Tinospora cordifolia: The Magical Rejuvenating Herb

Memon Mantasha Riyaz*, Mamaniyat Samiha M

JIIU’s Ali Allana College of Pharmacy Akkalkuwa, Dist-Nandurbar -425415, Maharashtra, India

*Correspondence: mantashamemon16@gmail.com

DOI: https://doi.org/10.71431/IJRPAS.2025.4209

INTRODUCTION

There is great promise for the tinospora plant to treat a wide range of ailments. It has been used to cure a variety of ailments, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, leprosy, heart disease, and allergies. It is one of the most studied and commonly used medicinal plants. It is thought to be a panacea for almost all diseases and ailments. Tinospora has been receiving more and more attention from researchers.[4]

Giloya (Tinospora cordifolia) root is used as a potent emetic and to relieve intestinal blockage. [5] It also helps with digestive issues like colitis, worm infestations, loss of appetite, stomach pain, vomiting, and excessive thirst, as well as liver disorders like hepatitis. [5]  The chemical components that give the plant its medicinal effect include phenolic, aliphatic, diterpenoid lactones, glycosides, steroids, sesquiterpenoid, essential oils, a combination of fatty acids, and polysaccharides. The root, stem, and complete plant contain these components. [5]

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, researchers from all over the world have become more interested in tinospora's use as a herbal remedy in basic healthcare and as a home remedy for a variety of illnesses and conditions. Of the 34 scientific plant species found in the genus Tinospora, 13 have been given accepted species names. Three different species of Tinospora—Cordifolia, Crispa, and Sinensis—are used medicinally, especially in India. Each of these Tinospora species belongs to the Menispermaceae family of the Angiosperm group. [4]

TAXONOMY

Kingdom: Plantae-Plant

Subkingdom: Tracheobionta-Vascular plant

Super division: Spermatophyta-Seed bearing plant

Division: Magnoliophyta-Flowering

Class: Magnoliopsida-Dicotyledons

Sub-class: Polypetalae-Petals are free

Series: Thalamiflorae-Many stamens and flower hypogynous

Order: Ranales

Family: Menispermaceae-The Moonseed family

Tribe: Tinosporeae

Genus: Tinospora

Species: Tinospora cordifolia [1]

    Figure.1 Fruit of Tinospora cordifolia                                      Figure.2 Leaf of Tinospora cordifolia

                                                                                                                                                                                        Figure.3 Flower of Tinospora cordifolia                         Figure.4 Delicate branch of Tinospora cordifolia

                                            Figure.5 Stem of Tinospora cordifolia

SYNONYMS

Ø  Guduchi: That which protects.

Ø  Amruta: That which can act similar to the celestial nectar which can make the person immortal.

Ø  Chakrangi, Chakralakshanika: Referring to the radiating medullary rays visible on transverse section.

Ø  Chinnaruha, Chinnodbhava: Referring to its propagation by stem cuttings. [10]

REGIONAL NAME

Sanskrit: Guduchi ,Amrita

Hindi: Gulancha

Kannada: Amrutabali, Madhuparni

Malayalam: Chittamritam, Amrytu

Gujarati: Gulvel

Bengali: Golancha

Oriya: Gulochi

Tamil: Chindi, Amudam

Urdu: Gilo, Satgilo[1]

Assamese: Amar-lata, Geloi, Hoguni-lot, Shaguni-lata[10]

English: Bile killer, Heart leaved moonseed, India Tinospora, Moon creeper[10]

DESCRIPTION

Ø  Stem of This plant is fairly succulent and has a long, meaty, filiform climbing habit. Aerial roots emerge from the branches. The deeply coiled bark can be either creamy white or grey in color. [1]

Ø  Arial roots are there, These aerial roots have a tetra to penta-arch fundamental structure. However, the cortex of the root is divided into an outer thick-walled zone and an interior parenchymatous zone. [1]

