Evidence supporting the use of: Gotu kola
For the body system: Hair

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. While it is primarily known for its cognitive, wound healing, and circulatory benefits, some traditional practices also recommend it to support hair health. The rationale is typically based on its reputed ability to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation, both of which are thought to contribute indirectly to a healthy scalp and hair growth. Historical Ayurvedic texts mention gotu kola as a "rejuvenative" herb, sometimes included in formulations to address premature hair loss and promote hair strength.

From a scientific perspective, direct evidence linking gotu kola to hair growth or hair health in humans is limited. A few laboratory and animal studies have indicated that extracts of gotu kola may stimulate collagen production and possess antioxidant properties, which could theoretically support scalp health. However, robust clinical trials in humans specifically evaluating hair growth or quality are lacking. Thus, while traditional use for hair support exists, scientific validation remains weak, and current evidence does not strongly support its efficacy for this specific purpose.

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