Gotu kola is a small, ground-hugging plant grown in India, Pakistan, Madagascar and South Africa.
It is also found in Eastern Europe. In Sri Lanka, the plant's leaves are consumed by both humans and animals, especially elephants. Gotu kola has historically been reported to enhance mental activity and help a variety of illnesses, including rheumatism, fevers and high blood pressure. Practitioners also make a poultice out of gotu kola, which is used to treat many skin conditions. The primary active ingredients of gotu kola are asiaticoside, madecassoside and madasiatic acid.