A REVIEW ON GILOY: THE MAGIC MEDICINAL PLANT

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Singh et al. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A REVIEW ON GILOY: THE MAGIC MEDICINAL PLANT

1*

Vivek Kumar Singh, 2Sarita Sharma,

3Dr. Gaurav Kumar Sharma and

4Dr. Kaushal Kishore Chandrul

1Student of B.Pharma 4

th Year,

2Assistant Professor,

3HOD,

4Principle

Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Mewar University Gangrar, Chittorgarh,

Rajasthan 312901.

ABSTRACT

Tinospora cordifolia which has been also known as the Giloy. It is a

magical herb commonly found in India. Medicinal Plants have been

one of the most important sources of medicines since the beginning of

human civilization. There is a growing demand for plant based

medicines, health products, pharmaceuticals, food supplements,

cosmetics etc. It is acting as one of the main sources of new

pharmaceuticals and health care products. It is normally used as

common ingredients in various Falk, Ayurvedic, Unani and Sidha

medicines. In the traditional Ayurvedic medicines has several

therapeutic properties such as Jaundice, rheumatism, urinary disorder,

skin disease, diabetes, anaemia, inflammation, allergic condition, anti-

periodic radio protective properties etc. A special focus has been made

on its health benefits in treating endocrine and metabolic disorders and its potential as an

immune booster. The stem of this plant is generally used to cure diabetes by regulating level

of blood glucose. T. Cordifolia is well known for its immunomodulatory response. This

property has been well documented by Scientists. In this paper, we have documented the

current state of knowledge and use of herbal medicines for treatment and management of

human diseases among some communities.

KEYWORDS: Introduction, History, Taxonomical Classification, Morphology,

Pharmacognosy of T. Cordifolia, Medicinal Properties, Pharmacological activities,

Conclusion.

WORLD JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

SJIF Impact Factor 7.632

Volume 10, Issue 8, 2560-2583 Review Article ISSN 2278 – 4357

*Corresponding Author

Vivek Kumar Singh

Student of B.Pharma 4th

Year, Department of

Pharmaceutical Science,

Mewar University Gangrar,

Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

312901.

Article Received on

18 June 2021,

Revised on 08 July 2021,

Accepted on 29 July 2021,

DOI: 10.20959/wjpps20218-19732


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INTRODUCTION OF HERBAL PLANTS

Herbal medicines represent one of the most important fields of traditional medicine all over

the world. Plants are one of the most important sources of medicines. Today the large number

of drugs derived from plants, like morphine from Papaver somniferum, Aswagandha from

withania somnifera, Ephedrine from Ephedra vulgaris, Atropine from Atropa Belladonna,

Reserpine from Rauwolfia serpentine etc. The medicinal plants are rich in secondary

metabolites and essential oils of the therapeutic importance.[1]

The important advantages claimed for therapeutics uses of medicinal plants in various

ailments are their safety besides being economical effective and their easy availability.

Because of these advantages the medicinal plants have been widely used by the traditional

medical practitioners in their day to day practices. The future of higher plants as sources of

medicinal agents for use in investigation, prevention and treatment of disease is also very

promising Natural products have provided us some of the important life-saving drugs used in

the armamentarium of modern medicines. However, among the estimated 250,000-400,000

plants species, only 6% have been studied for biological activity and 5% have been

investigated phytochemically. This shows a need for planned activity guided phyto-

pharmacological evaluation of herbal drugs.[2-3]

In the recent years, interest in usage of medicinal plants in pharmaceutical and cosmetic

industries have overgrown due to their easy availability, less side effects, less costs,

inadequate supply of drugs to larger portion of population in developing nations, prohibitive

cost of treatment, side effects of several allopathic drugs and development of resistance to

allopathic drugs used for treatment of disease. According to WHO estimates, 80% of people

depend on traditional remedies such as medicinal plants for curing or prevention of ailments.


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Figure: Percentage of herbal drugs imported by different countries for drug

preparation.

