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. It has been valued as a "brain tonic" and is believed to promote calmness, mental clarity, and emotional balance. Within these traditions, gotu kola has been used as a remedy for anxiety, stress, and occasionally depression, although its primary use has more often been for cognitive enhancement and wound healing.

Scientific evidence supporting gotu kola specifically for depression is limited. A few small clinical studies and animal models suggest possible mood-stabilizing and anxiolytic effects, which could indirectly benefit depressive symptoms. For example, a 2016 randomized controlled trial found improvements in stress and anxiety, but not robust effects on depression. The plant contains compounds like asiaticoside and madecassoside, which may exert neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects relevant to mood regulation. However, these mechanisms and their impact on depression in humans remain largely speculative.

Overall, the use of gotu kola for depression is primarily justified by traditional use rather than robust clinical evidence. Most scientific studies focus on anxiety or cognitive function, with depression often assessed secondarily or not at all. Therefore, while there is a historical precedent for its use in mood-related disorders, modern validation for depression specifically is weak, meriting a low evidence score.

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Nature's Sunshine Dieter's Cleanse
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Nature's Sunshine Men's Formula (With Lycopene)
Nature's Sunshine Mind-Max
Nature's Sunshine PS II
Nature's Sunshine SF
Nature's Sunshine SUMA (Combination)