Gotu Kola Protects Your Eyes from Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a product of free radical damage and declining antioxidant protection. It can cause difficulty seeing things directly in front of you. In the U.S., it is the leading cause of visual impairment in people over 60. A well-known traditional herb from South and Southeast Asia can help, according to a new study.

Your retina is especially sensitive to oxidative damage. Macular pigment filters damaging light and protects your retina from oxidative damage. It is mostly composed of the carotene antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Degeneration of the macula caused by this free radical damage is a common cause of visual impairment.

This double-blind study gave 75 men and women who were between 45 and 65 either a placebo or 300mg of gotu kola extract a day for 6 months. The study wanted to see the effect of gotu kola on macular pigment optical density (MPOD), a marker of the antioxidant status of the macula.

At the end of the study, supplementing with gotu kola led to a significant increase in MPOD compared to placebo in the left eye, in the right eye, and in the average of both eyes. Significantly more people in the gotu kola group responded than in the placebo group, with 32.43% of the placebo group responding versus a significantly better 94.74% of the gotu kola group.

There were fewer adverse events in the herb group than in the placebo group. There were no serious adverse events, and none were related to the treatment.

This study suggests for the first time that gotu kola can help maintain macular health.

Nutrients. 2026 Mar 12;18(6):905.