Guduchi
Tinospora cordifolia
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.
| Botanical name | Tinospora cordifolia |
|---|---|
| Family | Menispermaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Ayurvedic category | Rasayana, Jwaraghna |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 7520328 · Wikidata Q3595912 · NCBI Taxonomy 285590 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Guduchi |
| Common Names | Guduchi, Giloy, Heart-leaved Moonseed |
| Hindi | Giloy |
| 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
- Tinosporin
- Columbin
- Giloin
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Immunomodulator
- Antipyretic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Hepatoprotective
How is it used traditionally?
Same as Giloy — alternate name used in classical texts. See Giloy 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 extract), Kashayam (decoction), Ghana Vati (solid extract tablet), Capsule, 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 (Tinospora cordifolia) - see Giloy entry for detailed bioavailability data. In brief: diterpenoid lactones (tinosporaside, columbin) have moderate oral bioavailability (20-35%); berberine fraction has low bioavailability (<5%); polysaccharide fraction (Satva) acts primarily through GALT. Fresh stem juice (Swarasa) is traditionally most valued. Neem-Guduchi (grown on Azadirachta indica) is considered therapeutically superior per classical texts. Enhancement: 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, Cordifolioside A, Arabinogalactan (Satva), 20-beta-hydroxyecdysone, 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) for Amapachana (toxin digestion) and fever - classical combination
- With Amalaki for antioxidant and immune Rasayana
- With Ashwagandha for immune-adaptogenic synergy
- With Neem for antipyretic and blood-purifying action
- With Gokshura for urinary and immune support
- With Pippali for bioenhanced immune formulation
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses1
- 2021. A Review on Natural Products and Herbs Used in the Management of DiabetesCurrent diabetes reviews. PMID 32268866 · doi:10.2174/1573399816666200408090058
Other clinical studies and reviews11
- 2025. Effects of Tinospora cordifolia (giloy) on metabolic syndrome components: a mechanistic reviewNaunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology. PMID 39731594 · doi:10.1007/s00210-024-03642-2
- 2024. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation to elucidate the mechanism of anti-aging action of Tinospora cordifoliaMolecular diversity. PMID 37439907 · doi:10.1007/s11030-023-10684-w
- 2024. Anti-dengue therapeutic potential of Tinospora cordifolia and its bioactivesJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 38679398 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2024.118242
- 2023. Nomenclature, diagnosis and management of drug-induced autoimmune-like hepatitis (DI-ALH): An expert opinion meeting reportJournal of hepatology. PMID 37164270 · doi:10.1016/j.jhep.2023.04.033
- 2022. Tinospora Cordifolia: A review of its immunomodulatory propertiesJournal of dietary supplements. PMID 33480818 · doi:10.1080/19390211.2021.1873214
- 2022. Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers: Protection mechanisms and strategies against oxidative stress-related diseasesJournal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 34509604 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114540
- 2022. Phytotherapeutics against Alzheimer's Disease: Mechanism, Molecular Targets and Challenges for Drug DevelopmentCNS & neurological disorders drug targets. PMID 34544351 · doi:10.2174/1871527320666210920120612
- 2020. Using Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) as an eco-friendly feed supplement in human and poultry nutritionPoultry science. PMID 32029162 · doi:10.1016/j.psj.2019.10.051
- 2017. Chemistry and Pharmacology of Tinospora cordifoliaNatural product communications. PMID 30428235
- 2016. Berberine and Its Role in Chronic DiseaseAdvances in experimental medicine and biology. PMID 27671811 · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-41334-1_2
- 2016. The Significance of Tinospora crispa in Treatment of Diabetes MellitusPhytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 26749336 · doi:10.1002/ptr.5559
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