Ancient herb gotu kola put to the test for healthier arteries in aging
NCT ID NCT06472791
First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study investigates whether a dietary supplement made from centella asiatica, also known as gotu kola, can improve the function of blood vessels in adults aged 50 to 85. Participants take either the herb or a placebo for four weeks, and researchers measure changes in blood vessel flexibility using a non-invasive finger device. The goal is to see if this traditional herb can help maintain vascular health as people age.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- centella asiatica (gotu kola) dietary supplement
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple supplement to support blood vessel health and reduce age-related cardiovascular risk.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 23 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and the supplement may show no benefit over placebo.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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23 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Feb 2025
- Finished
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Dec 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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50 to 85 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: ● Age 50 through 85, male or female * Sufficient proficiency in English to understand study purpose and directions * Willing and able to give informed consent * Able to follow protocol and attend visits Exclusion Criteria: * History of myocardial infarction, known coronary or carotid disease, or heart failure * History of stroke, Parkinson's disease, dementia, or other major CNS disorders * History of hepatic disease (e.g. hepatitis, cirrhosis) * Recent/recurring history of severe life-threatening medical conditions (e.g. cancer, except non-melanoma skin cancers) * Active major infectious disease (e.g. pneumonia) * Heavy alcohol use (15 drinks or more per week for men or 8 drinks or more per week for women) or substance use disorder * Current use of any medication typically used to treat hypertension or lower blood pressure (e.g. beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors) * Current use of any medication typically used to prevent the coagulation of blood (e.g. warfarin (Coumadin)) * Chronic NSAID use (\>3 times a week for more than 3 months) * Current use of any medication or supplement typically used as a sedative (e.g. zolpidem (Ambien), benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax), valerian root) * Dietary supplements for improving nitric-oxide synthesis (e.g. L-arginine, L-citrulline) * Current use of any medication typically used to control hypoglycemia (e.g. biguanides (Metformin)) * Current use of any medication typically used for erectile dysfunction (e.g. sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis)) * Pregnant, nursing, or planning a pregnancy within the next 6 weeks * Open skin rashes and sores that may interfere with the placement of sensors
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Helfgott Research Institute
Portland, Oregon, 97201, United States
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