Anti-aging Benefits Of Gotu Kola

Gotu kola is a small perennial creeping plant native to India. Gotu kola has been used since ancient times in Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Current scientific research shows that gotu kola may help protect against some of the outcomes of the aging process. However, consult with your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure any condition with gotu kola.

Alzheimer's Disease

Gotu kola may protect against Alzheimer's disease, according to some research. Gotu kola was found to protect against the formation of plaque in vitro in an experimental model for Alzheimer's, in a study published in 2009 in "Phytotherapy Research." One of the pathways of Alzheimer's disease involves the buildup of plaque along the walls of the arteries.

Mood Disorders

Gotu kola may help improve age-related mood disorders. As the brain ages, it naturally becomes more prone to degeneration, leaving older adults more susceptible to mood disorders like depression. A study published in March 2008 in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" found that supplementation with gotu kola improved self-ratings of mood of a group of healthy, elderly adults.

Free Radicals

Gotu kola has been found to contain antioxidants, according to the findings of a study published in 2007 in "Food Chemistry." Antioxidants are an important part of the anti-aging process, because they protect cells of the body from damaging compounds called free radicals. Free radical damage is what accumulates over time and contributes to what is often referred to as the "natural aging process."

Skin

Applied topically, gotu kola may help reverse some signs of skin aging. Gotu kola possesses several characteristics that benefit skin health. It promotes collagen synthesis, according to an article published in June 2009 in "Flavour Fragrance Cosmetics." Collagen is a group of proteins that are needed to keep the skin firm and therefore help prevent wrinkling. As the skin ages, collagen synthesis decreases. Gotu kola is also an antibacterial and an anti-inflammatory when applied to the skin. The researchers note that gotu kola has been found to be effective in a number of product types such as after-sun lotions, anti-aging and wound and scar care products.