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Most of the human studies (on Chronic Venous Insufficiency) on this herb have used a centella asiatica supplement two to three times a day, and at each dose the total saponin dose (asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and madecassoside) has totalled 30-60 mg given a total daily range of 60-180 mg total saponins.
While there are currently no human studies on cognitive enhancement, rat studies have noted success with 200-300 mg per kilogram of the overall plant extract (since the saponins may not be the only active ingredient for cognition); this suggests a human dose of 32-48 mg/kg and thus:
- • 2,100-3,300 mg for a 150 lb person
- • 2,900-4,400 mg for a 200 lb person
- • 3,600-5,500 mg for a 250 lb person
The above dosages ranges are but estimates for cognitive enhancement. Currently, 500 mg of centella asiatica twice daily has shown anxiety reducing effects in humans and 750 mg of a 5% asiaticoside extract has enhanced mood state; while these doses are active on the cognition, it is not yet demonstrated if they are the dose needed to boost learning. *
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
ADULTS
BY MOUTH:
- For poor circulation that can lead to varicose veins and other conditions (venous insufficiency): 60-180 mg of gotu kola extract daily has been used.
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
- For burns: A cream containing 3% gotu kola, applied to the burns daily, has been used until the burns heal. A gauze dressing containing 5% gotu kola and 2.5% aloe vera, wrapped around the burns and changed every 3 days, has been used until the burns heal. *
Gotu kola is available in numerous doseforms, including capsules, creams, powders, liquids, and teas. Commercial manufacturers list numerous dosage regimens for gotu kola.
The recommended daily dose of titrated extracts of C. asiatica standardized for asiaticoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid is 60 to 120 mg.
Topical formulations and C. asiatica extracts at various concentrations have been used in clinical trials evaluating its dermatological and wound healing effects. In a clinical trial of diabetic patients, 2 capsules of C. asiatica extract (50 mg of asiaticoside per capsule) taken 3 times a day resulted in improved wound healing and reduced scar formation compared to placebo.
In clinical studies of patients with venous hypertension or diabetic microangiopathy, 60 mg of TTFCA 2 to 3 times daily (treatment duration, 4 weeks to 6 months) has been used.
The pharmacokinetics of the total triterpene fraction of gotu kola have been studied after single- and multiple-dose administration to healthy volunteers. Using a high-pressure liquid chromatography procedure for detection of asiatic acid, researchers found that after multiple-dose administration (2 doses), peak plasma concentration, area under the curve, and half-life were higher than those observed after single-dose administration. Pharmacokinetic studies have also been conducted in animals. Bioavailability of both madecassoside and asiaticoside are increased when given in a standardized gotu kola extract, compared to when given as sole ingredients. *
