# Guduchi

> Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is classified in Ayurveda as Rasayana, Jwaraghna, from the Menispermaceae family. Parts used: stem, root. Same as Giloy — alternate name used in classical texts.

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Tinospora cordifolia
- **Family:** Menispermaceae
- **Ayurvedic category:** Rasayana, Jwaraghna

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Guduchi |
| Common Names | Guduchi, [Giloy](/herb/guduchi/), Heart-leaved Moonseed |
| Hindi | [Giloy](/herb/guduchi/) |
| Sanskrit | Guduchi, Amrita |
| Latin/Botanical | *Tinospora cordifolia* |

## Parts Used

- Stem
- Root

## Dosha Effects

| Dosha | Effect |
|-------|--------|
| **Vata** | Decreases |
| **Pitta** | Decreases |
| **Kapha** | Decreases |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- [Berberine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#berberine)
- [Tinosporin](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#tinosporin)
- [Columbin](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#columbin)
- Giloin

## Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

- Immunomodulator
- [Antipyretic](/reference/antipyretic/)
- Anti-inflammatory
- [Hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/)

## How is it used traditionally?

Same as [Giloy](/herb/guduchi/) — alternate name used in classical texts. See [Giloy](/herb/guduchi/) entry.

## Where is it described in the classical texts?

- Charaka Samhita (Medhya Rasayana)
- Sushruta Samhita
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu

## Recommended Dosage

Stem powder: 3-6g/day; Satva: 500mg-1g/day

## Safety, contraindications and cautions

- Autoimmune conditions
- Pre-surgery

## What is it made of?

**Part(s) Analyzed:** Stem, Root

### Diterpenoid Lactones

- Tinosporin
- Tinosporide
- Columbin
- Tinosporaside
- Cordifolioside A-E

### Alkaloids

- Berberine (0.5-1%)
- Palmatine
- Jatrorrhizine
- Magnoflorine
- Tinosporine
- Choline

### Polysaccharides

- Arabinogalactan (G1-4A)
- RR1 (immunomodulatory polysaccharide)

### Sterols

- Beta-sitosterol
- 20β-Hydroxyecdysone
- Giloinsterol

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC-UV (berberine, columbin), LC-MS/MS, UV spectrophotometry

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Swarasa (fresh stem juice), Churna (stem powder), Satva (aqueous [starch](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#starch) extract), Kashayam (decoction), Ghana Vati (solid extract tablet), Capsule, [Ghrita](/herb/ghrita/) (medicated ghee), Kwath Ghana

**Standard Dosage:** 10-20ml fresh stem juice; 3-6g powder twice daily; 500mg-1g Satva with honey twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; 500mg Ghana Vati twice daily

**Bioavailability:** Guduchi is synonymous with [Giloy](/herb/guduchi/) (Tinospora cordifolia) - see Giloy entry for detailed bioavailability data. In brief: diterpenoid lactones ([tinosporaside](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#tinosporaside), columbin) have moderate oral bioavailability (20-35%); [berberine](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#berberine) fraction has low bioavailability (<5%); polysaccharide fraction (Satva) acts primarily through GALT. Fresh stem juice (Swarasa) is traditionally most valued. [Neem](/herb/neem/)-Guduchi (grown on Azadirachta indica) is considered therapeutically superior per classical texts. Enhancement: [piperine](/reference/piperine/) co-administration; phytosome technology for diterpenoid fraction.

**Optimal Timing:** Fresh juice or Satva on empty stomach with honey for immune support; Kashayam before meals for fever; Ghana Vati twice daily with meals

**Standardized Extract:** Same as Giloy entry. Aqueous extract standardized to NLT 5% bitter principles (as columbin) or NLT 2.5% tinosporaside. Ghana Vati extract ratio 8:1 to 12:1. Satva: polysaccharide NLT 70%.

**Shelf Life:** Fresh juice: 6 hours; 2 years (powder); 3 years (Satva); 3 years (Ghana Vati); Kashayam: 72 hours refrigerated

**Storage:** Fresh stem: process within 48 hours. Powder: airtight below 25 deg C. Satva: double-sealed moisture-proof containers with desiccant - extremely hygroscopic. Ghana Vati: blister-packed, room temperature.

**Marker Compounds:** Tinosporaside, Columbin, Berberine, [Palmatine](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#palmatine), Cordifolioside A, [Arabinogalactan](/glossary/compounds-1-a/#arabinogalactan) (Satva), 20-beta-hydroxyecdysone, [Magnoflorine](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#magnoflorine)

### Extraction Methods

- Fresh stem juice expression (Swarasa)
- Aqueous starch extraction (Satva)
- Aqueous decoction (Kashayam)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40)
- Spray-dried aqueous extract (Kwath Ghana / Ghana Vati base)

### Synergistic Combinations

- With Sunthi (dry [ginger](/herb/ginger/)) for Amapachana (toxin digestion) and fever - classical combination
- With Amalaki for [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) and immune Rasayana
- With [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) for immune-[adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) synergy
- With Neem for antipyretic and blood-purifying action
- With [Gokshura](/herb/gokshura/) for urinary and immune support
- With [Pippali](/herb/pippali/) for bioenhanced immune formulation

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/guduchi/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Ashtanga Hridaya)
- 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.