The medicinal plant Tinospora cordifolia is one of the most highly valued herbs in traditional systems of medicine, particularly Ayurveda, where it is revered as a 'Rasayana' (rejuvenator). Its diverse chemical composition, including alkaloids, diterpenoid lactones, glycosides, and steroids, is responsible for its wide spectrum of therapeutic actions. The estimated annual demand for this herb in the preparation of Indian systems of medicine is significant, reportedly reaching 10,000 metric tons (T).
Herb's Introduction
Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers, belonging to the family Menispermaceae, is a large, deciduous, woody, and glabrous climbing shrub native to India, South Asia, and parts of Africa. It is widely known in Ayurvedic medicine by the Sanskrit name Guduchi or Amrita, which literally means "the divine elixir" or "immortality," alluding to its potent rejuvenating and health-sustaining properties. It is extensively used to improve the immune system and the body's resistance to infections and is prescribed for a vast range of ailments, from fevers and diabetes to chronic skin diseases and digestive issues. The most commonly used parts are the stem, leaves, and sometimes the root.
Name in Different Countries
This herb is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. As a result, it is known by many vernacular names: English: Heart-Leaved Moonseed, Gulancha Tinospora Sanskrit: Guduchi, Amrita Hindi: Giloy, Giloe, Guruchi Nepali: Gurjo (गुर्जो) Bengali: Gulancha (গুলঞ্চ) Gujarati: Galo (ગળો) Marathi: Gulvel (गुळवेल) Tamil: Seenthil (சீந்தில்), Seenthil kodi Telugu: Tippatige (తిప్పతీగ) Kannada: Amritaballi (ಅಮೃತಬಳ್ಳಿ) Malayalam: Chitamrith (ചിറ്റമൃത്) Assamese: Hoguni-lot Thai: Boraphet (บอระเพ็ด) Indonesia/Javanese: Bratawali
Terminology
In traditional medical systems, particularly Ayurveda, several key terms are used to describe its properties and actions: Rasayana: Rejuvenative, promoting longevity, intellect, and strength. Balya: Increases strength and provides nourishment. Deepana: Enhances appetite and digestive fire (metabolism). Jvaraghna: Destroys fever (antipyretic). Raktasodhaka: Blood purifier. Tridosha Samaka: Balances all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Amrita/Amrit: Term signifying its ability to restore health and vitality.
Availability
Tinospora cordifolia is endemic to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and is commonly found in forests, along hedges, and in scrubs up to an altitude of around 1,400 meters. It is widely distributed across India and the low-to-mid-hill regions of Nepal. Due to its high demand in the pharmaceutical and herbal industries, it is available commercially both in the wild-collected and cultivated forms. The dried stem is the most widely traded form, often seen in the market as small, cylindrical pieces. Its high commercial value has led to its inclusion in the list of highly prioritized medicinal plants in some agro-climatic zones of India.
External Look
Habit: A large, woody, perennial climbing shrub that twines extensively over other trees, often sending down long, thin aerial roots from the nodes, which can eventually reach the ground and strike root. Stem: The main part used in medicine. Older stems can be up to 2 cm in diameter, are succulent, and have a grey or creamy-white corky bark that is papery thin and peels off easily. The stem is speckled with conspicuous, white, rosette-like vertical lenticels. A cross-section often displays a characteristic wheel-like structure due to the arrangement of its vascular bundles. Leaves: Simple, alternate, and characteristically heart-shaped (cordate), which gives the species its name cordifolia. They are 5–15 cm long and broad, membranous when young, and may become leathery with age. Flowers and Fruits: Flowers are small, unisexual, and greenish-yellow, appearing in racemes during the summer (May–June). The fruits are fleshy, ovoid, smooth drupelets that turn bright scarlet or orange-red when ripe, usually during September–October, and are aggregated in clusters.
Healing Properties
Tinospora cordifolia is chemically rich, containing active constituents like clerodane-type furanoditerpenoids, alkaloids (including berberine and palmatine), lignans, steroids, and glycosides, which contribute to its wide range of healing properties: Immunomodulatory: It is one of the most famous Ayurvedic immunotonics, enhancing the immune system's activity and resistance to infections. Anti-pyretic (Febrifuge): Effective in chronic and intermittent fevers, including periodic fevers and fevers associated with conditions like malaria. Hepatoprotective: Protects the liver from damage caused by toxins, alcohol, or viral hepatitis, and is used in conditions like jaundice (Kamala). Anti-inflammatory & Anti-arthritic: Reduces inflammation and pain, particularly in conditions like gout (Vatarakta) and rheumatoid arthritis. A study showed that Ayurvedic preparations containing Guduchi were comparable to conventional drugs like celecoxib in symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Anti-diabetic: Helps lower and regulate blood sugar levels. Antioxidant: Scavenges free radicals, offering protection against cellular damage. General Tonic/Aphrodisiac: Considered a rejuvenator (Rasayana), promoting general debility, increasing strength, and acting as an aphrodisiac.
Advantages
The key advantages of Tinospora cordifolia lie in its multi-faceted action and traditional status as a Rasayana: Holistic Health: It acts as a holistic tonic for the entire body, promoting longevity and vitality by balancing all three constitutional humors (Tridoshas). Broad Spectrum: Its numerous properties (immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective) make it a versatile remedy for multiple system disorders. Nutritive Value: The leaves are rich in proteins and fairly high in calcium and phosphorus, providing nutritional benefits. The starch extracted from the stem, known as Guduchi Satva, is highly nutritive and easily digestible. Combats General Debility: It is specifically used to increase appetite, reduce thirst, and counter general weakness and debility.
Uses
The plant is incorporated into countless formulations in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha for various conditions: Fever: Used for intermittent, chronic, and irregular fevers. Metabolic & Digestive Disorders: Prescribed for diabetes, dyspepsia (indigestion), jaundice, and chronic diarrhea/dysentery. Inflammatory Conditions: Employed in gout, rheumatism, and arthritis. Skin Diseases: Used to treat obstinate skin diseases and leprosy. For piles, a bark paste may be applied topically after washing the area with Neem leaf extract. Urinary Disorders: Used for urinary tract infections and polyuria (excessive urination). Immune Support: Used to strengthen the immune system, often in cases of general debility, or to help the body fight infections.
Using Way
The method of use often depends on the condition being treated and the traditional system: Decoction (Kwatha): The most common method. Stem pieces are boiled in water to create a bitter tonic, often administered with honey for fever or as a general tonic. A decoction of the whole plant is taken orally to treat periodic fever, pneumonia, or hepatic diseases. Juice (Swaras): Fresh stem juice (typically 10-20 ml per day) is often mixed with honey and administered for conditions like diabetes, gonorrhea, or liver issues. Powder (Churna): The dried and powdered stem (typically 1-3 g per day) is consumed, sometimes mixed with honey or ghee, and is used for rheumatism and jaundice. Extract (Satva): A starch-like extract, Guduchi Satva, is prepared from the fresh stem, which is highly nutritious and specifically used for chronic fever and wasting diseases. Topical Use: Leaf paste can be applied to treat wounds, or the leaves heated gently and tied over large boils. Oils like Guduchyaadi Taila are used as massage oil for gout and skin diseases.
Conclusion
Tinospora cordifolia, known by powerful names like Guduchi and Amrita, is one of the pillars of traditional South Asian medicine. Its extensive use across various medical systems is underpinned by its potent properties—particularly its role as a Rasayana, an immunomodulator, and a vital tonic for liver and metabolic health. As a plant of immense pharmacological interest, it continues to be utilized globally for its proven and potential health benefits, justifying its significant demand in the herbal drug market.
