Vietnamese Pennywort vs Pegaga

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Vietnamese Pennywort

Centella asiatica var. vietnamensis

Nootropic

Pegaga

Centella asiatica (Malay)

Nootropic

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

Vietnamese Pennywort

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Pegaga

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Vietnamese variety of gotu kola used as a vegetable and medicine for skin, cognitive, and wound healing.

Malay traditional herb identical to Gotu Kola but used in distinct Malaysian Jamu preparations for cognitive support, wound healing, and leprosy treatment.

Active Compounds

asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, brahmoside

asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, madecassic acid, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

brain tonic, wound healing, cooling herb in Vietnamese folk medicine

Cognitive enhancement, Wound healing, Skin conditions, Venous insufficiency

Modern Uses

collagen synthesis, cognitive support, wound healing

Memory enhancement, Wound healing acceleration, Anxiolytic effects, Venous tonic activity

Adult Dosage

500-1000mg extract or fresh juice daily

300-680mg extract 3x daily; fresh herb as food; tea 2-3 cups

Contraindications

liver disease - long-term use caution, sedative drug interactions

Liver disease, Pregnancy high doses

Side Effects

headache at high doses, rare hepatotoxicity

Hepatotoxicity risk at high doses, Drowsiness

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E

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