Side-by-side comparison of mechanisms, dosing, interactions, and stacking potential.
| Fasoracetam | Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Nootropics | Nootropics |
| Standard Dose | 20-100 mg 1-3 times daily (sublingual or oral) | 500-1000 mg/day of standardized extract (35-45% triterpenes) or 750-1500 mg/day of whole herb extract |
| Timing | Morning and afternoon. Sublingual administration may provide faster onset and higher bioavailability. With or without food. | Morning or split morning/afternoon. With or without food. Acute mood effects (alertness, reduced anger) noted within 1 hour of dosing. |
| Cycle Duration | Cycles of 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off. Limited long-term safety data. | Ongoing; traditional use suggests no cycling required. Clinical trials run 2-6 months. |
| Evidence Level | animal_plus_anecdotal | moderate_human |
Non-classical racetam that modulates all three groups of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR Groups I, II, and III) and upregulates GABA-B receptors — a unique mechanism that distinguishes it from other racetams. Also enhances high-affinity choline uptake (HACU) and stimulates acetylcholine release. Does not significantly affect adrenergic, serotonergic, or dopaminergic receptors. The GABA-B upregulation is particularly notable as it may counteract GABA-B receptor downregulation caused by phenibut or baclofen tolerance.
20-100 mg 1-3 times daily (sublingual or oral)
Morning and afternoon. Sublingual administration may provide faster onset and higher bioavailability. With or without food.
Cycles of 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off. Limited long-term safety data.
Pentacyclic triterpenes — asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid, and madecassic acid — provide neuroprotection through multiple mechanisms: inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity and enhancement of cholinergic transmission; reduction of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity to attenuate neuroinflammation; protection against beta-amyloid aggregation and tau hyperphosphorylation; and upregulation of BDNF to promote neuronal growth and synaptic plasticity. Asiaticoside enhances collagen synthesis and wound healing, while asiatic acid activates the MAPK/ERK pathway to promote neurite outgrowth.
500-1000 mg/day of standardized extract (35-45% triterpenes) or 750-1500 mg/day of whole herb extract
Morning or split morning/afternoon. With or without food. Acute mood effects (alertness, reduced anger) noted within 1 hour of dosing.
Ongoing; traditional use suggests no cycling required. Clinical trials run 2-6 months.
Take our free assessment to get personalized recommendations based on your health goals, current stack, and biomarkers.
Get Your Free Protocol →or take the assessment →