Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Uses | Formulas or Dosages | How Sold | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Tinospora cordifolia
- Berberis vulgaris f. lycium (Royle) Parsa
Common Names
- Giloy
- Guduchi
- Amrita
- Heart-leaved Moonseed
- Heavenly Elixir
- Gurcha
- Somida
Parts Usually Used
The stems, roots, and leaves are primarily used. The stem is considered the most medicinally potent part of the plant.
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Giloy is a large, deciduous climbing shrub that grows up to 3-4 meters tall. It has pale whitish to greyish branches with heart-shaped leaves that are 10-20 cm long and 8-15 cm broad. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow and unisexual, appearing on separate plants. The fruits are red, fleshy drupes growing in clusters of 1-3. The plant thrives in various soil types from sandy to clay loam and prefers tropical to subtropical climates.
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Where Found
Native to the Himalayan region, particularly found in tropical areas of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, and parts of Australia and Africa. It grows well up to elevations of 1000 meters in South Asia.
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Medicinal Properties
Giloy demonstrates potent immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antipyretic, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective properties. It has shown effectiveness in treating various conditions through multiple mechanisms of action.
Research has shown its ability to boost immunity, regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, protect liver function, and improve cardiovascular health. It also exhibits anti-cancer properties and aids in managing autoimmune conditions.
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Biochemical Information
The primary active compounds include alkaloids (berberine, palmatine), terpenoids, lignans, and steroids (beta-sitosterol). It also contains flavonoids, glycosides, polysaccharides, and various phenolic compounds like chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and quercetin.
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Uses
Giloy has numerous traditional and modern applications, including:
- Treatment of fever and infections
- Management of diabetes and blood sugar control
- Boosting immune system function
- Treatment of arthritis and joint pain
- Liver protection and detoxification
- Skin health improvement
- Digestive health support
- Stress and anxiety reduction
- Treatment of respiratory conditions
Formulas or Dosages
General recommended dosages include:
Powder form: 2-6 grams daily in divided doses
Juice form: 2-3 teaspoons mixed with equal amount of water, taken on an empty stomach
For children: No more than 500 mg twice daily
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How Sold
Available commercially in various forms including:
- Capsules and tablets
- Powder
- Juice
- Decoctions
- Tinctures
- Creams and lotions for topical use
- Tea blends
Warning
While generally considered safe when used as directed, giloy may cause side effects including constipation, stomach irritation, and low blood sugar. It should be used with caution in people with autoimmune conditions as it may overstimulate the immune system.
Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women due to insufficient safety data. People taking blood sugar medications should monitor their levels closely when using giloy. Those with liver conditions should consult healthcare providers before use due to rare reports of hepatotoxicity.
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Resource Links
Unveiling Giloy Benefits Through Genome Sequencing and Analysis
HealthLine – What Is Giloy? Nutrients, Benefits, Downsides, and More
Wikipedia – Tinospora cordifolia
Radcliffe Labs – Giloy: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects and More
MedicineNet – What Is Giloy Good For?
