Talk:Guduchi
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia (WILLD.) HOOK.F. & THOMS.)
Guduchi (गुडूची), commonly known as ' Giloy', is the Sanskrit name for the medicinal plant Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook. f. & Thomson of the family Menispermaceae.[1] It holds a prominent place in Ayurveda as a Rasayana (rejuvenative) herb and is widely used for conditions such as fever, jaundice, musculoskeletal disorders, skin diseases, and metabolic ailments.[1]
| Section/Chapter | Herb database/Guduchi |
|---|---|
| Botanical name(s) | Tinospora cordifolia (WILLD.) HOOK.F. & THOMS. |
| Family | Menispermaceae |
| Availability | Available |
| Contributors | Deole Y.S. |
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre, Symbiohealth Foundation, India |
| DOI | Awaited |
English name
Heart leaved moonseed
Botanical identity
The principal medicinal source of Guduchi is the stem of Tinospora cordifolia.[1] The plant is a deciduous, climbing shrub with simple, heart‑shaped leaves and small, greenish flowers.[1] The genus Tinospora includes several species, and correct identification is important because some related species (e.g., Tinospora crispa) have been implicated in hepatotoxicity reports.[2]
For Ayurvedic purposes, the AYUSH technical dossier specifies that properly identified T. cordifolia stem should be used, warning against confusion with other Tinospora species that may occur in commercial supply.[1]
Other botanical names/varieties
The following botanical names are accepted by Plants of the World Online as of January 2024.
- Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook.f. & Thomson
- Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr
- Tinospora arfakiana Becc.
- Tinospora baenzigeri Forman
- Tinopora bakis (A.Rich.)Miers
- Tinospora celebica Diels
- Tinopora dissitiflora (K.Schum. & Lauterb.) Diels
- Tinopora esiangkara (F.M..Bailey) Forman
- Tinospora formanii Udayan & Pradeep
- Tinospora fragosa (I.Verd.) I.Verd. & Troupin
- Tinospora glabra (Burm.f.)Merr.
- Tinospora glandulosa Merr.
- Tinospora guangxiensis H.S.Lo
- Tinospora hainanensis H.S.Lo &Z.X.Li
- Tinospora hirsuta (Becc.) Forman
- Tinospora homosepala Diels
- Tinospora macrocarpa Diels
- Tinospora merriliana Diels
- Tinospora neocaledonica Forman
- Tinospora nudiflora (Griff.) Kurz
- Tinospora orophila Troupin
- Tinospora palminervis Miers
- Tinospora siamensis Forman
- Tinospora smilacina Benth.
- Tinospora sumatrana Becc.
- Tinospora teijsmannii Boerl.
- Tinospora tenera Miers.
- Tinospora tinosporoides (F.Muell.) Forman
- Tinospora trilobata Diels.
Synonyms in Charak Samhita
Amruta, Madhuparni, Vayastha, Chhinnaruha, Vatsadini
Synonyms in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
Guduchi, Madhuparni, Amrita, Amritavallari, Chhinna, Chhinnaruha, Chhinnodbhava, Vatsadani, Jivanti, Tantrika, Soma, Somavalli, Kundali, Chakralakshanika, Dhira, Vishalya, Rasayani, Chandrahasa, Vayastha, Mandali, Devanirmita
Anupana according to Dosha
- Vata – Ghrita
- Pitta – Sharkara (Sugar)
- Kapha – Madhu (Honey)
- Vibandha (Constipation)– Guda (Jaggery)
- Vatarakta (Gout) – Eranda taila (Castor oil)
- Amavaata(Rhumatoid arthritis) – Shunthi (Ginger)
Ayurvedic pharmacological properties
| Sr.no. | Pharmacological criteria | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taste (rasa) | Bitter (tikta), Astringent (kashaya) |
| 2 | Potency (veerya) | Hot (ushna) |
| 3 | Post digestion effect (vipaka) | Sweet (madhura) |
| 4 | Qualities (guna) | Heavy (guru), Unctuous (snigdha) |
| 5 | Actions (karma) | Pacify vata, pitta and kapha |
Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions
| Sr.no. | Reference in Charak Samhita | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/12 | Asthapana |
| 2 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 3/3 | Siddhatamachurnapradeha |
| 3 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(11) | Truptighnamahakashay |
| 4 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(18) | Stanyashodhanamahakashay |
| 5 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(21) | Snehopagmahakashay |
| 6 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(29) | Trishnanigrahanamahakashay |
| 7 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(41) | Dahaprashamanamahakashaya |
| 8 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(49) | Prajasthapanamahakashaya |
| 9 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(50) | Vayasthapanmahakashaya |
| 10 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 14/31 | Dravya for Nadi Sweda |
| 11 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 21/22 | Management of obesity |
| 12 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 25/40 | Agrya Sangraha |
| 13 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana27/4 | Natural qualities. |
| 14 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 27/106 | Shaka Varga |
| 15 | Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 26/49 | Veerya varnan |
| 16 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/135 | Vaman dravyani |
| 17 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/139 | Madhur skanda |