Ø  Leaves are simple, alternating, ex-stipulate, spherical, pulvinate, heart-shaped, long petioled, and partially and partially twisted. The membranous, oval, 10–20 cm long, seven-nerved, and deeply cordate lamina. [1]

Ø  Flowers appear when a plant has no leaves and are greenish yellow, unisexual, and recessive. Inflorescences of male flowers are clustered together, whilst those of females are solitary. In two sets of three, there are six sepals. Sepals on the inside are bigger than those on the outside. In addition to being free and membrane-bound, petals are six times smaller than sepals. March through June is when flowers bloom. [1]

Ø  Curved seed been recorded in this specific species. For this reason, this family is called the Moonseed family. [1]

Ø  Fruit are meaty, orange-red, and arranged in clusters of one to three smooth, ovoid drupelets on a sturdy stem that has scars at the end. Fruits grow in the winter. [1]

DISTRIBUTION

Bangladesh, North Africa, West Africa, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Borneo, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and South Africa are among its native regions (7–10). It typically grows in arid, deciduous woodlands up to 1000 feet above sea level. [2]

TRADITIONAL USES

Uses in Indigenous Systems of Medicine

T. cordifolia is mentioned in Ayurvedic literature as a constituent of several chemical compositions used to cure general debility, fever, dyspepsia, and urinary tract diseases. Among the important formulations are Guduchyadi Churna, Guduchi Taila, Dashmoolarishtha, Sanjivani vati, Kantakari Avaleha, Chyavanaprasha, Guduchi Sattva, Brihat Guduchi Taila, Stanyashodhana Kashaya Churana, Punchnimba Churana, Guduchi Ghrita, Amritaguggulu, Amritashtaka Churna, and so on. [8]"Sat Giloe" is mostly utilized in the development of the Unani System. "Arq Giloe," which is prepared from the fresh plant, is considered a febrifuge, and "Arq Maul Laham Mako-kashiwala" is a general tonic. [8]

Uses in folk and tribal medicine

T. cordifolia is especially notable for its use in tribal or traditional medicine in a number of parts of the country. Some of the noteworthy applications described are listed below: Fishermen along the coast and the tribal people of Bombay and the neighboring areas utilize T. cordifolia as a remedy to treat fever, jaundice, chronic diarrhea, and dysentery. [8]  The people of Patiyala, Punjab, use two drops of leaf juice from a related species of Guduchi (T. sinensis) to the ear to relieve Karna Shula, or ear irritation. [8]

TABLE: 1. ETHNOBOTANICAL USES OF TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA

SIGNIFICANCE IN AYURVEDA

Every portion of this plant has a major impact on enhancing human health, and it is traditionally ingested. In ancient texts such as Ras Ayana, Sangrahi, Balya, Agnideepana, Tridoshshamaka, Dahnashaka, Mehnashaka, Kasa-swasahara, Pandunashaka, Kamla-Kushta-Vataraktanashaka, Jwarhara, Krimihara, Prameha, Arshnashaka, and Kricch-Hridroganashak, it was used as a component of some people's Ayurvedic remedies such as juices, decoctions, glue, powders, and pills to treat bone-crack, fever, fever, persistent rash, jaundice, and persistent rashes. Amrita purifies the blood by removing damaged and defective red platelets from the peripheral circulation. The stem of amrita has been recognized as a medication by the Indian Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia because of its high alkaloidal content. [3]

Ayurvedic and Unani formulations such as "Dia-Dev" (diabetes), "septilin" (bacterial infections), "Livfit," "Acilvan," "Liv-77," "Liva-16," "Livol," etc. (liver problem), "Phalatrikadi kassaya" (jaundice), and M2 Tone (hypogonadism) all make extensive use of the stem. [13]

