Dr, Meenakshi Kalita, Dr, B.N. Saikia, Dr, Gunaram Saikia and Dr, Lakhyajyoti Borah

Stem of Giloy

Leaves of Giloy

Giloy is a traditional medicine known as Tinospora cordifolia which is found in the tropical regions of India, extending from Kumaon to Assam and northward through West Bengal, Bihar, Deccan, Konkan, Kerala and Karnataka (Kotwal et al., 2021). It is a succulent, glabrous climbing shrub that can grow up to a considerable height and shoots long, airborne threads that resemble roots. Aerial roots that emerge from clipped segments of stems or mature branches spread downward and frequently grow continuously to enter the earth. They progressively get thicker and more like stems. The leaves on the branches are smooth and have a heart shape. The leaves are tall, reticular, simple, alternating and exstipulate. It is a climbing shrub that belongs to the Menispermaceae family of plants that grows on other trees. Although the plant is native to India, it is also found in China, Australia, and Africa’s tropical regions. In Ayurvedic and traditional medicine, it is regarded as a necessary medicinal plant that is used to treat a variety of illnesses.

       In Ayurvedic treatment, the entire plant is utilized. However, it is believed that the most of the advantageous chemicals are found in the stem. India’s Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia has authorized the use of the plant’s stem in medicine. Other names for giloy include giloe, guduchi, and amrita. The word “giloe” comes from Hindu mythology. It alludes to a legendary heavenly potion that perpetually rejuvenates celestial beings. In Sanskrit, “amrita” denotes immortality, and “guduchi” means something that guards the entire body. In giloy, researchers have discovered four main groups of phytochemicals: Terpenoids, Alkaloids, Lignans and Steroides. One of the biggest groups of active substances present in plants is terpenoids. They frequently influence the color, flavour, and scent of plants. Terpenoid compounds have been shown in laboratory studies to possess antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer and anti-diabetic qualities. Compounds called alkaloids are responsible for the bitter flavour of certain plants. Numerous prescription drug types are made using plant alkaloids as a model. Their therapeutic benefits are known to include reduction of blood pressure, pain management, and management of cancer illness-related intestinal spasms. When used in appropriate amounts, alkaloids are potent substances. It’s interesting to note that people have utilized plant alkaloids as poisons and as treatments for diseases since ancient times. Fibrous plants are the primary source of lignans. They have the ability to stop the growth of fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms. Additionally, studies indicate they contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, which may shield cells from oxidative damage. In laboratory experiments, lignans have been shown to either delay the growth of some cancer cell types or even kill them, which makes them very intriguing.

Plant-based steroid molecules are advantageous for wound healing, skin health, and heart health. Some resemble cholesterol in their chemical makeup. As a result, they might compete with cholesterol in your intestines for absorption. This could lower your blood cholesterol levels.  According to Sharma et al. (2011), the herbal plant guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) has the potential to be beneficial for poultry and has promising qualities as an auspicious plant growth stimulant. Tinospora cordifolia is recognized as a safe feed supplement since it does not affect bone marrow, blood lymphocytes, or DNA integrity (Chandrasekaran et al., 2009). Within the Menispermaceae family, giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) is referred to by several names in India, including guduchi, amrita, golancha, gulvel, amrutaballi, amrytu, gulochi, amudam, guricha, gilo (Kotwal et al., 2021). Its exceptional therapeutic efficacy is widely recognized in Ayurveda and conventional medicine (Sankhala et al., 2012). Approximately 70 genera and 450 species of the Indian shrub guduchi are found in low-tropical climates (Spandana et al., 2013). It is a well-known therapeutic herb in Indian Ayurvedic Pharmacy. Over the past 20 years, the material has been the subject of extensive phytochemical, pharmacological, and clinical research (Nagaprashanthi et al., 2012). Throughout ancient times, the Ayurvedic tradition has used its roots, stems, and leaves for therapeutic purposes. It is called the “Nectar of Immortality” because of its capacity to bestow youth, vitality, and long life. Roots, stems, and leaves of giloy have been found to contain significant amounts of minerals, bioactive phyto-ingredients with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, and crude fiber. The stem of the plant is more beneficial and widely used than the leaves (Sarala et al., 2012). Its extract has been demonstrated to be a great source of antioxidants for nutraceutical applications, offering defense against cancer, heart disease, and premature aging (Ilaiyaraja and Khanum, 2011). When used properly, giloy has no negative effects or toxicity and contains a wide range of components from numerous types, such as alkaloids, di-terpenoid lactones, glycosides, steroids, sesquiterpenoid, phenolics, aliphatic compounds, and polysaccharides (Singh et al., 2003). Kotwal et al. (2021) reported 31 numbers of pharmacological activities from T. cordofolia.  Positive activity has been observed across several systems, hence covering the entire body. It is a Rasayana, according to Ayurveda, which describes its overall activity. It has been shown to have benefits including aphrodisiac, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancerous, and management of vatarakta (Gouty arthritis).