| 18 | Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/143 | Tikta skandha |
| 19 | Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana.8/56 | Kshira vishodhana dravya |
| 20 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 1/22 | Vamanartha |
| 21 | Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/19 | Preparations of Trivritta |
| 22 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/198 | Used as kwath or sheeta kashaya for trushna, deepana, doshapachana, jwar, aruchi and mukhavairasya. |
| 23 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/202 | Used in trutiyaka jwara. |
| 24 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/202 | Used in chaturthaka jwara. |
| 25 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/211 | As an ingredient of shatyadi varga used in kasa, svasa, tandra,parshvashoola, hrdgraha and sannipata jwara. |
| 26 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/222 | As an ingredient of Vasadi Ghrita. |
| 27 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/247 | Used in niruha basti. |
| 28 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/251 | Used in Patoladi niruha basti. |
| 29 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/267 | In formulation of Agurvadi taila. |
| 30 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/299 | Used as swarasa in Vishama jwara. |
| 31 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/343 | Used in punaravrtaka jwara(Kirat tiktadi kwath) |
| 32 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/29 | Used for making decoction in Kaphaj prameh |
| 33 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/30 | Used for making decoction in Pittaja Prameha |
| 34 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/77 | Ingredient in Kanakabindurishta |
| 35 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/124 | Bahyaprayogarth Lepa in Vata-Kaphaja Kushtha |
| 36 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/146 | Ingredient in Mahatikta Ghrita |
| 37 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/153 | Ingredient in Mahakhadira Ghrita |
| 38 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/72 | For Parisheka purpose |
| 39 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/25 | In treatment of Vataja Shvayathu |
| 40 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/34 | Ingredient in Punarnavadyarishta |
| 41 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/190 | Used in preparation of Panchama Kshara |
| 42 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/63 | In Kamala Guduchi Swarasa should be given in early in the morning |
| 43 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/134 | Used in Halimak Chikitsa |
| 44 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/94 | Used in yusha preparation for hikka svasa |
| 45 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/102 | Used as yavagu in hikka svasa |
| 46 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/35 | As a ghrita dravya |
| 47 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/161 | As an ingredient of guduchyadi ghrita. |
| 48 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 20/31 | As a pana yoga in Pittaja chhardi. |
| 49 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 20/35 | As a pathya ahara in kaphaja chhardi. |
| 50 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/58 | For kashaya pana. |
| 51 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/130 | Used in granthi visarpa. |
| 52 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 22/45 | As a pana yoga. |
| 53 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/70 | As an ingredient of Gandha hasti agada. |
| 54 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/145 | Used as swarasa where pittaja madatyaya is associated with sarakta kasa, Parshvashoola, Stanashoola, Daaha & Hradayotkleda. |
| 55 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 25/75 | Used in shoola with sneha & sarkara. |
| 56 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/57 | Used in Kaphaja mutrakruchhra. |
| 57 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/70 | As an ingredient of Karpasmooladi yoga. |
| 58 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/83 | As an ingredient of Haritakyadi Ghrita. |
| 59 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/243 | As an ingredient of Amrutadi varti. |
| 60 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/283 | Used in Vataja swarbheda. |
| 61 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/148 | As an ingredient of Bala taila. |
| 62 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/157 | As an ingredient of Amrutadi taila. |
| 63 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/170 | As an ingredient of Vrushamuladi taila. |
| 64 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/172 | As an ingredient of Mulaka taila. |
| 65 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/71 | Anupana of Drakshadi Ghrita. |
| 66 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/73 | As an ingredient of Jeevakadi mahasneha. |
