Description
Guduchi or Giloy – Tinospora cordifolia
Guduchi, also known as Giloy, is an Ayurvedic herb widely used in many classical Ayurvedic formulas. It is commonly used to balance healthy blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and provide immune system support.
One of the recent studies suggested that Guduchi is as potent a herb as spirulina in fighting recurrent allergies. Another early study indicated that Guduchi helps manage blood sugar levels in diabetes patients by reducing the absorption of sugars in the intestines. It also has a protective role in diabetes-related complications.
Guduchi may have a similar action to monoamine oxidase inhibitors and play a role in increasing catecholamine levels. It also contains phytoandrogens, which aid in protecting against radiation-induced DNA damage.
Ayurvedic Uses:
- Traditionally used in Ayurveda for tridoshic balance
- Traditionally used in Ayurveda for Jwara (fever)
- Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support immunity
- Promotes general health and well-being
Recommended Dose:
Adult dose: Extract of stem (5% bitters) – can take 1000mg per day or 300mg three times per day.
Ayurvedic dose: Can consume 10-15 grams once per day after food.
Modern Evidence
Rasayana and Immune Support
Rasayana, an Ayurvedic term, means “nourishment” to all seven dhatus (tissues) in the body. It essentially provides nutrition to the physical body and promotes general health and well-being.
- Pathak, P., Vyas, M., Vyas, H., & Naria, M. Rasayana effect of Guduchi Churna on the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster. AYU (An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda), 2016; 37(1): 67. https://doi.org/10.4103/ayu.AYU_11_16
- Nagarkatti DS, Rege NN, Desai NK, Dahanukar SA. Modulation of Kupffer cell activity by Tinospora cordifolia in liver damage. J Postgrad Med., 1994; 40: 65‑7.
- Rege NN, Nazareth HM, Bapat RD, Dahanukar SA. Modulation of immunosuppression in obstructive jaundice by Tinospora cordifolia. Indian J Med Res., 1989; 90: 478‑83.
Fever or Antipyretic Benefits
Fever or a rise in body temperature is an indication of infection or inflammation. Guduchi – Amrutha is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for managing fever or Jwara (fever).
Evidence:
- Ikram M, Khattak SG, Gilani. Antipyretic studies on some indigenous Pakistani medicinal plants: II. J Ethnopharmacology, 1987; 19: 185-92.
- Vedavathy S, Rao. Short communication: Antipyretic activity of six indigenous medicinal plants of Tirumala Hills, Andhra Pradesh, India. J Ethnopharmacology, 1991; 33: 193-6.
- Rao. Chemistry and Pharmacological studies on Tinospora species – A Review. Indian Drugs, 1999; 36: 78-86.
Healthy Blood Sugar Maintenance
- Guduchi is widely used in diabetes treatment in Ayurvedic medicine. Evidence suggests that using Guduchi helps reduce sugar absorption from ingested food at the intestinal level.
- Wadkar KA, Magdum CS, Patil SS, Naikwade NS. Anti‑diabetic potential and Indian medicinal plants. J Herbal Med Toxicol, 2008; 2: 45-50.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Using Guduchi extract has significant anti-inflammatory benefits by reducing various chemical mediators of inflammation, such as histamine reactions, thereby reducing edema.
Patgiri, B., Umretia, B., Vaishnav, P., Prajapati, P., Shukla, V., & Ravishankar, B. Anti-inflammatory activity of Guduchi Ghana (aqueous extract of Tinospora Cordifolia Miers.). AYU (An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda), 2014; 35(1): https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-8520.141958
Traditional Indications:
- Traditionally used in Ayurveda for tridoshic balance
- Traditionally used in Ayurveda for Jwara (fever)
- Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support immunity
- Promotes general health and well-being
Warnings
- Store below 30°C
- Keep out of reach of children
- Do not expose to direct sunlight
- Drink plenty of water
- Bottle sealed for your protection
- Do not use in pregnancy and breastfeeding