Plants produce a diverse range of bioactive molecules, making them a rich source of different

types of medicines. Free radicals or reactive oxygen species are formed in our body as a

result of biological oxidation. The overproduction of free radicals such as hydroxyl radical,

superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide can damage the body and contribute to oxidative

stress. Medicinal plants are naturally very good antioxidant sources where antioxidant

activity is ascribed due to presence of phenolic, flavonoids active ingredients, essential oil,

amino acids and carotenoids.[4-5]

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) about 80% of developing countries

depend on traditional medicines for their primary health care needs. In Ghana, traditional

medicine, particularly herbal medicines, is an important component of the health care system

of the people. The utilization of herbal medicines and associated medicinal plants in Ghana

has been documented by many authors although there are still many indigenous cultures and

communities in Ghana that possess a great store of traditional knowledge about herbal

medicines for treatment of various human ailments, which are yet to be documented. The use

of herbal medicine in Ghana is widespread but highly diverse due to floristic and cultural

diversity, and traditional medicine has huge impacts on the local economy and biodiversity

conservation. The rich history of use of herbal medicines and innovative utilization of plants

as sources of medicines in Ghana, and broadly within Africa, has been passed down through

generations largely as oral tradition and as such it is important that this knowledge be

documented. The WHO has a keen interest in documenting the use of medicinal plants by

indigenous people from different parts of the world.[6-7]


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History of Herbal Medicines

The oldest written evidence of medicinal plants’ usage for preparation of drugs has been

found on a Sumerian clay slab from Nagpur, approximately 5000 years old. It comprised 12

recipes for drug preparation referring to over 250 various plants, some of them alkaloid such

as poppy, henbane, and mandrake. The Chinese book on roots and grasses ―Pen T’Sao,‖

written by Emperor Shen Nung circa 2500 BC, treats 365 drugs (dried parts of medicinal

plants), many of which are used even nowadays such as the following: Rhei rhisoma,

camphor, Theae folium, Podophyllum, the great yellow gentian, ginseng, jimson weed,

cinnamon bark, and ephedra. The Indian holy books Vedas mention treatment with plants,

which are abundant in that country. Numerous spice plants used even today originate from

India: nutmeg, pepper, clove, etc.[8]

In ancient history, the most prominent writer on plant drugs was Dioscorides, ―the father of

pharmacognosy,‖ who, as a military physician and pharmacognosist of Nero's Army, studied

medicinal plants wherever he travelled with the Roman Army. Of the total of 944 drugs

described, 657 are of plant origin, with descriptions of the outward appearance, locality,

mode of collection, making of the medicinal preparations, and their therapeutic effect the

plants having mild effect are dominant, but there are also references to those containing

alkaloid or other matter with strong effect.

The most distinguished Roman physician (concurrently a pharmacist), Galen (131 AD–200),

compiled the first list of drugs with similar or identical action (parallel drugs), which are

interchangeable—―De succedanus.‖ From today's point of view, some of the proposed

substitutes do not correspond in a pharmacological context and are absolutely unacceptable.

Galen also introduced several new plant drugs in therapy that Dioscorides had not described,


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for instance, Uvae ursi folium, used as an uroantiseptic and a mild diuretic even in this day

and age.

In the seventh century AD the Slavic people used Rosmarinus officinalis, Ocimum basilicum,

Iris germanica, and Mentha viridis in cosmetics, Alium sativum as a remedy and Veratrum

album, Cucumis sativus, Urtica dioica, Achilea millefolium, Artemisia

maritime L., Lavandula officinalis, Sambuci flos against several injurious insects, i.e. louses,

fleas, moths, mosquitos, and spiders and Aconitum napellus as a poison in hunting.

Charles the Great (742 AD–814), the founder of the reputed medical school in Salerno, in his

―Capitularies‖ ordered which medicinal plants were to be grown on the state-owned lands.

Around 100 different plants were quoted, which have been used till present days such as

sage, sea onion, iris, mint, common centaury, poppy, marshmallow, etc.

The Arabs introduced numerous new plants in pharmacotherapy, mostly from India, a

country they used to have trade relations with, whereas the majority of the plants were with

real medicinal value, and they have persisted in all pharmacopoeias in the world till today.

In 17th century, Cortex Chinae, yielded from quinine bark Cinchona succirubra Pavon,

under the name countess’ powder, since the Countess of Chinchon was the first one who used

it, was introduced to European medicine. In the Middle Ages, and in particular between 16th

and 18th centuries, the demand for compound drugs was increasing. The compound drugs

comprised medicinal plants along with drugs of animal and plant origin.


