Tiger Herb / Gotu Kola

Gotu kola, also known as “tiger herb,” is a plant belonging to the parsley family. It originates from the Asian continent and has been a staple in traditional Ayurvedic, Indonesian, and Chinese medicines for a considerable period. This plant thrives in and around water and is characterized by its lack of taste and odor.

Renowned as the “herb of longevity” by ancient cultures, it boasts a wide array of therapeutic properties. Legend has it that an ancient Chinese herbalist lived for over 200 years thanks to gotu kola. In the realm of medicine, it finds applications in treating various conditions, including wounds, burns, insomnia, diarrhea, fatigue, anxiety, and skin ailments.

However, in the context of alopecia, gotu kola remains relatively obscure. You’re unlikely to come across it in shampoos, hair supplements, or elixirs.

Is it effective against hair loss?

When it comes to the relationship between gotu kola and hair, there is significant evidence to suggest its potential effectiveness.

Based on my research, here’s how turmeric could impact hair loss:

Tiger Herb can reduce oxidative stress and enhance cognitive functions.

Let’s begin with the plant’s antioxidant properties.

As you may know, excessive oxidation plays a role in hair loss. This process, referred to as oxidative stress, causes damage to cells in affected areas.

Numerous studies have indicated that individuals with alopecia often exhibit higher levels of oxidation and inflammation in their scalp.

Reducing this oxidative stress can be extremely valuable in the battle against hair loss.

In a scientific study conducted by M. H. Verendra Kumar and Y. K. Gupta in India, gotu kola was found to be effective in reducing oxidative stress and enhancing cognitive functions.

During the study, rats were injected with streptozotocin to impair their brain functions and induce severe oxidative stress. After 21 days, the rats were examined after being euthanized. It was discovered that the group of rats treated with gotu kola extract exhibited significantly better parameters related to oxidative stress and cognitive decline when compared to the placebo group.

This study demonstrates that gotu kola is an effective treatment in preventing oxidative damage and cognitive decline.

Another study supports these findings. It was conducted on mice subjected to prolonged swimming in water to induce stress and depression.

The group of mice given triterpenes extracted from gotu kola displayed reduced immobility duration and more balanced amino acid levels. This suggests an antidepressant effect associated with triterpene administration.

There are numerous studies that provide substantial evidence of gotu kola’s effectiveness in protecting and improving cognitive functions, but listing them all would be extensive (source) (source) (source) (source) (source).

Tiger Herb can alleviate venous insufficiency.

Venous insufficiency results from damage to the walls of veins, leading to inadequate blood return to the heart. This condition causes blood to pool in the lower extremities, resulting in feelings of heaviness and discomfort. While this phenomenon is more visibly evident in the legs, it can occur more subtly in other parts of the body.

Now, let’s explore the connection between venous insufficiency and hair loss. If you’re dealing with this issue, even to a mild degree, it can impede blood circulation throughout your body. Consequently, your organs and hair receive fewer nutrients and oxygen through the bloodstream.

This presents a problem because androgenetic hair loss already involves a reduction in the size of veins at the follicular level.

At this point, gotu kola can be a valuable ally as numerous studies suggest that it effectively reduces venous insufficiency and strengthens weakened veins (source) (source) (source).

Possesses anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties

Inflammation is the body’s immune response mechanism that gets triggered when the body experiences any form of attack, such as an infection, irritation, muscle strain, or injury.

Interestingly, almost all types of alopecia are characterized by chronic inflammation in the scalp, and reducing this inflammation has been shown to be effective in mitigating hair loss (source).

Gotu kola, like many other plants, possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, one study also suggests that it has the capacity to reduce pain sensitivity.

In this context, the study indicates that the plant harbors notably potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Another study investigated the effects of gotu kola on mice suffering from chronic kidney disease. The results were conclusive, demonstrating that gotu kola effectively reduces inflammation associated with this condition.

About hair growth stimulation

So far, we’ve discussed how gotu kola can reduce hair loss through its various properties, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant attributes, as well as its ability to strengthen and repair weakened veins.

However, we haven’t yet touched on any scientific studies conducted on individuals with alopecia or even on mice.

My research led me to a single study conducted in India by Ritu Jain and her colleagues. In this study, scientists examined the effects of certain plants on hair growth in albino rats.

They tested extracts from five different plants, both individually and in a combination of all five plants in a single mixture. The comparison was made against a placebo group and a group using 5% Minoxidil. The study lasted for 45 days.

Here are the results they obtained, with Centella asiatica being the Latin botanical name for gotu kola:

Hair length:

Hair density:

Serum protein levels:

Upon reviewing these result tables, it’s clear that gotu kola (Centella asiatica) falls behind 5% Minoxidil and the formula with all extracts combined (polyherbal hydroalcoholic extract).

Nevertheless, when compared to the control group (vehicle, with no application), the results are encouraging. This suggests that gotu kola is effective in stimulating hair growth, although there are more potent options available. Additionally, its effects on androgenetic alopecia remain unknown.

Closing thoughts and verdict

Gotu kola could prove to be effective in addressing hair loss, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, its ability to repair and strengthen weakened veins can aid in improving blood circulation for certain individuals.

I recommend considering the addition of gotu kola to your dietary supplements if you’re experiencing issues related to stress, anxiety, depression, or venous insufficiency and are looking to tackle hair loss. It’s also a compelling option for those who wish to enhance their cognitive functions while simultaneously addressing hair loss.

It’s important to note that if you’re dealing with androgenetic alopecia, the results from gotu kola alone may be limited. It may not serve as a standalone treatment but could potentially complement the effectiveness of other hair loss treatments.

Precautions & side effects

• Possibilité de réaction allergique chez certaines personnes.
• Peut causer des maux d’estomac, la nausée, une sensibilité au soleil (photosensibilité), des démangeaisons.
• À très fortes doses, peut causer la somnolence, l’hypercholestérolémie, l’hyperglycémie, l’hypertension, l’hypertriglycéridémie.
• Peut interagir avec certains médicaments, consultez un médecin avant d’entamer la prise d’herbe du tigre.
• Le gotu kola peut causer des dommages au foie. Les personnes qui ont déjà une maladie du foie devraient éviter d’utiliser du gotu kola. Cela pourrait aggraver leur situation.
• Le gotu kola peut provoquer une somnolence excessive s’il est associé à des médicaments utilisés pendant et après une intervention chirurgicale. Il est recommandé d’arrêter l’utilisation de gotu kola au moins 2 semaines avant une intervention chirurgicale planifiée.