Tinospora cordifolia: The Miracle plant

Abstract

Traditionally, Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi; family-Menispermaceae) used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Guduchi is a large, glabrous, perennial, deciduous, climbing shrub of weak and fleshy stem mostly found in tropical and sub-tropical areas of India, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. The isolated chemical constituent(s) belong to different classes, such as alkaloids, diterpenoid lactones, glycosides, steroids, sesquiterpenoid, phenolics, aliphatic compounds and polysaccharides. Various properties of Guduchi described in ancient texts of Ayurveda, like Rasayana, Sangrahi, Balya, Agnideepana, Tridoshshamaka, Dahnashaka, Mehnashaka, Kasa-swasahara, Pandunashaka, Kasa-kushta-vataraktanashaka, Jwarhara, Krimihara, Prameha, Arshnashaka, Kricch-hridroganashak etc. are acquiring scientific validity through pharmacological approach. Potential medicinal properties reported by scientific research include immunomodulatory, anti-HIV, anti-allergic, anti-diabetes, anti-toxic, anti-arthritic, anti-osteoporotic, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-stress, anti-neoplastic, radio protective, hepatoprotective, anti-leprotic, gastrointestinal, anti-ulcer, diuretic, cardio protective, anti-fertility, neuroprotective and effect on many other diseases. This review has genetic diversity, phytochemical and pharmacological reports.