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In 18th century, in his work Species Plantarium (1753), Linnaeus (1707-1788) provided a

brief description and classification of the species described until then. The species were

described and named without taking into consideration whether some of them had previously

been described somewhere.

Early 19th century was a turning point in the knowledge and use of medicinal plants. In late

19th and early 20th centuries, there was a great danger of elimination of medicinal plants

from therapy. Many authors wrote that drugs obtained from them had many shortcomings due

to the destructive action of enzymes, which cause fundamental changes during the process of

medicinal plants drying, i.e. medicinal plants’ healing action depends on the mode of drying.

In 19th century, therapeutics, alkaloids, and glycosides isolated in pure form were

increasingly supplanting the drugs from which they had been isolated.


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In early 20th century, stabilization methods for fresh medicinal plants were proposed,

especially the ones with labile medicinal components. Besides, much effort was invested in

study of the conditions of manufacturing and cultivation of medicinal plants.[8-9]

Introduction of Giloy

Tinospora cordifolia (Willd) Hook. F. and Thomas. (Guduchi) is a large, glabrous, deciduous

climbing shrub belonging to the family Menispermaceae. It is distributed throughout the

tropical Indian subcontinent and China, ascending to an altitude of 300m. In Hindi, the plant

is commonly known as Giloe.[10]

Which is a Hindu mythological term that refers to the heavenly elixir that has saved celestial

begins from old age and kept them eternally young.

Other common names and synonyms are Guduchi, Amrita, Amritavali, Madhupurni,

Guduchika, Chinnobhava, Vatsadari, Tantrika, Kundalini, Chakralakshnika (Sanskrit),

Gulancha (Bengali), Gurcha (Hindi), Garo, Galac (Gujrati), Thippateega (Telugu),

Amrutavallli (Kannada), Amrita, Gilo (Kashmiri), Chittamrutu (Malayalam), Gulvel

(Marathi), Guluchi (Oriya), Gilo (Punjabi), Seendal, Seendil Kodi (Tamil), Siddhilata,

Amarlaya (Assamese), Heartleaf Moonseed, Tinospora (English). Guduchi, the Sanskrit

name, means one which protects the entire body.[11-12]


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Figure:- Different Parts of Tinospora Cordifolia.

Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy) is a large climbing shrub with elongated twining branches

spreading extensively. A special feature is the presence of wiry aerial roots arising from the

branches. Stems are rather succulent, creamy white to gray, deeply cleft, papery bark and

rosette-like pores (Lenticels). Leaves are simple, alternate, cordate-ovate, and very thin with

long leaf stalks bulged at the base and apex. Inflorescence, called racemes is both axillary and

terminal. Flowers are tiny, greenish yellow, unisexual dioecious. Fruits are of three shortly

stalked subglobose drupes, scarlet coloured when ripe. The plant flowers during the summer

and fruits during the winter. This herb is found throughout tropical Asia ascending to a height

of 300 mts.[13-14]

It is found in the India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maymmar, China, Thailand, Philipines,

Indonesia, Malasia, Borneu, Vietnam, North Africa and South Africa. The Plant is genetically

diverse containing different active compounds including steroids, aliphatics, alkaloids,

glycosides and diterpenoid lactones. These active compounds are distributed over all parts of

the plant such as the root and stems.[15]


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History of Giloy

Giloy is a magical herb which deals with a plethora of health and skin problems. Its name is

also mentioned in our history as Amrita (Nectar of Life). It is said that during Samundra

Manthan, when the pot full of Amrita, came out of Sea, the demons took it and ran away. So

while running few drops of Amrita fell on earth which took the form of a climbing herb

known as Giloy. Since then we are reaping benefits of its magical properties. During the

recent Dengue Fever in Delhi and other states, Baba Ramdev claimed to have treated dengue,

malaria with the help of Giloy.[16]

We all have seen Chawanprash ads claiming to improve the immune system. The magical

ingredients in Chawanprash, It is Giloy and imagines the benefits when you take it in raw

form. Giloy is used in multiple drug formulations. It has many health benefits such as ant-

inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-allergic, anti-malarial, anti-diabetic and anti-impotency.

