Evidence supporting the use of: Gotu kola
For the health condition: Nervous Exhaustion

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 3

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) has a long-standing history in traditional medicine systems, especially in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it is used for conditions described as “nervous exhaustion,” “neurasthenia,” or general mental fatigue. Traditional healers have recommended gotu kola as a “brain tonic” to enhance memory, reduce anxiety, and aid recovery from stress and fatigue. The concept of “nervous exhaustion” was more prevalent in 19th and early 20th century Western medicine, and while not a formal modern diagnosis, it corresponds to symptoms of chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout-like states.

Scientifically, there is moderate evidence that gotu kola may help with anxiety and cognitive function. Some small clinical trials and animal studies suggest that extracts of gotu kola can reduce anxiety and improve mood, possibly due to modulation of neurotransmitter systems and antioxidant activity. However, direct evidence specifically addressing “nervous exhaustion” as a clinical entity is lacking, and most modern studies focus on related conditions like anxiety, stress, and cognitive impairment. Overall, while some scientific evidence supports its traditional uses, the majority of justification for using gotu kola for nervous exhaustion is rooted in historical practice rather than strong clinical validation.

More about gotu kola
More about Nervous Exhaustion