Plant atlas Short
Gotu Kola's Memory Trial Didn't Hold Up
Gotu Kola · ใบบัวบก · Centella asiatica
Gotu Kola — ใบบัวบก (bai-bua-bok) — Centella asiatica.
In one small controlled trial, older adults who took gotu kola extract improved on a working-memory task, though a later research review found no clear cognitive benefit overall. The study tested an extract, while Thai cooking uses the leaves. Those leaves provide beta-carotene, vitamin C, and calcium. Yum Bai Bua Bok tosses them with shrimp, pork, and lime-chili dressing; Nam Bai Bua Bok blends them into a chilled green drink. Avoid concentrated gotu kola supplements during pregnancy. Follow Longevity Biome for a new Thai plant every day.
Yum Bai Bua Bok — ยำใบบัวบก (yam-bai-bua-bok)
Nam Bai Bua Bok — น้ำใบบัวบก (nam-bai-bua-bok)
Source: Wattanathorn J et al. (2008). Cognition & mood in healthy elderly with Centella asiatica. J Ethnopharmacol 116(2):325-32. DOI:10.1016/j.jep.2007.11.038 (PMID 18191355)
Educational content, not medical advice! Consult your doctor before changing diet or medication.
#LongevityBiome #ThaiHerbs #GotuKola
Food and nutrients
Rich in: vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, calcium
Research context
Gotu kola improved working memory in a randomized trial of older adults — J Ethnopharmacology, 2008