supplement did not contain Gotu Kola alone, but rather a mixture of five edible plants: black sesame, guava, mangosteen, Centella asiatica leaves, and soy protein. In the group that took the mixture, a significant increase in telomere length was measured (from approximately 6313 to 6655 base pairs), along with an improvement in plasma antioxidant capacity. Since this is a mixture of five components, the result cannot be attributed to Gotu Kola. There is currently no human study that has shown that Gotu Kola alone lengthens telomeres, and certainly not a 12-week study on the subject.

Possible mechanism:

The mechanism through which Centella asiatica might affect the telomere and telomerase system is not fully understood. One hypothesis is that compounds in the plant, such as asiaticoside and madecassoside, may influence the expression of genes related to telomere maintenance by increasing telomerase activity. Another hypothesis is that the plant provides antioxidant protection: oxidative stress accelerates telomere shortening, so antioxidants may indirectly slow the process. Both hypotheses still require confirmation, and a mechanistic explanation is not a substitute for proving a clinical outcome.

What is still missing:

To establish a substantive claim about Gotu Kola and telomeres in humans, clinical studies are needed that examine the plant alone (not in a mixture), in large groups, over time, with direct measurement of telomere length and real health outcomes. As of now, the evidence is only preliminary: one laboratory signal of increased telomerase activity and one human study on a multi-herb mixture. This is very far from the claim that Gotu Kola "extends lifespan" or "prevents chronic diseases." Such claims are not supported by research.

The more established uses of Gotu Kola:

Wound healing and skin health: This is one of the most researched and relatively established uses of the plant. The compounds asiaticoside and madecassoside have been linked to promoting collagen production and improving wound healing, and plant extracts are used in many skincare products.
Cognitive function and anxiety: In traditional medicine, the plant was used to improve memory and for calming. There are preliminary studies examining cognitive effects and anxiety relief, but the evidence is still limited and inconclusive.
Preliminary neurological research: There are early studies, mostly in the lab and in animal models, examining the neuroprotective effects of the plant in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. It is important to emphasize: these are only preliminary studies, and this is not a proven or approved treatment for diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. Gotu Kola should not be considered a treatment for any disease.
Safety: Gotu Kola is considered relatively safe for short-term use, but side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur, and in rare cases, liver damage. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with liver disease, and individuals with sensitivity to plants in this family should avoid use or consult a doctor.
Dosage: The dosage varies depending on the form of consumption (extract, powder, tablets) and the purpose. It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking the supplement, especially in combination with other medications.

Summary:

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is a traditional medicinal plant with a long history of use and interesting active compounds. Its connection to telomeres currently rests on only preliminary evidence: a 2019 laboratory study showing increased telomerase activity in cultured human blood cells, and a 2024 human study that used a mixture of five plants (not Gotu Kola alone). There is currently no evidence that Gotu Kola alone lengthens telomeres in humans, extends lifespan, or prevents chronic diseases. The promises on this topic are running far ahead of the science. The more established uses of the plant remain the traditional ones: wound healing, skin health, and cognitive support, and even these require further research.

Sources:

Tsoukalas D. et al. (2019), "Discovery of potent telomerase activators: Unfolding new therapeutic and anti-aging perspectives", Molecular Medicine Reports, discovery of natural telomerase activators (including Centella asiatica extract) in cultured human cells: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6755196/
Praengam K. et al. (2024), "Efficacy of a dietary supplement derived from five edible plants on telomere length in Thai adults", Food Science & Nutrition, randomized placebo-controlled study on a mixture of five plants (including Centella asiatica) and telomere length: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10916585/