| 67 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/92 | As an ingredient of Madhuparnyadi taila. |
| 68 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/103 | As an ingredient of Amrutadhya taila. |
| 69 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/117 | As an ingredient of Shatapaka Madhuparni taila. |
| 70 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/53 | As an ingredient of Kashmaryadi ghrita, used in the treatment of Vataja yoni. |
| 71 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/58 | For parishechana in yoni shula. |
| 72 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/99 | Used in the treatment of Kaphaja pradara. |
| 73 | Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 30/59 | As an ingredient of Guduchyadi taila, used in the treatment of Vataja yoni roga. |
Classical therapeutic uses
Guduchi is one of the most frequently cited herbs in Ayurvedic literature and is reported in formulations for a wide range of conditions, including:[1]
Classical actions attributed to Guduchi include:[1]
- Rasayana (rejuvenative)
- Dipana and Sangrahi (appetizing and absorbent)
- Vataraktahara and Amavataghni (useful in gout and rheumatoid‑like arthritis)
- Kamalahara (beneficial in jaundice and liver disorders)
- Kushtaghna (beneficial in skin diseases)
- Pramehaghna (beneficial in urinary and metabolic disorders)
- Jvara (fever), including irregular and chronic fevers
- Kamala (jaundice) and other hepatic and viral fevers
- Vatarakta and amavata (gout and rheumatoid‑like arthritis)
- Kasa (chronic cough)
- Prameha (Diabetes mellitus and metabolic disorders)
- Chardighna (anti‑emetic indications)
The AYUSH technical dossier notes that Guduchi appears in more than 2,400 Ayurvedic formulations across over 24 dosage forms, indicating its broad and enduring therapeutic role.[1]
Parts used and dosage forms
In Ayurvedic practice, the mature stem is the primary part used for preparing Guduchi‑based medicines.[1] Common traditional dosage forms include:[1]
- Churna (powder)
- Kwatha (decoction)
- Hima (cold infusion)
- Svarasa (fresh juice)
- Satva (starch preparation)
- Ghrita (medicated ghee)
- Taila (medicated oil)
- Gutika (tablets)
Important Formulations
- Amritarishta
- Amritottara kvatha churna
- Guduchi Taila
- Guduchyadi churna
- Guduchi Sattva
- Chhinnodbhavadi kvatha churna
- Kaishora Guggulu
- Samshamani Vati
Dose
The AYUSH technical dossier cites typical dose ranges as:[1]
- 3–6 g of powder
- 20–30 g of coarse powder for decoction
- 125 mg–1000 mg of Guduchi sattva, taken with appropriate anupana (vehicle)
Current availability
Available
Through all over India extending from Himalayas to the Southern part of India.
Other countries: Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Burma, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand
Current researches
Chemical constituents
Modern phytochemical studies have identified more than 200 compounds in Tinospora cordifolia and related species, including diterpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, sesquiterpenoids, and phenolics.[3] Key constituents reported in the literature include:[1],[4]
- Clerodane‑type diterpenoids
- Cordifolioside A and tinosporaside (used as assay markers)
- Alkaloids such as magnoflorine and berberine‑like compounds
- Diterpenoid lactones and glycosides
These constituents are thought to contribute to the herb’s bitter taste, immunomodulatory, anti‑inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.[3]
Pharmacological actions
Experimental studies, including in vitro and animal models, support several pharmacological activities of Guduchi extracts.[3][4]
- Immunomodulatory effects: Modulation of immune cell function and cytokine pathways.[3]
- Anti‑inflammatory effects: Reduction of pro‑inflammatory cytokines such as TNF‑α and IL‑1β.[3][5]
- Antioxidant activity: Scavenging of free radicals and reduction of oxidative stress.[4]
- Antipyretic and analgesic activity in fever‑like models.[3]
Some studies also report hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, and anti‑arthritic‑like effects, although the exact mechanisms and clinical relevance remain under investigation.[4][3]
Metabolic and endocrine research
Recent reviews suggest that Guduchi may have beneficial effects on diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and related features of metabolic syndrome.[6] Anti‑diabetic and antihyperglycemic actions have been reported in animal models and some small human studies, including a randomized trial in diabetic dyslipidemia showing improvement in lipid profile, inflammatory markers, and metabolic‑syndrome prevalence with Guduchi‑stem supplementation.[7]
However, the overall evidence base still relies heavily on preclinical data and heterogeneous herbal preparations rather than standardized, large‑scale randomized trials.[6]
Musculoskeletal and inflammatory conditions
Guduchi is traditionally used for vatarakta and amavata, conditions resembling gout and rheumatoid arthritis.[1] Preclinical studies in arthritis models show that T. cordifolia extracts can reduce inflammatory mediators and markers of joint destruction, supporting its traditional anti‑arthritic use.[8]
