Giloy Satva

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Giloy Satva
Latin/Botanical	Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers (aqueous starch extract)

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Berberine (isoquinoline alkaloid)
• Palmatine and jatrorrhizine (alkaloids)
• Tinosporaside (diterpenoid glycoside)
• Cordifolisides A-E (diterpenoid glycosides)
• Arabinogalactan polysaccharide (immunoactive)
• Giloin and giloinin (diterpenoid lactones)
• Sinapic acid (phenolic)
• Columbin (bitter principle)
• Beta-sitosterol
• Tinosporone (clerodane diterpene)

How does it work?

• Immunomodulatory mechanism through arabinogalactan polysaccharide-mediated polyclonal B-cell activation and enhancement of macrophage phagocytic activity, with NF-kB pathway modulation
• Hepatoprotective mechanism through berberine and sinapic acid inhibition of TNF-alpha-mediated pro-inflammatory pathways and enhancement of hepatocyte regeneration
• Antidiabetic mechanism involving isoquinoline alkaloid-mediated improvement of insulin sensitivity and reduction of hepatic glucose output, with antioxidant protection of pancreatic beta cells

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

• Immunomodulatory (Rasayana) properties extensively validated through multiple preclinical and clinical studies, confirming premier use as Amrita (divine nectar) for immunity enhancement
• 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. Heliyon. PMID 39758376 · doi: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. Heliyon. PMID 38390130 · doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26125
  Comprehensive review documenting significant immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, anticancer, and 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-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 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) are absorbed. The starch matrix provides a natural slow-release system. Honey as traditional vehicle (Anupana) may enhance mucosal absorption and provide synergistic antimicrobial activity. Pure Satva has different bioavailability profile than whole Giloy 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 is itself the extract. Specifications: total polysaccharide content NLT 70% (arabinogalactan), starch content NLT 80% by 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 (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) as traditional Anupana for enhanced immune effect
• With Pippali for bioenhancement of co-extracted alkaloids
• With Ashwagandha for comprehensive immune-adaptogenic formulation
• With Amalaki for antioxidant synergy