Benefits And Side effects of Gotu Kola (Mandukaparni)
Herbs have been used in India for centuries. These natural drugs are considered capable of preventing and reducing the effects of every important and minor problem associated with the human body. One such herb is Manimuni. This article offers necessary information about Manimuni.
Before we know about the benefits of Manimuni, let us know what is Manimuni?
What is Manimuni?
- Manimuni has been used as medicine for early times.
- Plant family- Apiaceae
- Scientific name- Centella Asiatica
Manimuni has other names, such as- mandukaparni, jal Brahmi, gotukola, Brahma Manduki, Kodangal, Karivana, Saraswati Aku, Vauari, Manduki, Darduracchada, Jholkhuri, Thalkuri, Thankuni, Indian Pennywort, Khodabrahmi, Khadbhrammi, Ondelaga, Brahmi soppu, Kodangal, Karivana.
The stem of this plant is light. Its leaves are round where a web of veins can be seen. Its leaves are smooth and shiny. Leaves are thin and dark green in color. The flower of this plant is white or pink in color which is in the form of flocks near the soil. Each flower is partially accompanied by two green bracts.
The herb Manimuni, found in various wet parts of India is considered as much effective for the human body. The benefits of Manimuni are related to mental health. The beneficial properties of this herb are popularly known for being effective in protecting the brain, stomach, heart, lungs, and skin. It helps in boosting immunity and vitality. This herb can be used to improve mental strength. It may help remove uneven tone and other skin problems. It boosts the digestive system and improves appetite. Let us get to know about its benefits in brief.
Also Read: Immune System of Human Body
Benefits of Gotu Kola
1. Helps in strengthening brain functioning
Manimuni can help strengthen the brain functions and nervous system. At the same time, it can increase concentration power. In addition, the benefits of Manimuni are also seen as an effective antioxidant, which can help to reduce the harmful effects of free radicals. These free radicals may weaken the thinking ability (Cognitive Deficits). In this way, Manimuni can be used to enhance brain functioning.
2. Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression
Research conducted by various medical colleges in Kolkata has revealed that Manimuni can help in reducing anxiety and its associated symptoms. These symptoms include a panic attack (sudden fear), eating disorder (over-eating/under-eating/not wanting to eat at all), and abnormal personality changes. In addition, Manimuni can help the body prevent stress like adaptogen (anti-stress). However, more researches still need to be done on how it can put a positive impact on depression.
3. Benefits of Gotu kola/Manimuni in Blood Pressure Control
The benefits of Manimuni can help in controlling high blood pressure. According to scientific research, it contains a high level of Total Phenolic Content (Natural antioxidants). This high level of Phenolic is caused by various Flavonoid(Quercetin, camphor, catechin, rutin, apigenin, and naringin) present here. This Flavonoid regulates high blood pressure. The researchers especially mention Quercetin and anti-hypertension (lowers high blood pressure) Flavonoid.
4. Relieves Stomach Ulcer
People suffering from stomach ulcers can get benefited from Manimuni. The extraction of Manimuni may help to keep the gastric mucus (gastric mucosal barrier) strong and can give protection against the damage of free radicals. The gastric mucosal barrier is a feature of the stomach that allows the protection of gastric acids justified for digestion. At the same time, Manimuni also has anti-ulcer properties which can help to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers.
The research also mentioned that it can help reduce ulcers caused by restraint stress again. Restraint stress is a condition where body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate increase and the person’s behavior begins to change.
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Some Gotu kola/Manimuni Product Price Check on Amazon
5. Reduce Stretch Marks
Research conducted by” Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology ” found that Manimuni can be used to reduce stretch marks. Research suggests that applying the extracts of Manimuni on the skin can prevent stretch marks from increasing and lightens scars. In addition, it may increase the production of new cells and can increase Fibroblast (the most common cell of connective tissue), which is effective in reducing stretch marks.
6. Benefits of Gotu-kola in Wound Healing
Manimuni has been used as medicine for wounds from the early times. According to the research done on rats by the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, extraction of Manimuni helps to cure wounds faster. It is believed that applying Manimuni ointment, gel, or cream on the wound helps in producing new skin cells (Cell Proliferation) and increases collagen (Collagen Synthesis) on the particular affected area of the body. In addition, the Asiaticoside element present here helps to heal injuries by increasing collagen and building new blood vessels (Angiogenesis).
