# Giloy Satva

> Giloy Satva (Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers (aqueous starch extract)) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Menispermaceae family. Not listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; recognized in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (Guduchi); FSSAI approved; subject to ongoing pharmacovigilance due to hepatotoxicity reports.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers (aqueous starch extract)
- **Family:** Menispermaceae
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Not listed in WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants; recognized in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (Guduchi); FSSAI approved; subject to ongoing pharmacovigilance due to hepatotoxicity reports

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | [Giloy](/herb/guduchi/) Satva |
| Latin/Botanical | *Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers (aqueous starch extract)* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Berberine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#berberine) (isoquinoline alkaloid)
- [Palmatine](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#palmatine) and [jatrorrhizine](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#jatrorrhizine) ([alkaloids](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#alkaloids))
- [Tinosporaside](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#tinosporaside) (diterpenoid glycoside)
- Cordifolisides A-E (diterpenoid [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides))
- [Arabinogalactan](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#arabinogalactan) polysaccharide (immunoactive)
- Giloin and giloinin (diterpenoid lactones)
- Sinapic acid (phenolic)
- [Columbin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#columbin) (bitter principle)
- Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol)
- Tinosporone (clerodane diterpene)

## How does it work?

- [Immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) mechanism through arabinogalactan polysaccharide-mediated polyclonal B-cell activation and enhancement of macrophage phagocytic activity, with NF-kB pathway modulation
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) mechanism through [berberine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#berberine) and sinapic acid inhibition of TNF-alpha-mediated pro-inflammatory pathways and enhancement of hepatocyte regeneration
- [Antidiabetic](/reference/antidiabetic/) mechanism involving isoquinoline alkaloid-mediated improvement of insulin sensitivity and reduction of hepatic [glucose](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#glucose) output, with [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) protection of pancreatic beta cells

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Immunomodulatory ([Rasayana](/reference/rasayana/)) properties extensively validated through multiple preclinical and clinical studies, confirming premier use as Amrita (divine nectar) for immunity enhancement
- [Antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/) activity validated through clinical studies in various febrile conditions, confirming traditional use in Jwara (fever) management including Vishama Jwara (intermittent/malarial fever)
- Antidiabetic activity validated through clinical trials showing improvement in glycemic parameters, confirming traditional use in Prameha (diabetes)

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Singh J, Saxena E, Chaudhary AR and others 2025. [Immunomodulatory properties of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) leaves and its applications in value-added products](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39758376/). *Heliyon*. PMID [39758376](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39758376/) · [doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40948](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40948)  
  Demonstrated immunomodulatory properties through NF-kB pathway modulation and interleukin regulation, with applications in functional food product development.
- Gupta A, Gupta P, Bajpai G 2024. [Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy): An insight on the multifarious pharmacological paradigms of a most promising medicinal ayurvedic herb](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38390130/). *Heliyon*. PMID [38390130](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38390130/) · [doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26125](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26125)  
  Comprehensive review documenting significant immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, [anticancer](/reference/anticancer/), and [neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/) properties of the plant.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Generally considered safe at doses up to 2000 mg/kg in acute toxicity studies; 28-day repeated dose study (OECD-407 compliant under GLP) confirmed safety up to 1000 mg/kg/day with no mortality or toxicological manifestation
- IMPORTANT: Post-COVID reports of [Giloy](/herb/guduchi/)-associated hepatotoxicity emerged; however, evidence suggests the hepatotoxic species may be Tinospora crispa (not T. cordifolia) or contaminated/adulterated products; autoimmune hepatitis unmasking is a proposed mechanism in susceptible individuals; caution advised in patients with pre-existing liver conditions

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Satva powder (primary - the starch extract itself), Tablet (Satva compressed with excipients), Capsule (Satva-filled), Suspension (Satva in water/honey)

**Standard Dosage:** 500mg-1g Satva with honey or warm water, twice daily; 500mg Satva tablet/capsule twice daily

**Bioavailability:** [Giloy](/herb/guduchi/) Satva is the aqueous starch extract of Tinospora cordifolia stem, primarily consisting of arabinogalactan and related polysaccharides with co-extracted diterpenoid lactones and alkaloids (trace). The polysaccharide fraction acts primarily through gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) as an immunomodulator - systemic absorption of intact polysaccharides is minimal, but oligosaccharide fragments and co-extracted small molecules (columbin, [berberine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#berberine)) are absorbed. The starch matrix provides a natural slow-release system. Honey as traditional vehicle (Anupana) may enhance mucosal absorption and provide synergistic [antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) activity. Pure Satva has different bioavailability profile than whole [Giloy](/herb/guduchi/) preparations.

**Optimal Timing:** On empty stomach with honey in the morning for immune support; with warm water before meals for fever and debility

**Standardized Extract:** [Giloy Satva](/herb/giloy-satva/) is itself the extract. Specifications: total polysaccharide content NLT 70% (arabinogalactan), starch content NLT 80% by [iodine](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#iodine) test, moisture NMT 5%, ash NMT 3%, bitter principle content (columbin) NLT 0.5%. Must pass microscopy for genuine Tinospora starch grains (oval, 5-15 microns).

**Shelf Life:** 3 years (properly dried Satva in moisture-proof container); 2 years (tablet/capsule)

**Storage:** Extremely hygroscopic - store in double-sealed, moisture-proof containers with desiccant at below 25 deg C and below 40% RH. Once container is opened, use quickly and reseal tightly. Protect from moisture ingress which causes caking and microbial growth.

**Marker Compounds:** Arabinogalactan polysaccharide, Columbin (co-extracted), [Berberine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#berberine) (trace), Tinosporaside (trace), Starch granule morphology (authentication)

### Extraction Methods

- Traditional Satva preparation: fresh stem crushed, macerated in large volume of water (1:8), filtered through muslin, allowed to sediment for 4-6 hours, supernatant decanted, sediment (Satva) collected and dried
- Modified process: controlled temperature maceration, centrifugation for faster sedimentation, spray-drying for uniform particle size
- No solvent extraction - purely aqueous/mechanical process

### Synergistic Combinations

- With honey ([Madhu](/herb/madhu/)) as traditional Anupana for enhanced immune effect
- With [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) for bioenhancement of co-extracted alkaloids
- With [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for comprehensive immune-[adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) formulation
- With Amalaki for antioxidant synergy

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/giloy-satva/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.