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDY

to digest. This plant has simple, alternating, long-petioled leaves that are about 15 cm in length. They are circular, pulvinate, heart-shaped, and partially and partially twisted. The ovate, 10–20 cm long, membrane-bound, seven- With several coiled branches and a distinct shape, it is a huge deciduous climbing shrub that spreads widely. The plant has a filiform, fleshy, climbing stem with white to gray bark. The stem's creamish brown or dark brown powder has a distinct smell and a bitter flavor, and it's used to treat fever, urinary tract infections, and dyspepsia. "Guduchi-satva" is the name of the starch that is extracted from the stem. It is very nutrient-dense and easy nerved lamina is extensively cordate at the base. [5]

The unisexual blooms are axillary, have greenish-yellow, 2–9 cm long leaflet stems, and are often solitary for females and grouped for males. It produces blooms in the summer and single-seeded fruits in the winter. The root is squairshin, thread-like, airborne, and occasionally continuously lengthening to touch the ground. The fundamental structure of aerial roots is tetra to penta arch. Crucial taxonomic characteristics are provided by the curved shape of the seeds and the varied ornamentation of the endocarp. [5]

PHYTOCHEMICAL REVIEW

 The Tinospora cordifolia plant has yielded a number of distinct components. Alkaloids, diterpenoid lactones, glycosides, steroids, sesquiterpenoid, phenolic, aliphatic, and polysaccharide are among the various classes to which they belong. [2]

 PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW

Tinospora cordifolia is referred as most widely used herb since time immemorial in the traditional system of medicine for its spasmolytic, allergen-free and anti-diabetic property. The herb highly boosts the immune system. This herb possesses many beneficial characteristics. Its stem is being used as a diuretic and bitter stomachic while its root portion is used to treat its antimalarial and stress-relieving properties. It treats jaundice, enriches the blood, and increases biliary secretion. The following are some of Tinospora cordifolia's primary biological actions. [7]

ANTI-CANCER/ANTI-TUMOR ACTIVITY

Cancer is the second most common cause of mortality worldwide. Tinospora cordifolia has been shown to have anticancer properties against a variety of tumors and malignancies. According to earlier research, Tinospora cordifolia extract inhibits the expression of the anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma-extra-large protein (Bcl-xL) and the G1/S phase-specific protein cyclin D1, which stops cells in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases. This supports the extract's ability to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis. [4]

  The anti-cancer properties of plant guduchi have been demonstrated in a variety of animal experimental settings. This plant's radioprotective properties are well-characterized by the fact that it significantly increases body weight and the weight of different tissues. Furthermore, it shields Swiss Albino mice's testes against gamma radiation, which is in the sub-lethal range. [7]

  When paired with γ-radiation, Tinospora cordifolia showed an additional effect on mice given cultured Ehlrich cells. This was due to a drop in glutathione (GSH) levels, which caused oxidative damage to the malignant cells.53 Guduchi extract has been demonstrated to prolong mouse survival in a skin cancer model by reducing the amount of micronucleus formation in bone marrow cells. [7]

The chemotherapeutic drugs, at times cause a grave issue in the treatment of cancer with the help of allopathy or traditional medicine. Plant-based products used in various forms of therapies, (vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine, etoposide, teniposide, paclitaxel, docetaxel, camptotecin, and irinotecan) have been found useful in the process of treatment of this disease. Anticancerous activity of Magnoflorine, Palmatine, Tinocordiside, and Cordifolioside A, obtained from Tinospora cordifolia, alkaloids and terpenoids has also been reported. Several anti-cancerous studies have also been conducted with the help of Tinospora cordifolia. [4]

ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITY

Because antioxidants prevent ROS from damaging cells and lessen their negative effects, they are essential for regular physiological processes. [4]

It has been observed that a methanolic extract of T. cordifolia stems exhibits antioxidant action by raising the levels of catalase and peroxide in the erythrocyte membrane. [6]

In a diabetic rat model (alloxan-induced diabetes), Tinospora cordifolia dramatically lowers the regulation of lipid peroxidation, which lowers the amount of reactive free radical species. It also raises the antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione and catalase, hence showing the anti-oxidant property. It was observed in a clinical study that the extract of Tinospora cordifolia has an antioxidant effect by increasing GSH levels and reducing expression of the gene for inducible nitric oxide synthase. It also helps treat cataracts by inhibiting the enzyme aldol reductase.95,96 Moreover, a study showed that TC bark extracts (ethanol) contain the highest phenolic content and exhibit the strongest free radical scavenging activity compared to methanol extracts. [7]