The Ayurvedic drug Guduchi or Amrita is mentioned in various texts of Ayurvedic system of

medicine viz: Charak, Sushrut & Ashtang Hridaya and other treaties like Bhava Prakash &

Dhanvantri Nighantu under other various names viz: Amara, Amritvalli, Chinmarrhuha,

Chinnodebha & Vatsadani etc.[17-18]

In Sushurta Samhita, it is mentioned under Tikta- Saka Varga & claimed to be useful in

treating kustha (leprosy), Maha Jvara (fever), Svasa (asthma) and Aruci (anorexia). In other

treaties like Charak Samhita & Ashtang Hridaya, it has been indicated in diseases like

Kamala (jaundice), Javara (fever) & Vat Rakta (gout). In Bhavya Prakash, it is considered as

bitter tonic, astringent, diuretic and potential aphrodisiac & curative against skin infections,

jaundice, diabetes, chronic diarrhoea & dysentery. In Dhanvantri Nighantu, its medicinal

properties are mentioned for cure of bleeding piles, promoting longevity, curing itching and

erysipelas.[19]


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It is reported to be a potent vegetable tonic. It is a traditional belief among Ayurvedic

practitioners that Guduchi Satva obtained from Guduchi plant growing on Neem tree

(Azadirachta indica) is more bitter & more efficacious and is said to incorporate the

medicinal virtue of Neem also. The drug caught the attention of European practitioners in

India as a specific tonic, antiperiodic and for its diuretic properties & it was included in

Bengal Pharmacopoeia of 1868. Tinospora cordifolia is mentioned in Ayurvedic literature as

a constituent of several formulations used in debility, dyspepsia, fever & urinary diseases.

Some of the important formulations are: Guduchyadi churna, Guduchi taila, Sanjavani vati,

Kanta-Kari avaleha, Chyavnaprasha, Guduchi satva, Guduchu ghrita, Amrita guggulu, Brihat

guduchi taila, Amritashtaka churna etc.[20-21]

Taxonomical Classification[22]

Figure: Taxonomical Classifications of Tinospora Cordifolia.


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Morphology of Giloy

Tinospora cordifolia is a glabrous, succulent, woody climbing shrub native to India. It thrives

well in the tropical region, often attains a great height and climbs up the trunk of large

trees.[23-24]

Figure: Morphology of Giloy: A) steam B) root C) leaves D) flower E) fruit F) seed.

The stem is gray and creamy white, deeply cleft spirally and longitudinally, with the space

between spotted with large rosette like lenticels. The wood is white, soft and porous and the

freshly cut surface assumes a yellow tint when exposed to air.[25]

Leaves are simple, alternate,

exstipulate, long petiolate, chordate in shape showing multicoated reticulate venation. Long

thread like aerial roots comes up from the branches.[26]

Flowers are small and unisexual. Male

flowers are in clusters, female flowers are solitary. Six sepals arranged in two whorls, they

are obovate and membranous. Aggregate fruit is red, fleshy with many drupelets on thick

stalk with subterminal style scars, scarlet coloured.[27-28]

Pharmacognosy of Tinospora cordifolia

1. Stems - Fleshy

2. Roots - long thread like, aerial, arise from branches.

3. Bark - Thin, greyish or creamy white in colour, when peeled fleshy stem is exposed.

4. Leaves - Cordate (heart shaped), membranous, juicy.

5. Flowers - Bloom during summer

6. Male flower - Small, yellow or green coloured occur in clusters.


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7. Female flower - Occur singly.

8. Fruits - Pea shaped, fleshy, shiny turn red when boiled. Occur in winter

9. Seeds - curved, pea sized.

10. Parts Used: Stems, Roots

11. Distribution: The plant occurs throughout tropical regions of India extending from

Kumaon to Assam and Myanmar, Bihar, Konkan to Sri Lanka. It is a large climber which

grows over the highest trees in the forests and throws out aerial roots which reach the

length of 10 metres, though not thicker than packthread.[30-31]

12. Cultivation: Soil And Climate: It grows well in almost any type of soils and under

varying climatic conditions.

13. Nursery raising and planting: The plant is cultivated by stem cutting in the month of

May-June. It requires some support preferably Neem and Mango trees, such plants are

supposed to possess better medicinal values.

14. Weeding and Hoeing: Periodical hoeing is done, both in the nursery and field as per

requirement.

