Evidence supporting the use of: Gotu kola
For the health condition: Psoriasis

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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, especially in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is valued for its supposed ability to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and improve skin conditions. In the context of psoriasis, gotu kola has been traditionally used to soothe irritated skin and support skin regeneration, owing to its active compounds such as triterpenoids (asiaticoside and madecassoside), which are thought to modulate inflammation and aid tissue repair.

However, the scientific evidence specifically supporting gotu kola for psoriasis is limited. Most studies focus on its general wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties, often in the context of burns, minor wounds, or non-specific dermatitis rather than psoriasis. Some small-scale studies and animal research suggest that extracts of gotu kola may reduce inflammation and promote healing, but there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials directly assessing its effectiveness for psoriatic lesions. Thus, while gotu kola’s use for psoriasis is primarily rooted in tradition and its general skin-healing reputation, scientific validation remains weak for this specific condition.

In summary, gotu kola is used for psoriasis mainly due to traditional practices and extrapolation from its general skin benefits, but robust clinical evidence for its effectiveness in treating psoriasis is lacking.

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