Gotu Kola and Microvascular Support
I always wanted an excuse to take Gotu Kola! Why did I need a reason? Because it is pricey and is also known as “Facelift in Pill-Form.” I finally got my wish several years ago when I had bleeding in my right retina. After a return evaluation at the Ophthalmologist’s office, the senior Physician asked me specifically what herbs I had used. My retina had healed wonderfully!
(TSA sarcastic note: I wanted to know how my skin looked!)
The use of Gotu Kola improves microcirculation ( in Type II Diabetes.)
· Cesarone MR et al. Evaluation of treatment of diabetic microangiopathy with total triterpenic fraction of Centella Asiatica: a clinical perspective randomized trial with a microcirculatory model. Angiology 2001; 52( Supplement2 ): S490-S54
· Laser Doppler flow (LDF) can allow the evaluation of superficial skin blood flow in the foot.
· Use of Gotu Kola triterpenes active chemical component) 120 mg/day over six months. (TSA note: I took twice this amount over three months.)
· Incandela L et al. Treatment of diabetic microangiopathy and edema with total triterpenic fraction of Centella: a prospective, placebo-controlled randomized study.Angiology 2001; 52(2): S27-31
· Gotu Kola triterpenes 60 mg twice daily for 12 months
Significant improvement in resting blood flow and other parameters was observed
· Fun Note: A friend of mine often asks me for ideas on different topics. Once, she asked me about skin care. Are there a lot of answers to that question? Yes! I told her about Gotu Kola, keeping my response brief. Several weeks later, she asked me how well the Gotu Kola had been helping her skin!!
· I intend to open a conversation with Q&A.
· My upcoming post will be on Ginko! Talk about controversy! We will!
Disclaimer: I am not offering healthcare advice unless you are my patient. Always seek the care of a knowledgeable practitioner. I am sharing some real-life stories of healing in the real world, including my own.
Below is part 1 of 4, Your EYES Only, in a grammatically correct form!
I promised you great information for your eyes. In running into time constraints, directing you to other posts (reposting) will be my strength. However, in the next few posts on EYES, I want to share the information I have studied and used with my patients. The following information on the herb Bilberry and upcoming posts on Gotu Kola and Ginko are from a seminar by Kerry Bone. Every so often, Associate Professor Kerry Bone, whom many consider to be among the top medical herbalists in the world, comes to the United States to lecture. The following is information he shared
Remember, my posts should be brief and packed with information you can use!
Today, we are going to talk about Bilberry. Bilberry is outstanding for use in the microcirculation of the eyes. It is beneficial for people with diabetes and anyone having issues with microcirculation, which is the circulation in the smaller vessels of the body.
· In uncontrolled trials, Bilberry supported patients’ capillary function. 1,2
· It reduced the microcirculatory changes induced in several different situations. 3
· In a placebo-controlled trial, taking Bilberry for 12 months improved retinol health. 1
· In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 14 patients with retinal challenge received Bilberry or placebo for one month.
· Significant improvements were observed in 77-to 99% of treated patients. 2
Dr. Bone’s Core protocol included Medi-Herb Bilberry Forte :(120 mg 39.9 mg) 3-4 per day.
(TSA note: Disclosure re Kerry Bone is the co-founder and Director of Research & Development of Medi-Herb)
*In my opinion and based on analytical data, Medi-Herb is the best of the herbs produced commercially. Gaia herbs are also excellent herbs. In my next post, I will share how to get herbs that have not been damaged via the shipping methods of large online companies.
Piovella C, Curry BS, Piovella et al. Therapia Angiol 1979; 35: 119
Carmignani G. Lotto Contro Tuberce Malat Polm Sociali 1983; 53:732-736
Orsucci PL, Rossi M, Sabbitini G et al. Clin Oculo; 4 377-381
Repossi P, Magagola R, de Cadihac C. Ottalmo Clin Ocul 1987; 113(4): 357-361
Perossini M, Guidi G, Cheillini S et al Ann Ottalmol Clin Ocul 1987;113(12): 1173-1190
(TSA Notes): Bilberries have always been appreciated
For their delicious taste. It was in the 16th century that bilberries became widely known to medical herbalists. Bilberry potions became widely used to ease digestive, gastrointestinal, and urinary complaints. The berries were also traditionally used to support the normal function of the eyes and especially blood vessel health.
The British Royal Air Force pilots also used the berries during WW II to support normal, healthy vision, especially at night. The key constituents of Bilberries were found to be anthocyanosides. These are what give many fruits the characteristic blue-black color.
Approximate Plant Values of anthocyanosides content (100 mg / 100g )
Bilberries (300-700)
Pomegranate (620)
Cherries (350-400)
Raspberries (365)
Acai Berries (320)
Blueberries (120-301)
Blackberries (137)
Strawberries (65)
In summary:
Bilberry is used to maintain healthy eyes, provide antioxidant support, promote vascular integrity, help maintain the health of capillaries (microcirculation), and support healthy connective tissue (collagen).
Clinical Pearl: instead of using a drink with artificial sweeteners or sugar, try using a small amount of bilberry powder in healthy water. It is a delicious means to get Bilberry into your body, especially for those tired of taking pills. I am warning you, however, that bilberry powder can be messy!