Gotu Kola

Gotu kola activates the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that acts like fertilizer for your brain, encouraging new brain cell formation.
In this way, it works similarly to the “other brahmi,”
Gotu kola also increases nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein which stimulates the growth of new nerve cells and safeguards existing ones.

GOTU KOLA INCREASES BLOOD FLOW
Gotu kola is well regarded for its ability to improve circulation.
This is important because maintaining optimal brain circulation is one of the most important things you can do to keep your brain healthy and fit.
A steady and sufficient flow of blood to the brain delivers life-giving oxygen and nutrients and removes toxins and metabolic waste.

GOTU KOLA PROTECTS THE BRAIN FROM DAMAGE
Most plants have some antioxidant capacity, but gotu kola excels as a neuroprotective antioxidant.

Gotu kola protects the brain from damage incurred by the assaults of everyday life.

Gotu kola protects the brain from the harmful effects of free radicals.
Free radical damage, also known as oxidative stress, occurs when unattached oxygen molecules attack cells, in much the same way that these molecules attack metal, causing it to rust.
Antioxidants neutralize damaging free radicals, rendering them harmless.

GOTU KOLA ALLEVIATES STRESS, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION
By bringing brain chemicals into balance, gotu kola can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression.

Gotu kola increases levels of the feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, and reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Additionally, gotu kola protects the brain from inflammation.
Chronic inflammation of the brain is now thought to be an underlying cause of depression.
In human studies, gotu kola increased calmness, contentedness, and alertness and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
It has been shown to lower symptoms of anxiety and stress in those with generalized anxiety disorder.

Gotu kola significantly reduces the startle response caused by sudden noises within 30-60 minutes after ingestion.
Since the acoustic startle response is a reliable way to tell if someone is anxious, this is another indicator that this herb may be useful for treating anxiety.
GOTU KOLA HELPS YOU SLEEP
Getting adequate sleep is one of the best things you can do for your brain.
Chronic insomnia is a common modern malady, but the usual solution, sleep medication, is a bad idea since it robs you of restorative sleep and can cause significant memory loss.

Gotu kola has been used as a natural sleep aid for thousands of years.
Traditionally, gotu kola tea is sweetened with a little honey as an Ayurvedic remedy for insomnia.

GOTU KOLA IMPROVES MEMORY AND MOOD IN ALZHEIMER’S PATIENTS
Gotu kola can enhance mood and cognition in both healthy seniors and those with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s patients have significantly reduced levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter strongly associated with memory and learning.
Alzheimer’s drugs like Aricept work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine.
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Triterpenes, steroid precursors found in gotu kola, are beneficial for Alzheimer’s in two ways.
Much like Aricept, these compounds inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine.
They also prevent the formation of amyloid plaques that accumulate in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
VITAMIN E + GOTU KOLA: A BRAIN-ENHANCING DUO
Vitamin E is known mostly as a heart-healthy vitamin, but it’s equally important for your brain.
This fat-soluble vitamin slows down age-related mental decline, particularly when paired with vitamin C.
When taken together, “E + C” is linked to memory improvement and a reduced risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia.