Anxiety: Triterpenoids (the compounds found in gotu kola) seem to decrease anxiety and increase mental function in mice. One human study found that people who took gotu kola were less likely to be startled by a new noise than those who took placebo. Since the "startle noise" response can be an indicator of anxiety, researchers theorise that gotu kola might help reduce anxiety symptoms. But the dose used in this study was very high, so it's impossible to say how gotu kola might be used to treat anxiety.

Scleroderma: A single study of 13 women with scleroderma found that gotu kola decreased joint pain and skin hardening, and improved finger movement.

Insomnia: Gotu kola acts as a sedative when given to animals in tests. Because of that effect, it is sometimes suggested to help people with insomnia. But no human studies have been done to see whether it works and whether it's safe.