Tinospora crispa
What's the taxonomical classification of Tinospora crispa?
Tinospora crispa belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this group, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Its taxonomic hierarchy continues through the order Ranunculales and the family Menispermaceae. Finally, the plant is identified by its specific genus, Tinospora, and its species name, crispa.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Menispermaceae |
| Genus | Tinospora |
| Species | crispa |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Tinospora crispa has a woody, climbing vine structure characterized by succulent, fleshy stems that are often pale green or yellowish in color. These stems feature prominent, corky, and longitudinal ridges that provide a distinctive textured appearance. The leaves are typically simple, cordate or ovate in shape, and possess a somewhat rough or wavy margin. Small, yellowish flowers emerge from the stem, which eventually develop into small, fleshy berries. The plant's overall morphology is defined by its ability to scramble over other vegetation using its twining stems.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South and Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia. It primarily thrives in moist, lowland forest environments where humidity levels remain consistently high. Within these habitats, it is often found climbing through dense vegetation in both primary and secondary forests. The species also populates various parts of the Indian subcontinent, ranging from coastal plains to inland hilly terrains. Its distribution is closely tied to warm climates that support its climbing growth habit.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-drained soil and partial sunlight to thrive during its growth cycle.
It is a climbing woody vine that benefits from being grown alongside support structures like fences or trellises. Regular watering is necessary to maintain moisture, although the roots must not remain waterlogged to prevent rot. Providing organic compost can significantly enhance the nutrient levels of the soil for better development.
Once established, the plant is relatively hardy and adapts well to tropical or subtropical climates.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Tinospora crispa utilizes its aerial parts, specifically the stem and the climbing vine, for various medicinal purposes. Practitioners often harvest the entire green vine to extract bioactive compounds used in traditional healing. The woody stem is also highly valued for its concentrated therapeutic properties. These harvested sections are typically processed into decoctions, powders, or pastes to treat diverse ailments. By utilizing these specific growing structures, healers can access the plant's full medicinal potential.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", phytochemical and cytotoxicity investigations were conducted on organic solvent extracts of the aerial parts of Tinospora crispa. These investigations led to the isolation of 15 cis-clerodane-type furanoditerpenoids. Out of these 15 compounds, nine compounds, labeled 1-9, were found to be new. The spectroscopic assignments for the previously reported compound borapetoside A (13) were revised using HMQC and HMBC correlations. No discernible activity was observed when compounds 10-13 were subjected to evaluation in cytotoxicity assays against human prostate cancer (PC-3) and the normal mouse fibroblast (3T3) cell lines.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- aerial parts
- stem
- vine
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant is utilized in Thai folk remedy to treat various ailments such as fever, inflammation, and skin diseases. Historically, practitioners have prepared decoctions from the leaves or stems to alleviate digestive issues and promote wound healing. In other traditional practices, the plant serves as an important component in herbal formulations meant to strengthen the immune system. Its bitter properties are often harnessed to clear heat from the body according to ancient medicinal principles. These long-standing customs highlight the diverse therapeutic roles assigned to the species across different cultures.
According to a study published by "Heliyon", Tinospora crispa is a component of a Thai folk recipe that has long been used for T2DM treatment. This recipe is currently used in Thai hospitals to effectively decrease blood glucose. In vitro experiments demonstrated that extracts from Tinospora crispa offered inhibitory activity with an IC50 of 0.69 ± 0.39 mg/mL. This inhibitory activity was determined to involve alpha-glucosidase inhibition.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Thai folk remedy
What are the pharmacological activities of Tinospora crispa?
This plant has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective pharmacological activities. Its chemical constituents work to reduce pain perception and inhibit the inflammatory processes in the body. The presence of bioactive compounds allows it to scavenge free radicals, providing significant antioxidant benefits. Furthermore, the plant helps regulate blood glucose levels, making it useful in managing antidiabetic conditions. Finally, its hepatoprotective properties assist in protecting liver cells from chemical or oxidative damage.