7. Beneficial for Liver Health
Oxidative stress affects the liver in a harmful way. In this case, to keep the liver healthy the beneficial properties of Manimuni can be availed. A research published on the website of NCBI says Manimuni can show hepatoprotective effects on the liver by increasing antioxidant enzymes and reducing inflammation. However, the research was done on the rats. To see its effects on the human body there is still more researches to be done.
8. Beneficial in Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder of the brain. It weakens a person’s memory causing them to forget things. Till now, there is no cure for this disease. But the beneficial properties of Manimuni can help in reducing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s somehow. According to the International Journal of Cancer Research, Manimuni helps boost memory power and increase learning capacity. Research on rats has been done but on the human body, there are researches to be done.
Some Gotu kola/Manimuni Product Price Check on Flipkart
Some Gotu kola/Manimuni Product Price Check on Amazon
After knowing the benefits of Manimuni, let us know about its nutritional qualities here…
Nutritional values of Gotu Kola/Manimuni
According to International Food Research Journal’s review, every 100g of fresh Manimuni provides the following nutrients and meets the following recommended dietary (recommended dietary intake-RDI) requirements:
- Calcium: 171 milligrams (17% of RDI)
- Iron: 5.6 milligrams (31% of RDI)
- Potassium: 391 milligrams (11% of RDI)
- Vitamin A: 442 micrograms (49% of RDI)
- Vitamin C: 48.5 milligrams (81% of RDI)
- Vitamin B2: 0.19 milligrams (9% of RDI)
As food, Manimuni is a good source of Fibre, which provides 8% of RDI in the female body and 5% of RDI in the male body.
How to Use Gotu Kola/Manimuni
Manimuni is a herb that is not used directly. Manimuni juice can be used as a supplement to get its benefits. It can be eaten raw in salads. In addition, creams containing Manimuni can be used to get its benefits on the skin.
We would recommend you to consult your doctor before using Manimuni as medicine, about the quantity and other related details with its doses. Without medical advice, intake/apply of Manimuni on the human body may affect adversely.
Side Effects of Gotu Kola/Mandukaparni/Manimuni:
According to the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manimuni has no poisonous elements. However, if taken in an uncontrolled way or without the advice of a doctor, the consumer may face the following side effects of this herb-
- Skin allergy
- Skin inflammation
- Headache
- Stomach ache
- Stool
- Dizziness
- Extreme Drowsiness
FAQ
1) Does gotu kola effects Depression?
A. Gotu kola herb has a positive effect on certain symptoms of behavioral depression, including body weight, body temperature, and heart rate. Eat 500 mg of gotu kola twice a day for up to 14 days. You can consume up to 2,000 mg per day during severe depression.
2) What does gotu kola do in the body?
A. Gotu kola (Centela Asiatica) has been used to treat many health conditions in India, China and Indonesia for thousands of years. It was used to cure injuries, improve mental clarity, and treat skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis.
3) What effect gotu kola has on Blood?
A. Taking a certain amount of gotu kola extract orally for 4-8 weeks has shown improvement in blood circulation and reduced swelling of people who have weakened the blood circulation of the feet.
4) Can I eat gotu kola leaves?
A. Yes, you can also add it to your salad or you can make tea from gotu kola leaves.
5) Does gotu kola helps tighten skin?
A. Gotu kola is a rich source of ‘tritarnine saponin’ (a compound that prevents wrinkles) and flavonoids are an excellent source of phytonutrients that act as antioxidants and fight free radical damage.
Note: Consuming Manimuni while pregnancy may lead to miscarriage. Breastfeeding mothers are advised not to consume Manimuni to avoid its harmful effects.
In the end, you must have come to know about this amazing herbal medicine. We hope that through this article you have understood the benefits, uses, and nutritional values of Manimuni/Gotu kola as well as its side effects. With all the benefits and drawbacks of this herb, it is important to consult a specialist/doctor before using the herb on the human body.
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Disclaimer: The information included at HelthyLeaf is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.