15. Manures, Fertilisers and Pesticides: The medicinal plants have to be grown without

chemical fertilizers and use of pesticides. Organic manures like, Farm Yard Manure

(FYM), Vermi-Compost, Green Manure etc. may be used as per requirement of the

species. To prevent diseases, bio-pesticides could be prepared (either single or mixture)

from Neem (kernel, seeds & leaves), Chitrakmool, Dhatura, Cow's urine etc.[32-33]

16. Irrigation: The field after plantation should be irrigated periodically as and when

required

17. Weekly or fortnightly.

18. Harvesting/Post Harvesting Operation: Mature plants are collected, cut into small

pieces and dried in shad.

19. Yield: Approximately 8-10 q./ha.

20. Economics: The rate for a kg. of dried stem ranges from Rs. 15-20. (YEAR-2001)[34-35]

21. Chemical Constituents: The plant mainly contains alkaloids, glycosides, steroids,

sesquiterpenoid, aliphatic compound, essential oils, mixture of fatty acids and

polysaccharides. The alkaloids include berberine, bitter gilonin, non-glycoside gilonin

gilosterol. The major phytoconstituent in Tinospora cordifolia include tinosporine,

tinosporide, cordifolide, cordifol, heptacosanol, clerodane furano diterpene, diterpenoid

furanolactone tinosporidine, columbin and b-sitosterol. Berberine, Palmatine,

Tembertarine, Magniflorine, Choline, and Tinosporin are reported from its stem.[36-37]


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Medicinal Properties

Tinospora cordifolia is widely used medicinal plant in Ayurvedic system for its general tonic,

antiperiodic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti-arthritic, anti-lepritic, anti-

allergic and anti-diabetic properties. The plant is used to improve the immune system and the

body resistance against infections. The root of this plant is known for its anti-stress and anti-

malarial activities. The stem is bitter, stomachic, diuretic, stimulates bile secretions, allays

thirst, enriches the blood and cures jaundice. The extract of the stem is useful in skin

problems. The root and stem of Tinospora cordifolia is prescribed in combination with other

drugs as an antidote to snakebite and scorpion.[38-39]

The plant is also used in the treatment of wounds, pneumonia, asthma and cough. Tinospora

cordifolia has anti-cancer, immune stimulating, nerve cell protecting, anti-diabetic,

cholesterol-lowering and liver-protective actions. Tinospora cordifolia is also responsible for

decreasing the tissue damage caused by radiation, the side effects of some forms of

chemotherapy and speeding healing of diabetic foot ulcers. The stem of Giloy is considered

highly effective because of its high nutritional content and the alkaloids, glycosides, steroids,

and other compounds found in it, but the root and leaves also can be used.. It has shown great

potential for the development of biopharmaceutical products for the treatment of various

diseases.[40]

Pharmacological Activity of T. Cordifolia

In ayurvedic medicine, giloy is having a very good impact in reproductive system, blood and

fat. Although it has been used to treat a variety of conditions, from gout to jaundice to

tuberculosis, only a few of these uses are currently supported by scientific evidence.[41-42]


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1. Antioxidant Activity

Antioxidant activity Mehra et al., prepared the formulation and evaluated its antioxidant

activity by DPPH (1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging method. They

estimated the total flavonol and total phenolic content. Anilakumar Kr et al has studied the in-

vitro antioxidant activity of Tinospora cordifolia. It has been observed that Tinospora

cordifolia exhibited excellent antioxidant activity in methanol, ethanol and water extracts.

The observed high antioxidant activities of the extracts indicate the potential of the stem as a

source of natural antioxidants or nutraceuticals to reduce oxidative stress with consequent

health benefits.[43-44]

2. Antimicrobial Activity

Antimicrobial activity of the T. cordifolia with different solvents on different micro-

organism, showed good antifungal and antibacterial activity Jeyachandran et al., reported the

antimicrobial activity of stem extracts by in-vitro analysis against both gram-positive and

gram-negative bacteria and showed good therapeutic activity on the infectious disease. It has

taken a methanolic extract of T. cordifolia against both bacteria group. Narayanan et al., have

reported antibacterial activity of plants to extract against Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris,

Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Salmonella typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogene, Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus

and Serratia marcesenses (Gram-positive bacteria) The aqueous, ethanol and acetone extract

of T. cordifolia inhibited the activity on clinical isolates of urinary pathogens Klebsiella

pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Singh et al., has reported silver nanoparticles from

the stem of T. cordifolia, which possess antibacterial activity against the different strains of

bacteria.[45-46]

