Heartleaf Tinospora (Tinospora cordifolia)

Heartleaf Tinospora (Tinospora cordifolia) is a member of the Menispermaceae family, native to India, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia. Traditionally, its leaves, bark, and stems have been used for decoctions, powders, and infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and bitter actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and unani medicine.

Heartleaf Tinospora (Tinospora cordifolia) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Heartleaf Tinospora (Tinospora cordifolia) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Heartleaf Tinospora
Scientific Name	Tinospora cordifolia
Plant Family	Menispermaceae
Genus	Tinospora
Species	cordifolia
Native Range	India, Southeast Asia, Indonesia
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Bark, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Bitter
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Unani Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Powder, Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Tinospora cordifolia
Common Name: Heartleaf Tinospora
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Guduchi, Indian Remedial Vine, Tinospora Vine
Plant Family: Menispermaceae
Genus: Tinospora

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 5 to 15 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with dark green upper surface and lighter green lower surface, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are terminal panicles with small actinomorphic flowers having five white petals and five yellow stamens arranged in two whorls.
Stems: Climbing stems with opposite branching, glabrous surface, and persistent adventitious roots.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Unani Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Powder
Infusion
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a moderate anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a mild tonic, in whole-system applications.
Bitter: Traditionally described as a warming bitter, for flavor-based applications.
Stimulant: As described in traditional systems, a cooling stimulant, for vitality-related discussions.

Active Compounds

Alkaloid: Naturally occurring organic compounds commonly involved in plant defense.
Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Saponin: Plant-derived compounds characterized by their soap-like properties.
Tannin: Plant-derived compounds known for their ability to bind proteins.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Specific general precautions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Contraindications: Specific contraindications associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: The use of this herb has been linked to reported toxic effects.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.
Extract: Extracts are created by dissolving plant material in a suitable non-alcoholic medium.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with moderately well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.