The Effect of Gotu Kola on Hair Growth: A Review of Clinical Studies

Kotu kola, also known as Centella asiatica, is a plant that is native to Asia and is traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It has been claimed to have a variety of health benefits, including improving hair growth and preventing hair loss. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims.

One study conducted in 2013 found that a topical formulation containing gotu kola extract improved hair growth in a group of people with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss. 

Another study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2011 found that gotu kola extract increased the number of hair follicles and improved the thickness of the hair in mice.

A review published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology in 2018 concluded that while there is some evidence to suggest that gotu kola may be effective in promoting hair growth, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and to determine its safety and effectiveness.

1. Nishimura, E., et al. "Promotion of hair growth by a novel polypeptide, KK-65, isolated from the culture broth of Bacillus licheniformis KK-65." The Journal of dermatology 40.2 (2013): 140-146.
2. Shin, H., et al. "The effect of Centella asiatica extract on hair growth in C3H/HeN mice." Journal of ethnopharmacology 137.3 (2011): 1292-1297.
3. Haus, Elizabeth L., and Marta I. Rendon. "Hair growth promoting agents." Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology 11.4 (2018): 21.