Centella asiatica (Botanical Name) is also known as Brahma-manduki, Mandukaparni in Sanskrit and nowadays it is commonly known as Gotu Kola. For medicinal purpose the leaves of the plant or whole plant is also used. Mandukaparni or Gotu kola is a soft herb found all over India near marshy areas up to 600 meters. Its leaves have shape and appearance like a webbed feet of frog (In Sanskrit Mandook means frog, and Parni means leaf).

Ayurveda mentions Gotu kola uses as Brahmi Herb (Bacopa) especially helps for treating brain disorders, skin diseases, neural disorders and insomnia due to its adaptogen property, central nervous system relaxant, sedative, detoxifier, blood-purifier, laxative, diuretic, emmenagogue properties. Ayurveda mentions that regular intake of herb overcomes mental confusion and supports better thinking. As per Ayurveda Gotu Kola Powder is given to pacify Vitiated Vata and reduce symptoms of Raktapitta. Manduparni is believed to have Vasodilator action which helps to improve blood circulation & remove toxins from Skin.

As per Modern Scientific study Mandukaparni/ Gotu kola contains triterpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, bitter principles. Gotu kola is said to contain not less than 0.5 per cent of asiaticoside, calculated on the dried basis. Asiaticoside, shows beneficial effects in leprosy and skin diseases. Gotukola also shows positive effects on tubercular lesions in the liver, lungs, nerve ganglia and spleen in experimental animals. Alkaloids present in Gotu kola is reported to exhibit tranquilizing and anabolic activity.

Gotu kola is also regularly used in children to prevent hyperactivity and promote memory status. Mandukparni or Brahma-manduki supports improvement of speech quality in children with speech debility. Gotu kola is also given to improve Lymphatic system and pacify symptoms of Syphilis and Joint inflammation. In general Gotu Kola is rich in medicinal properties and used in varied diseases as Alterative, Tonic, Diuretic, anti-anxiety.