Gotu kola, also known as pennywort, is a swamp plant that is sometimes used to treat respiratory infections, wounds, leg swelling, and other conditions. It is not related to the kola nut and contains no caffeine. But there is too little research on gotu kola to know if it works and there are safety questions, according to the American Cancer Society. Talk to your doctor before taking gotu kola.
Side Effects
Gotu kola rarely causes side effects at recommended doses, but the risk of problems increases if you take high doses, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Side effects include headache, indigestion, nausea, lightheadedness and sleepiness. If you take gotu kola topically to treat a wound or other skin condition, it may cause an allergic reaction that can lead to burning, itching or a rash.
Liver Risks
Gotu kola has been linked to a few cases of hepatitis, or swelling of the liver, reports the American Cancer Society. If you have liver disease or take medications that affect the liver, do not take gotu kola without consulting your doctor first. If you develop any symptoms of liver problems, get immediate medical care. The signs of liver problems include nausea, stomach pain, fever, appetite loss, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Other Risks
Some studies in mice have found that one chemical component of gotu kola may increase tumor growth, according to UMMC. As a precaution, don't use gotu kola lotions if you have had skin cancer or a precancerous skin lesion. Gotu kola may also increase sensitivity to the sun so you should use sunscreen when taking it. People who take high doses of gotu kola have experienced increased blood sugar and cholesterol levels, which could cause problems if you have diabetes or high cholesterol. If you have these conditions, talk to your doctor before taking gotu kola. Gotu kola seems to reduce fertility in mice but there isn't enough human research to know if this is a risk for people, according to the American Cancer Society. Avoid gotu kola if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, as its safety is unproven.
Interactions
Gotu kola may interact with some common medications in ways that could decrease your medication's effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects, according to UMMC. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking gotu kola if you take cholesterol-lowering drugs, diabetes medications, diuretics or water pills, sedatives, amiodarone, zileuton, acetaminophen, cancer drugs, tuberculosis drugs, birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, arthritis medications, ACE inhibitors, drugs to treat infections like antibiotics or antifungal drugs, AIDS drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, and seizure medications.
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