Tinospora cordifolia
Guduchi
Tinospora cordifolia, commonly known as Giloy or Guduchi, is a highly revered medicinal climber in Ayurveda. Renowned for its potent immunomodulatory properties, it acts as a powerful rejuvenator. This versatile herb is widely used to manage fever, improve digestion, and enhance overall vitality, serving as a cornerstone in traditional wellness.
- Scientific name: Tinospora cordifolia
- Family: Menispermaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Ranunculales, it is classified under the family Menispermaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Tinospora.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ranunculales | WCVP |
| Family | Menispermaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Tinospora | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, scientifically known as Tinospora cordifolia, is recognized by various traditional names across different regions and languages. In Hindi, it is widely known as गिलोय (Giloy), while in Marathi, it is referred to as गुळवेल (Gulvel). In Indonesia, it is commonly called Bratawali, a name that is also used in Javanese (jv). Furthermore, in Malayalam, the plant is affectionately known as അമൃത് (Amrit).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| hi | गिलोय | Wikidata |
| id | Bratawali | Wikidata |
| ml | അമൃത് | Wikidata |
| jv | Bratawali | Wikidata |
| mr | गुळवेल | Wikidata |
| te | తిప్పతీగ | Wikidata |
| su | Andawali | Wikidata |
| kn | ಅಮೃತಬಳ್ಳಿ | Wikidata |
| th | บอระเพ็ด | Wikidata |
| sa | अमृतलता | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across various regions within the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing naturally in the diverse landscapes of India and the neighboring country of Bangladesh. Furthermore, its presence extends to the lush areas of Assam and the mountainous terrain of the East Himalaya. The species also reaches the island nation of the Maldives, showcasing its adaptability to different environments. Together, these locations highlight the significant geographical range of Tinospora cordifolia throughout the region.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Maldives | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Andaman Is. | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Nicobar Is. | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Giloy, possesses various parts that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The woody stems are the most frequently used component in Ayurvedic formulations, often prepared as a decoction to boost immunity. The green, heart-shaped leaves are also significant, and even a single dried leaf can be used in specific medicinal preparations. While the lush foliage of the leaves provides a visual characteristic of the climber, the root of the plant is also recognized for its potent healing capabilities. Additionally, the strength of the climbing stem allows the plant to thrive in diverse environments.- Total parts
- 18
- Scientific sources
- 56
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem | 18 | ★★★★★ |
| stems | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| leaves | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| root | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Stem | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| whole plant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| whole plants | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| petiole | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Tinospora cordifolia has 107 reported phytochemicals identified across 166 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, steroids, berberine, glycosides, polysaccharide.
- Total chemicals
- 107
- Scientific sources
- 166
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| steroids | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| berberine | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| glycosides | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| polysaccharide | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| magnoflorine | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| cordifolioside A | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| flavonoid | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
Activities
Tinospora cordifolia has 36 reported activities identified across 108 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Hepatoprotective, Antidiabetic.
- Total activities
- 36
- Scientific sources
- 108
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 23 | ★★★★★ |
| Anticancer | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Antipyretic | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antispasmodic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Tinospora cordifolia has 139 reported medicinal uses identified across 216 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include jaundice, COVID-19, cancer, diabetes mellitus, inflammation.
- Total uses
- 139
- Scientific sources
- 216
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| jaundice | 9 | ★★★★☆ |
| COVID-19 | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| cancer | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| diabetes mellitus | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| inflammation | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| rheumatism | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Alzheimer's disease | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Klebsiella pneumoniae | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |