Tinospora cordifolia commonly named as “Guduchi” in Sanskrit belonging to family Menispermaceae is a genetically diverse, large, deciduous climbing shrub with greenish yellow typical flowers, found at higher altitude. It is known for its immense application in the treatment of various diseases in the traditional ayurvedic literature. Recently the discovery of active components like alkaloids, steroids, diterpenoid lactones, aliphatics, and glycosides have been isolated from the different parts of the plant body, including root, stem, and whole plant. Recently, the plant is of great interest to researchers across the globe because of its reported medicinal properties like anti-diabetic, anti-periodic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, anti-stress, anti-leprotic, anti-malarial, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory and anti-neoplastic activities.
In Sanskrit Guduchi means “that which protects the body from diseases” and is celebrated in Hindu mythology as being grown by nectar from the heavens – bringing the gift of life and keeping people youthful and healthy. It is categorized in Ayurveda with two other beneficial “amrit” or “nectar” plants, namely Garlic and Haritaki. Guduchi is known to replenish the spirit and rejuvenate the body and mind. It is best known for its immunomodulating and detoxifying benefits. Guduchi, or Giloy, is also classified as an adaptogen, meaning it helps relieve physical, mental and emotional stress.
Boosts Immunity
Giloy helps support the activity of white blood cells (WBCs) and thus boosts immunity. Active compounds 11-hydroxymustakone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-formylannonain, cordifolioside A, magnoflorine, tinocordiside and syringin has been reported to have potential immunomodulatory and cytotoxic effects. They have been reported to function by boosting the phagocytic activity of macrophages, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human neutrophil cells, enhancement in nitric oxide production by stimulation of splenocytes and macrophages indicative of anti-tumour effects. It improves the body’s strength to fight infections. It helps the body to fight stress and improve vitality as it is rich in alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, and other compounds, As it is an immunomodulator, it is also beneficial in auto-immune ailments like arthritis, psoriasis, and lupus. You can make a decotion by boiling two cups of water with 5-6 tulsi leaves, grated ginger, and a one-inch Guduchi stem.
Fights infections and fevers
One of the well-known benefits of giloy is its ability to fight infections and chronic, recurrent fevers. The methanol extracts of Tinospora cordifolia have been reported to have potential against microbial infections. It is a Jvarahara or antipyretic herb traditionally used in malaria, fever, and dengue as kadha or dried herb mixed with honey. Several ayurvedic fever medicines contain Guduchi as a prominent ingredient because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Promotes detoxification and liver health
Guduchi helps digestion owing to its deepana – pacahana or metabolism-promoting properties. This helps get rid of ama or accumulated metabolic toxins that are the cause of doshic imbalance and diseases in general. It promotes a healthy gut microbe and appetite. The anti-oxidant capacity of Tinospora cordifolia stem methanol extracts administered orally increased the erythrocytes membrane lipid peroxide and catalase activity. It has been reported of its strong free radical scavenging properties against superoxide anion , hydroxyl radicals. The extract was also found to reduce the toxic side effects of Cerebral Palsy in mice by the free radical formation. It is a powerful liver tonic that promotes the growth of healthy liver cells and is used in kamala (jaundice). Discuss with your healthcare professional which form suits you best.
Promotes joint health
Giloy is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-osteoporotic herb. Tinospora cordifolia have been reported to affect the proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of bone like matrix on osteoblast model systems in vitro and hence finds potential application as an anti-osteoporotic agent. It is immensely useful in joint inflammation and muscle pain in conditions like arthritis. It balances the uric acid levels in the body, making it one of the best herbs for gout. Traditionally, powdered Guduchi mixed with ginger is used to alleviate joint pain.
Relieves stress and anxiety
Guduchi is an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens are a class of herbs that help manage stress, anxiety and restore balance. It is known as a medhya rasayana (learning and memory enhancer) in Ayurveda. It is also described to be useful for treatment of bhrama (Vertigo) in various Ayurvedic texts. Significant response has been found in children with moderate degree of behaviour disorders and mental deficit, along with improvement in IQ levels. The root of T. cordifolia is known to be used traditionally for its anti-stress activity. Giloy, a highly sattvic and nourishing herb, promotes the sattva guna of mind, promoting calmness and peace. It can enhance memory and other cognitive functions. In a 21-day study, the pure aqueous giloy root extract enhanced verbal learning and logical memory.
Prevents Urinary Disorders
Giloy is included in the mutravirechaniya group or herbs that help improve urinary output. As it is also dahaprashamana property or ability to relieve burning sensation, it is used in urinary infections and other disorders.
Balances Blood Sugar
Also known as Madhu nashini, Giloy is extremely useful in type 2 diabetes. It has been reported to mediate its anti-diabetic potential through mitigating oxidative stress (OS), promoting insulin secretion and also by inhibiting gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis, thereby regulating blood glucose. Alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, and steroids as the major phytoconstituents of Tinospora cordifolia have been reported to play an anti-diabetic role.
Immunomodulatory Activity
In Ayurveda T. cordifolia is believed to have rasayana (rejuvenating), balya (tonic), vayah-sthapana (anti-aging), aayushyaprada (increases the lifespan), vrishya (aphrodisiac) and chakshusya (useful in eye disorders) properties. The alcoholic and aqueous extracts of T. cordifolia are reported to have beneficial effects on the immune system and have been tested successfully for their immunomodulatory activity. The observed antiangiogenic activity of the plant T. cordifolia is related to the regulation of the levels of cytokines and growth factors in the blood. The aqueous extract of T. cordifolia was found to enhance phagocytosis in vitro. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts also induced an increase in antibody production in vivo. T. cordifolia extract (TCE) treatment caused significant reduction in eosinophil count and improved haemoglobin in HIV patients. Sixty percent patients receiving TCE and 20% on placebo reported decrease in the incidence of various symptoms associated with disease. Diabetic patients with foot ulcers on T. cordifolia as an adjuvant therapy showed significantly better final outcome with improvement in wound healing. As it is a rasayana or rejuvenating herb, it helps in healthy aging and also helps maintain good skin health.