Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)

Tier 3 — weak evidence · Adaptogen · Cognition · Wound healing

A small herbaceous plant with a long history in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese practice for memory, anxiety, and skin healing. The active triterpenoids (asiaticoside, madecassoside) have moderate evidence for venous insufficiency and topical wound healing, with smaller-scale evidence for cognitive endpoints in older adults. Standardised extracts (typically 30–40% asiaticosides) are what trials use; raw powdered material varies enormously in active content. Generally well tolerated; avoid in pregnancy due to insufficient data.

Dose: 500–1,000 mg/day standardised extract (or 60–120 mg titrated triterpene fraction)