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Friday, May 29, 2009

Gotu Kola's Chemical constituents VII of IX

Gotu kola is often confused with kola nut. Due to this confusion, some people assume the rejuvenating properties of Goto kola are due to the stimulating effects of caffeine contained in Kola nut. In fact Gotu kola is not related to Kola nut and contains no caffeine.

There are 3 main chemicalconstituents of Gotu kola:

1. asiaticoside - triterpene glycoside and classified as an antibiotic. It
aids in wound healing, used in the treatment of leprosy and tuber-
culosis in the Far East.

2. brahmoside and brahminoside - which are saponin glycosides. Diuretic in nature and have slightly sedative action inlarge doses.

3. madecassoside - a glycoside that is strong anti-inflammatory agent.

Be aware, the plant is also a source of Vitamin K, magnesium, calcium and sodium.

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