3. Anti-toxic effects

Gupta et al., reported the extract to scavenge free radicals generated during aflatoxicosis. It

showed protective effects of T. cordifolia on thiobarbituricacid reactive substances (TBARS)

levels and increase the level of GSH, ascorbic acid, protein, and the activities of anti-oxidant

enzymes viz., Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), GPx enzyme, Glutathione S-

transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) in kidney. The alkaloids such as choline,

tinosporin, isocolumbin, palmatine, tetrahydropalmatine, and magnoflorine present in the

plant of T. cordifolia showed protection against aflatoxin-induced nephrotoxicity. Reddy and

Reddy reported that the aqueous extract of this plant has previously reported to show


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scavenge activity due to the presence of antioxidant against free radicals generated during

aflatoxicosis and alkaloids such as choline, tinosporine, isocolumbin, palmetine,

tetrahydropalmatine and magnoflorine from T. cordifolia showed protection against aflatoxin

induced nephrotoxicity.[47-48]

4. Anti-stress activity

Sarma et al., reported ethanolic extract of T. cordifolia at the dose of 100 mg/kg gives

significant anti-stress activity in all parameters compared with standard drug diazepam (dose

of 2.5 mg/kg). The plant extract gives a moderate degree of behaviour disorders and mental

deficit response. The clinical research showed the improved I. Q level of patients. In

Ayurveda, it acts as Medhya Rasayana or brain tonic by increasing mind power like memory

and recollection.[49]

5. Hypo-lipidemic effects

Stanely et al., studied the hypolipidemic effect of an aqueous extract of the root on the rats

weighing 2.5 and 5.0 g/kg body weight on sixth weeks, that resulted in decrease tissue

cholesterol, reduction in serum, phospholipids, and free fatty acid in alloxan diabetic rats.

The dose of root extract 5.0 g/kg body weight showed the highest hypolipidaemic effect.

When the level of serum lipids in diabetes increased, they represented coronary heart disease,

lower the serum lipids level decreased the risk of vascular disease. The ability of T. cordifolia

root extract to reduce the level of serum or tissue lipids in diabetics animals have never been

studied before till then.[50]

6. Anti-Diabetic Activity

The extract of T. cordifolia stem ameliorates the derangements in lipid metabolism caused by

diabetes mellitus in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The oral administration of various

extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol) of T. cordifolia stem was found to have potent

antidiabetic property by reducing blood sugar level in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats at a

dose of 250 mg/kg. The polyherbal formulation, Dihar containing eight different herbs viz.,

Syzygium cumini, Momordica charantia, Emblica officinalis, Gymnema sylvestre,

Enicostemma littorale, Azadirachta indica, T. cordifolia and Curcuma longa significantly

reduces level of lipid peroxidation and increases activity of antioxidant enzymes in

streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, chloroform and

hexane extracts of T. cordifolia stem were evaluated for alpha glucosidase inhibition activity

and resulted that the dichloromethane extract was the most effective i.e. 100% inhibition of


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the alpha glycosidase than others. The ethanol extract of T. cordifolia demonstrates an

androgenic activity. Saponarin isolated from leaf extract of T. cordifolia showed

hypoglycemic activity at doses of 20-80 mg/kg. The hydro alcoholic and chloroform extracts

of T. cordifolia stem demonstrates significant antidiabetic property at 250 and 500 mg/kg

dose dependently in alloxan induced diabetic rats.[51-52]

7. Inhibitory Effect of a Polysaccharide on Metastasis

Administration of the polysaccharide fraction from Tinospora cordifolia was found to be very

effective in reducing the metastatic potential of melanoma cells. There was a 72% inhibition

in the metastases formation in the lungs of syngeneic mice, when the drug was administered

simultaneously with tumors challenge. Biochemical parameters such as lung collagen

hydroxyproline, hexosamines and uronic acids that are markers of neoplastic development

were reduced significantly in the treated animals compared with the untreated control

animals. The treatment could also reduce serum glutamyltranspeptidase and sialic acid levels

as compared to the control animals.[53]

8. Anticancer Activity

The active principles from T. cordifolia enhance host immune system by increasing

immunoglobulin and blood leukocyte levels and by the stimulation of stem cell proliferation.