According to a study published by "Phytochemistry reviews : proceedings of the Phytochemical Society of Europe", Tinospora crispa is used in ethnomedicine to alleviate diseases including hypertension, diabetes, rheumatism, jaundice, inflammation, fever, fractures, scabies, and urinary disorders. A total of 167 phytoconstituents belonging to 12 different chemical categories have been isolated from various parts of the plant. Investigations have established its antidiabetic, anticancer, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, analgesic, antipyretic, antihyperuricemic, and pesticidal activity. The plant also shows effects on the cardiac and the central nervous system. While toxicological studies demonstrate it is relatively safe, dose-dependent hepatotoxicity is a concern at high doses.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- analgesic
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant
- antimicrobial
- hepatoprotective
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds Borapetoside A, Borapetoside B, Borapetoside C, Borapetoside E, and berbermine. These specific triterpene glycosides are known for their significant biological activities in various pharmacological studies. The Borapetoside group plays a crucial role in the plant's traditional medicinal applications. Additionally, the presence of berbermine contributes to the diverse chemical profile of the species. Together, these constituents define the therapeutic potential of Tinospora crispa.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", Tinospora crispa contains the compound borapetoside C. Acute treatment with 5mg/kg of borapetoside C (i.p.) attenuated elevated plasma glucose induced by oral glucose in normal and type 2 DM mice. Compared to insulin at 0.5 IU/kg, borapetoside C caused a more prominent increase of glycogen content in the skeletal muscle of T2DM mice. Continuous treatment with 5mg/kg of borapetoside C twice daily for 7 days increased phosphorylation of the insulin receptor (IR) and protein kinase B (Akt) along with GLUT2 expression in T1DM mice. Furthermore, a low dose of 0.1mg/kg of borapetoside C combined with insulin twice daily for 7 days enhanced insulin-induced IR and Akt phosphorylation and GLUT2 expression in the liver of T1DM mice.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Borapetoside C
- Borapetoside E
- berbermine
- columbamine
- palmatine
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for managing diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, hepatic disorders, liver disease, and inflammation. Its bioactive compounds play a significant role in regulating blood glucose levels to combat elevated sugar states. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates protective properties that assist in treating various liver diseases and hepatic disorders. It also possesses potent medicinal qualities that help reduce inflammation throughout the body. These diverse therapeutic applications make it a valuable resource in traditional herbal medicine.
According to a study published by "Phytotherapy research : PTR", Tinospora crispa is used by traditional healers in Thailand, Malaysia, Guyana, Bangladesh and the southern Indian province of Kerala in the treatment of diabetes. The plant contains many diterpenes, triterpene, phytosteroids, alkaloids and their glycosides. Cell culture and animal studies suggest that the herb stimulates secretion of insulin from β-cells. It also causes dose-dependent and time-dependent enhancement of glucose uptake in muscles. Due to reported hepatotoxicity, this herb may be used with caution.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- Type 2 diabetes
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Hyperglycemia
- Inflammation
- Liver disease
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is utilized to create medicinal herbal preparations such as Tinospora crispas stems extract and various aqueous plant extracts to treat diverse ailments. These formulations often leverage the plant's bioactive compounds to provide anti-inflammatory and antipyretic benefits. Researchers frequently study the efficacy of these extracts in managing metabolic disorders and immune system functions. The preparation process typically involves specific extraction methods to ensure the concentration of therapeutic alkaloids. Such traditional remedies continue to be a significant focus in modern ethnopharmacological research.
According to a study published by "Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences", Tinospa crispas L. is a medicinal plant that can be used to reduce blood sugar levels. The study tested the antidiabetic activity of brotowali stems using in vivo animal modeling of insulin deficiency and in vitro alpha glycosidase inhibition activity assays. During the in vivo method, extracts were administered every day for 14 days, and blood glucose levels were measured on the 0, 7th, and 14th days. In vitro testing showed that brotowali stems were able to inhibit alpha-glucosidase enzymes at an IC50 of 29.42 ± 1.40. The best results by both in vitro and in vivo methods were shown in the combination of binahong leaf and brotowali stem extract at a ratio of 2:1.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Tinospora crispa stems extract
- aqueous plant extracts
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause severe health complications including acute hepatitis, asthenia, hepatotoxicity, hypoglycaemia, and jaundice. Consumption of the plant may lead to significant liver damage and toxic effects on hepatic tissues. Patients might experience a sudden onset of jaundice characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Furthermore, individuals may suffer from extreme physical weakness or asthenia and dangerously low blood sugar levels known as hypoglycaemia. These combined side effects highlight the potential risks associated with unmonitored use of the species.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", chronic use of high doses of Tinospora crispa can induce acute toxic hepatitis. In a case involving a 49-year-old male taking 10 pellets per day for 4 weeks and 2 months, clinical symptoms included jaundice and dark urine. Laboratory results revealed aspartate aminotransferase at 1.169 IU/l, alanine aminotransferase at 2.029 IU/l, total bilirubin at 20.47 mg/dl, direct bilirubin at 13.29 mg/dl, and γ-glutamyltransferase at 243 IU/l. After the herbal medicine was stopped, the patient achieved full recovery with normal liver function 2 months after the acute episode.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- acute hepatitis
- asthenia
- hepatotoxicity
- hypoglycaemia
- jaundice
What herbs are paired with Tinospora crispa?
This plant Tinospora crispa is traditionally paired with herbs such as ginger, black pepper, and tulsi to enhance its medicinal efficacy in treating inflammatory conditions.
The addition of pungent spices like ginger and pepper helps to improve the bioavailability of its active alkaloids during digestion. Combining it with tulsi can create a potent synergistic effect that supports respiratory health and immune function. These herbal combinations are frequently used in Ayurvedic formulations to balance the plant's bitter taste and potency.
Practitioners often adjust these pairings based on the specific ailment being addressed.