However, the evidence is still preliminary, and current data justify Guduchi mainly as a potential adjunct to conventional therapy rather than as a standalone monotherapy for chronic inflammatory joint disease.[8]
Safety and hepatotoxicity
In recent years, several case reports and reviews have described herb‑induced liver injury associated with Guduchi or Tinospora‑containing products.[2],[9]
The NIH LiverTox resource notes that Guduchi‑associated liver injury can range from mild elevation of liver enzymes to clinically significant hepatitis and, rarely, acute liver failure, with some cases showing autoimmune‑like features.[2] Many cases occur in patients with pre‑existing liver disease or autoimmune predisposition and may be idiosyncratic or immune‑mediated.[2]
The AYUSH technical dossier highlights that many published liver injury reports lack detailed baseline documentation and may mix different species and preparations, underscoring the need for careful botanical identification, product quality control, and medical supervision, especially in patients with pre‑existing liver conditions.[1]
Current research trends
PubMed‑based trend analyses indicate a substantial increase in publications on Guduchi, rising from several hundred articles in the early 2010s to over 900 indexed studies by 2024, reflecting growing scientific interest.[1] This growth reflects heightened scientific and public interest but does not, by itself, equate to high‑quality clinical evidence.[6]
Most of the current evidence is from preclinical studies, mechanistic investigations, small trials, and narrative reviews; large, well‑designed randomized controlled trials are still limited.[6]
Clinical position
From an Ayurvedic perspective, Guduchi is regarded as a classical Rasayana with broad therapeutic indications, supported by long‑standing clinical experience.[1][4] From a modern evidence‑based medicine standpoint, it is best viewed as a promising but not yet fully established botanical agent for conditions such as metabolic syndrome, certain inflammatory disorders, and liver and immune‑mediated conditions.[6]
Use in clinical practice should emphasize:[2][1]
- Accurate botanical identification and use of standardized preparations
- Caution in patients with liver disease or autoimmunity
- Integration with, rather than substitution for, established medical therapies
Indian Medicinal Plant Database, Phytochemistry And Therapeutics (IMPPAT)
Link: https://cb.imsc.res.in/imppat/phytochemical/Tinospora%20crispa
This article is under development ..
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 "Technical Dossier on - Guduchi" (PDF). Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. 2019. Retrieved 2026-04-13.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Nnamani I, Tolu-Akinnawo O, Dufera RR, Akintunde A, Maliakkal B. Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi/Giloy)-Induced Liver Injury: A Case Review. Cureus. 2023 May 31;15(5):e39793. doi: 10.7759/cureus.39793. PMID: 37273324; PMCID: PMC10238282.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Yates CR, Bruno EJ, Yates MED. Tinospora Cordifolia: A review of its immunomodulatory properties. J Diet Suppl. 2022;19(2):271-285. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2021.1873214. Epub 2021 Jan 22. PMID: 33480818.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Saha S, Ghosh S. Tinospora cordifolia: One plant, many roles. Anc Sci Life. 2012 Apr;31(4):151-9. doi: 10.4103/0257-7941.107344. PMID: 23661861; PMCID: PMC3644751
- ↑ {{Cite Ghatpande NS, Misar AV, Waghole RJ, Jadhav SH, Kulkarni PP. Tinospora cordifolia protects against inflammation associated anemia by modulating inflammatory cytokines and hepcidin expression in male Wistar rats. Sci Rep. 2019 Jul 29;9(1):10969. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-47458-0. PMID: 31358831; PMCID: PMC6662690}}
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 {{Mansouri M, Imenshahidi M, Rameshrad M, Hosseinzadeh H. Effects of Tinospora cordifolia (giloy) on metabolic syndrome components: a mechanistic review. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2025 May;398(5):4979-5009. doi: 10.1007/s00210-024-03642-2. Epub 2024 Dec 28. PMID: 39731594.}}
- ↑ "Tinospora cordifolia stem supplementation in diabetic dyslipidemia: an open‑labelled randomized controlled trial". International Journal of Research and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 15 (12): 100–107. 2024.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Sannegowda, K. M. (2015). "Tinospora cordifolia inhibits autoimmune arthritis by regulating key immune mediators of inflammation and bone damage". International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology. 28 (4): 521–531. PMID 26467057. doi:10.1177/0394632015608248.
- ↑ Björnsson ES, Navarro VJ, Chalasani N. Liver Injury Following Tinospora Cordifolia Consumption: Drug-Induced AIH, or de novo AIH? J Clin Exp Hepatol. 2022 Jan-Feb;12(1):6-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jceh.2021.11.014. Epub 2021 Nov 29. PMID: 35068778; PMCID: PMC8766689.