Scientific Name: Centella asiatica L.
Filipino Name: Gotu Kola, Yahong-yahong
English Name: Pennywort, Indian Hydocotyle
Indian: Brahma-Buti
Local Info: In Thailand, Gotu Kola is a common vegetable. People just eat them raw. It is used as side herb in Pad Thai. Pad Thai is very famous in Thailand. It is a dish made from flat rice noodles.
Pennywort is rich inVitamin B group. Vitamin B's are soluble in water and are important for the body metabolism. Metabolism is the process when our body makes use of everything we have for the proper functioning.
Gotu Kola, because it is rich in Vitamin B, is good for the brain functioning. It is good for memory and retention. It is used by Chinese as herb for viral infections like UTI, some STD's like herpes, shingles, syphilis, and FLUS like influenza, common colds and even H1N1 disease.
This is very interesting. Gotu Kola is also used for reducing scars and stretch marks due to pregnancy.
It also prevent inflammation and lowers blood pressure.
This herb has a very strong chemical content and therefore, people are advised to take in minimal amount everyday.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is the one responsible for the conversion of carbohydrates into energy which our body would then use.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is responsible for converting fatty acids into energy.
Vitamin B3 (niacin) responsible for the conversion of glucose and alcohol.
Vitamin B5 (Panthothenic Acid) involved in the fatty acid and carbohydrate synthesis.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) involved in the metabolism of protein.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin) works together with pyridoxine in the metabolism of protein.
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) very important for pregnant women and babies. Help in the metabolism of nucleic acid and amino acid.
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) important in the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
References: wikipedia
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/gotu-kola
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-753-GOTU%20KOLA.aspx?activeIngredientId=753&activeIngredientName=GOTU%20KOLA