It has the ability to reduce solid tumour volume by 58.8%, which is comparable to

cyclophosphamide, a known chemotherapeutic agent. These immunostimulating properties

can be used in the prevention of tumour mediated immunosuppression and hence could be a

drug choice for various cancers.[54]

9. Radiation Therapy

A study published in "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine"

demonstrated that Giloy may help prevent negative side effects of radiation treatment. The

experiment, which was conducted on adult male mice, focused on the damaging testicular

effects of radiation treatment in males. Male mice who underwent treatment with Giloy and

were exposed to radiation suffered from fewer testicular lesions and other negative side

effects than those who were not treated with Giloy. These studies suggest that Giloy may be

effective in preventing infertility and related problems in men who undergo radiation

treatment.[55]


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10. Anti-Allergic Activity

Tinospora cordifolia has been studied for its anti-allergic effect. It was found that T cordifolia

provided significant relief from sneezing, nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, and nasal

pruritus compared with placebo with consistent improvements on examination of the nasal

smears and nasal mucosa.[56]

11. Against AIDS

Giloy may also be beneficial for people with HIV and other autoimmune disorders. Gilroy’s

traditional use as an immune stimulant led researchers to study its effects on patients with

HIV. In a study published in the "Indian Journal of Pharmacology," 60 percent of HIV

patients who received Giloy treatment reported a decrease in diseaserelated symptoms, as

opposed to only 20 percent who received placebo treatment. This study suggests that Giloy

may improve the immune systems of patients with HIV and other immune disorders, while

also alleviating common side effects of these conditions.[57]

12. As an Immunomodulator and against Hepatic Amoebiasis

The activity of a crude extract formulation was evaluated in experimental amoebic liver

abscess in golden hamsters and in immunomodulation studies by Youvraj R Sohni et al. The

formulation comprises the following five plants Boerhavia diffusa, Tinospora cordifolia,

Berberis aristata, Terminalia chebula and Zingiber officinale. The formulation had a

maximum cure rate of 73% at a dose of 800 mg/kg/day in hepatic amoebiasis reducing the

average degree of infection (ADI) to 1.3 as compared to 4.2 for sham-treated controls. In

immunomodulation studies humoral immunity was enhanced as evidenced by the

haemagglutination titre. The T-cell counts remained unaffected in the animals treated with

the formulation but cell-mediated immune response was stimulated as observed in the

leukocyte migration inhibition (LMI) tests.[57-58]

13. Anti-inflammatory Activity

A study was conducted by Siddalingappa C M et al. It has been observed that Tinospora

cordifolia showed significant increase in the reaction time (pain threshold) in doses of 100

mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg with 5 mg/kg of diclofenac after 30, 60 and 90 minutes of

administration. In the same above doses, Tinospora cordifolia showed 32.63%, 36.63% and

40.5% inhibition of paw edema respectively at the end of three hours.[59]


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14. Antiulcer Activity

D. N. K. Sarma et al. has studied the antiulcer activity by using the ethanolic extracts of the

roots of T. cordifolia and was observed that, it induces a marked protective action against an

8 h restraint stress induced ulcerization, which is comparable to that of diazepam.[60]

15. Wound Healing Activity

Umesh Jain et al. have observed that, the methanolic extract possesses significant wound

healing promoting activity of Tinospora cordifolia. The study suggested that the methanolic

extract of Tinospora cordifolia possesses better wound healing potency, which was evident

by the increased rate of wound contraction; reduction in the period of epithelialization,

increase in collagen deposition and increase in tensile strength in granulation tissue.[61]

16. Mental Disorder

The whole plant and the juice of the leaves are traditionally used in various mental disorders.