Table 1 : Major groups and sub-groups of natural products present in different parts of Tinospora cordifolia and their biological activities ( Source: Mittal et al., 2014)

The following are the different pharmacological activities of T. cordifolia which has been reported (Sharma et al., 2019). They have antioxidant activity, anti-microbial activity, anti-toxic effect, anti-diabetic activity, anti-stress activity, hypolipidemic activity, hepatic disorder, anti-cancer activity, anti HIV potential, anti-osteoporotic effect, anti-complement activity and immunomodulating activity.

          Tinospora cordifolia‘s wide range of functions is a resource that can be used by all living things. The plant’s flexibility is demonstrated by the various physiological and immunomodulatory functions of these active substances. All of these active ingredients have various physiological and immunomodulatory functions, illustrating the plant’s multifaceted adaptability. Tinosporia is an amazing plant that has a lot to give for the scientific understanding of medicine.

Reference:

Chandrasekaran, C.L.; Mathuram, P.D. and Bhatnagar, U.  (2009). Tinospora cordifolia, a safety evaluation. Toxicol. Vitro. 23: 1220-1226.

Kotwal, S.V.; Borude, P.D. and Pawar, S.V. (2021). Guduchi: A potential plant for immunity and therapeutic efficacy. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 10 (5): 665-677.

Mittal, J.; Sharma, M. M.; Batra, A. (2014). Tinospora cordifolia: a multipurpose medicinal plant- A review. Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies. 2 (II): 32-47.

Nagaprashanthi, C.; Khan, R.P.; Chand, G.K.; Aleemuddin. M.A. and Begum, R.G. (2012). In vitro antimicrobial activity of Tinospora cordifolia and its phytochemical screening. Int. J. Pharmtech. Res. 4:1004-1008.

Sankhala, L.N.; Tripathi, S.M.; Bhavsar, S.K. and Thakar, A.M. ( 2012). Evaluation of effect of Tinospora cordifolia extract on humoral and cell-mediated immunity in Acephate intoxicated mice. Veterinary practitioner, 13:168- 170.

Sarala, M.; Velu, V.; Anandharamakrishnan, C. and Singh, R.P. (2012). Spray drying of Tinospora cordifolia leaf and stem extract and evaluation of antioxidant activity. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 49(1): 119-122.

Sharma, P.; Dwivedee, B.P.; Bisht, D.; Dash, K.A. and Kumar, D. (2019). The chemical constituents and diverse pharmacological importance of Tinospora cordifolia. Heliyon, 5.

Sharma, M.; Pandey, G. and Khanna, A. (2011). Studies on Phytochemistry and toxicities of Tinospora cordifolia (Giloe). Anusandhan (ISSN 0975-3443), 5: 64-68.

Spandana, U.; Ali, S.L.; Nirmala, T.; Shanthi, M. and Babu, S.D.S. (2013). A review on Tinospora cordifolia. Int. J. Curr. Pharm. Res. 4: 61-68.

AUTHORS:

• Meenakshi Kalita, Veterinary Officer, BCPP Scheme, Desangmukh, Sivasagar
• B.N. Saikia, Professor, Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Guwahati – 22
• Gunaram Saikia, Professor, Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Guwahati – 22
• Lakhyajyoti Borah, Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Guwahati – 22

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