| Introduction | Guduchi, commonly known as Giloy, is one of the most revered herbs in Ayurveda. Its name “Amrita” translates to the “nectar of immortality,” highlighting its exceptional rejuvenating and life-preserving properties. It is a potent immunomodulator and is famous for its ability to combat fevers and purify the blood. |
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| Basonym of Drug | Menispermum cordifolium Willd. |
| Main Synonyms | Amrita (Nectar of immortality), Amritavalli (The vine of nectar), Chinnaruha / Chhinnodbhava (One which grows back even when cut), Vatsadani (Believed to be eaten by sage Vatsa), Jivanti (Gives life), Chakralakshanika (Wheel-like appearance in a transverse cut of the stem). |
| Regional Name | Hindi: Giloy, Gurach English: Heart-leaved Moonseed, Tinospora Bengali: Gulancha Marathi: Gulvel Gujarati: Gado, Galo Tamil: Seenthil Telugu: Tippa-teega |
| Botanical Name | Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook.f. & Thoms. |
| Family | Menispermaceae |
| Classification | Charaka Samhita: Vayasthapana (Anti-aging), Dahaprashamana (Alleviates burning sensation), Trishnanigrahana (Alleviates thirst), Triptighna (Relieves pseudo-satiation), Stanyashodhana (Purifies breast milk). Sushruta Samhita: Guduchyadi Gana, Patoladi Gana, Aragvadhadi Gana. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu: Guduchyadi Varga. |
| External Morphology | A large, deciduous, perennial climbing shrub. The stem is succulent with a papery, greyish-brown bark. The leaves are simple, alternate, and distinctly heart-shaped (cordate). It produces long, thread-like aerial roots. Flowers are small and yellowish, appearing in clusters. Fruits are pea-sized, spherical drupes that turn red when ripe. |
| Useful Parts | Stem (Kanda), Leaves (Patra). The stem is the most prized and frequently used part. |
| Important Phytoconstituents | Alkaloids (Berberine, Palmatine, Tinosporin), Diterpenoid lactones (Tinosporide), Glycosides, Steroids, and Sesquiterpenoids. |
| Rasa Panchaka | Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) Guna (Qualities): Guru (Heavy), Snigdha (Unctuous) Virya (Potency): Ushna (Hot) Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura (Sweet) |
| Action on Dosha, Dhatu, and Mala | Dosha: Tridoshashamaka (Pacifies all three doshas, especially effective for Vata and Pitta). Dhatu: Acts as a Rasayana (rejuvenative) for all seven dhatus, particularly Rasa, Rakta, Meda, Shukra. Mala: Grahi (absorbent) and Amanashaka (destroys metabolic toxins). |
| Prayogarha Vyadhi (Therapeutic Indications) | Jwara (All types of fever, especially chronic), Prameha (Diabetes), Kushtha (Skin diseases), Vatarakta (Gout), Kamala (Jaundice), Pandu (Anemia), Amlapitta (Hyperacidity), general debility, and immunodeficiency. |
| Amayikaprayoga and Matra | Swarasa (Juice): 10-20 ml Churna (Powder): 3-6 g Kwatha (Decoction): 50-100 ml Satva (Aqueous extract): 500 mg – 1 g |
| Vishishta Yoga (Names of Important Formulations) | Amritarishta, Guduchi Satva, Sanshamani Vati, Guduchyadi Kwatha, Amrita Ghrita, Chyawanprash. |
| Vishakta Lakshan (Adverse Effects) | Generally considered extremely safe. High doses may cause mild constipation. Due to its hypoglycemic effect, it should be used with caution by diabetic patients on allopathic medication. |
| Chikitsopachara (Remedial Measures) | Not typically applicable as it’s non-toxic. Discontinuation or dose reduction is sufficient. |
| Shodhana (If Required) | Not required. |