This is regarded as one of the best psychotropic drugs in India.[62]

17. Effect on Memory

T. cordifolia has also been shown to enhance cognition (learning and memory) in normal rats

and reverse cyclosporine-induced memory deficit. Both the alcoholic and aqueous extracts of

T. cordifolia produced a decrease in learning scores in Herb William maze and retention

memory, indicating enhancement of learning and memory.[62]

18. Trace Element Studies

Traditionally, Tinospora cordifolia used medicinal plant in India for curing ailments ranging

from common cold, skin diseases, and dental infections to major disorders like diabetes,

hypertension, jaundice, rheumatism, etc. To understand and correlate their medicinal use,

trace element studies on the aqueous extract of these medicinal plants have been carried out

using particle-induced X-ray emission technique. A 2-MeV proton beam was used to identify

and characterize major and minor elements namely Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn,

Br, and Sr in them. The very high concentrations of Cl, K, and Ca in all the leaf samples,

appreciable levels of Mn and high Zn content in T. cordifolia.[63]

19. Uses and Benefits of Guduchi

All parts of Guduchi plant are used for various medicinal purposes. The plant oil is effective

in reducing pain and edema and in gout and skin diseases. The herb accords longevity,


2578


enhances memory, improves health, and bestows youth, betters complexion, voice, energy

and luster of the skin. It is helpful in treating digestive ailments such as hyperacidity, colitis,

worm infestations, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, and vomiting and even

liver disorders like hepatitis. Fresh juice of Guduchi, when mixed with rock candy, speeds up

the recovery in hepatitis patients. It helps in remedying ailments like raktapitta, anemia,

cardiac debility, diabetes, sexual debility and splenic disorders. The starch of the plant serves

as a household remedy for chronic fever, relieves burning sensation and increases energy and

appetite.

The decoction of Guduchi, mixed with nimba and vasa, eases the itching and oozing. It

benefits general weakness, dyspepsia, impotency, dysentery, secondary syphilis, tuberculosis,

jaundice, constipation, leprosy, general debility, cutaneous rashes and condylomata. Guduchi

helps in getting rid of renal caliculi and reduces blood urea level. Guduchi juice, when taken

with cow’s milk or lodhra, is effective in combating leucorrhea. The juice is mixed with

cumin seeds and consumed to reduce the burning sensation caused due to pitta. The root of

Guduchi is a strong emetic and used for bowel obstruction.[64]

20. Uses under Siddha System of Medicines

For Diabetes, the samoolam or the whole plant is crushed and juice is extracted. 2 to 3 ounce

of this juice is given 3 times daily before food and it is a very effective remedy to control the

glucose level. The leaves are baked in fire and applied externally over the ulcers. The

decoction prepared by the samoolam is an effective remedy for fever. For better results

parpadakam, chandanam, chukku, koraikizhangu can be used for preparation of this

decoction. An effective Siddha preparation called Seenthil sarkarai or Seenthil uppu is a very

effective remedy for venereal diseases, diabetes, skin diseases, spleenomegally, jaundice,

cough etc. Seethil leghyam is an effective remedy for suram (fever), diarrhoea, venereal

diseases etc. The juice of this plant is recommended daily in the case of AIDS. Research

work on this plant has proved that it increases the immunity and defence mechanism against

the retro virus and increases the lifespan of the patient. For rheumatic complaints like

Rheumatoid arthritis, 20 to 30 ml of the juice of this plant is advised twice daily. Seenthil

choornam and Seethil uppu is found to bring excellent results in the condtions like chronic

skin ailments, bone disorders and infertility.[65-66]


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CONCLUSION

This is really a miraculous herb having the choice to be used in each and every ailment. Giloy

is not approved by the Federal Drug Administration, and like other herbal treatments as well

as medications, it may produce side effects such as constipation. So a further study is

required along with the clinical trials to proof the benefits of thisbherb. Additionally, a person

should consult his/her doctor before using Giloy if having any health problem or if pregnant

or breastfeeding.

T. cordifolia is a medicinal plant having various types of compounds. The different bioactive

compounds, including alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, sesquiterpenoids, etc. have been

discussed. Present review spotlights the artistic antifungal activity, antioxidant activity,

antimicrobial activity, antibacterial activity, hypolipidaemic effect, hepatic disorder,

anticancer, Anti HIV potential, Antiosteoporotic effects, Antitoxic effects, Wound healing,

anticomplementary activity, immunomodulating activity, systemic Infection and Parkinson’s

disease of T. Cordifolia. It has been used successfully in Ayurvedic medicine from the

ancient era, and its products are used for their better economic and therapeutic utilization.

In this paper, we have documented the current state of knowledge and use of herbal

medicines for treatment and management of human diseases among some communities.

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Documents

A REVIEW ON GILOY: THE MAGIC MEDICINAL PLANT