Evidence supporting the use of: Gotu kola
For the health condition: Capillary Weakness

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Synopsis

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

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, for supporting vascular health and wound healing. In the context of capillary weakness, its modern use is increasingly supported by scientific studies. Gotu kola contains triterpenoid saponins, particularly asiaticoside and madecassoside, which are believed to enhance collagen synthesis and strengthen the connective tissue that forms the capillary walls. This action is thought to improve the integrity and tone of microvasculature, thereby reducing capillary fragility.

Clinical studies, especially those focusing on chronic venous insufficiency, have demonstrated that standardized extracts of gotu kola (notably titrated extract of Centella asiatica, or TECA) can reduce symptoms such as edema, ankle swelling, and the feeling of heaviness in the legs. Several randomized controlled trials suggest that gotu kola improves microcirculatory parameters, including capillary filtration rate and capillary permeability. For example, a 1990s study in Angiology found that patients treated with gotu kola extract showed significant reduction in capillary permeability and improvement in microcirculatory symptoms compared to placebo.

While the majority of studies have focused on chronic venous insufficiency rather than isolated capillary fragility, the underlying mechanisms are relevant. Thus, evidence supporting gotu kola for capillary weakness is moderate (rating: 3), with both traditional use and emerging scientific validation, but more high-quality research specifically targeting capillary fragility is warranted.

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