The part about destroying tumor cells is a new one on me though. Thanks for the info.

Jen

From the Web: 

Gotu kola is a slender, creeping plant that grows commonly in swampy
areas of India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, South Africa and the tropics. Its
fan shaped leaves are about the size of an old British penny - hence its
common names Indian pennywort, marsh penny and water pennywort.

It is regarded as one of the most spiritual and rejuvenating herbs in
Ayurveda and is used to improve meditation. It is said to develop the
crown chakra, the energy center at the top of the head, and to balance
the right and left hemispheres of the brain, which the leaf is said to
resemble.

Gotu kola has been widely used for a number of conditions, particularly
in traditional Eastern health care. In Ayurveda Gotu kola is one of the
chief herbs for revitalizing the nerves and brain cells. It is said to
fortify the immune system, both cleansing and feeding it, and to
strengthen the adrenals.

It has been used as a tonic for purification of blood and for promoting
healthy skin. It has also been used to aid in restful sleep, treat skin
inflammations, as a treatment for high blood pressure and as a mild
diuretic. Recent studies (1995) demonstrated that Gotu kola destroyed
cultured tumor cells in the laboratory setting (in vitro).

The leaves of this swamp plant have been used around the world for
centuries to treat leprosy, cancer, skin disorders, arthritis,
hemorrhoids, and tuberculosis. In recent years, Gotu kola has become
popular in the West as a nerve tonic to promote relaxation and to
enhance memory.

The herbs calming properties make it well suited for overcoming insomnia
and making one calm for yoga and meditative practices. It is commonly
used to rebuild energy reserves and treat fatigue, both mental and physical.

Gotu kola has been referred to as "food for the brain". This oriental
herb has demonstrated mild tranquilizing, anti-anxiety and anti-stress
effects, as well as improving mental functions such as concentration and
memory. It has a calming effect on the body and is chiefly used to
support the central nervous system. These beneficial qualities make Gotu
kola an excellent herb for children with A.D.D. because it has a
stimulating effect on the brain that increases one's ability to focus
while having a soothing and relaxing effect on an overactive nervous system.

Gotu kola is often confused with kola nut. Due to this confusion, some
people assume the rejuvenating properties of Gotu kola are due to the
stimulating effects of caffeine contained in kola nut. In fact, Gotu
kola is not related to kola nut and contains no caffeine. There are
three main chemical constituents in Gotu kola. The first is
asiaticoside, which is a triterpene glycoside and classified as an
antibiotic. It aids in wound healing and has been used in the treatment
of leprosy and tuberculosis in the Far East. The second constituent is a
pair of chemicals, brahmoside and brahminoside, which are saponin
glycosides. These are diuretic in nature and have a slightly sedative
action in large doses. Finally, there is madecassoside, a glycoside that
is a strong anti-inflammatory agent. The plant is also a source of
Vitamin K, magnesium, calcium and sodium.

Gotu Kola has been found to have significant results in healing of skin,
other connective tissues, lymph tissue, blood vessels, and mucous
membranes. Researchers have found that Gotu kola contains several
glycosides that exhibit wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities
and that asiaticosides stimulate the formation of lipids and proteins
necessary for healthy skin.

Gotu kola affects various stages of tissue development, including
keratinization (the process of replacing skin after sores or ulcers),
the synthesis of collagen (the first step in tissue repair), the
stimulation of hair and nail growth, and support for the repair of
cartilage. Gotu kola has been effectively used in the treatment of
second and third degree burns. It has been shown to decrease healing
time and reduce scar tissue formation.

Recent studies show that Gotu kola also has a positive effect on the
circulatory system. It seems to improve the flow of blood throughout the
body by strengthening the veins and capillaries. Gotu kola has been
shown to be particularly useful for people who are inactive or confined
to bed due to illness.

The herb has been used successfully to treat phlebitis (inflammation of
the veins), varicose veins, as well as leg cramps, swelling of the legs,
and "heaviness" or tingling in the legs. In modern health care it has
been used for venous insufficiency, localized inflammation and
infection, and post-surgery recovery.

Parts Used: Leaves and aerial parts.

Common Use: Prevention of mental fatigue and enhanced concentration and
memory. A balancing tonic that both increases energy and relaxes the
body. Stimulates the central nervous system, aids circulation especially
in the legs, and is a mild diuretic. Aids in many types of wound
healing. Used for rheumatism, blood diseases, mental disorders, high
blood pressure, congestive heart failure, sore throat, and hepatitis.