ANTI-TOXIN ACTIVITY

By modifying various hormone and mineral levels, guduchi exhibit a protective effect and may be able to scavenge free radicals. According to reports, Tinospora cordifolia reverses the toxicity of aflatoxin in the kidneys of Swiss albino mice. It does this by significantly increasing the levels of hormones like glutathione and enzymes like catalase and glutathione reductase, as well as lowering reactive oxygen species (ROS). And the plant's alkaloids are mostly responsible for its anti-toxin action. [7]

The Guduchi leaf and stem extract counters these changes by overcoming the toxic effect caused by lead in terms of haematological value. This herbal plant extract has also been orally given to Swiss albino mice that have been affected by the toxicity of lead nitrate, with a result showing the alleviation of its detrimental effects on the liver. The study shows an increase in the enzyme catalase, which scavenges free radicals, and a decrease in the levels of enzymes such as glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). [7]

ANTI-HIV ACTIVITY

Tinospora cordifolia has been found to be useful in the treatment of HIV-positive patients by reducing the patient's resistance to the retroviral regimen. Tinospora cordifolia's anti-HIV action reveals its use in illness management by raising the number of CD4 T-cells and lowering the number of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in HIV-positive individuals. The extract from Tinospora cordifolia showed intracellular bactericidal and phagocytic activity markedly increased. Additionally, peritoneal macrophages were activated by Tinospora cordifolia. Additionally, T. cordifolia enhances the ability to destroy cells and phagocytose. Macrophages, polymorph nuclear leucocytes, and B-lymphocytes are all markedly stimulated by Tinospora cordifolia.[7]

ANTI-DIABETIC ACTIVITY

Guduchi contains substances with anti-diabetic properties, including alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and steroids. Guduchi alkaloids have been found to exhibit insulin-mediated activities and to exert an effect like that of the hormone insulin.GSH levels and other reactive species may increase as a consequence of gestational diabetes, posing risks to both the mother and the fetus. By lowering the oxidative load, Tinospora cordifolia confers protective effects that prevent the relative incidence of illnesses and birth defects of any kind in diabetic-pregnant rats, that is, in rats with streptozocin-induced diabetes. [7] In an alloxan-induced diabetes model, the root extract of guduchi exhibits an antihyperglycemic effect by bringing the blood's and urine's excess glucose levels down to a range within normal limits. Guduchi is one of the herbal plants used in medicinal herbal preparations such as Ilogen-Excel, Hyponidd, and Dihar. Tests of these formulations in diabetic rat models revealed that T. cordifolia alone is responsible for the anti-diabetic effect. By raising the amount of insulin in the systemic circulation, Ilogen Excel's actions have been shown to improve insulin efficiency and lower blood glucose levels. By lowering reactive species and the glucose-mediated hemoglobin count, hyponidd is said to sustain the oxidative load. When evaluated for one and a half months in a streptozotocin-induced diabetes animal, "Dihar" reduced blood levels of urea and creatinine while simultaneously increasing enzyme activity. [7]

Other pharmacological activities

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID 19) and Tinospora cordifolia

In December of 2019, Wuhan, China, produced a novel virus. COVID-19 is the term given by the World Health Organization (WHO) to this inexplicable pneumonia. Clinical signs and symptoms of COVID-19 include dry cough, fever, sore throat, lung damage, dyspnea, exhaustion, sputum production, myalgia, and diarrhea. Due to weakened immunity, HPV is more contagious among the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. As of early July 2020, there had been over 11.8 million cases of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection reported globally, with over 0.74 million of those cases occurring in India alone. SARS-CoV-2 is spreading quickly from person to person, which is why instances are increasing and then progressively declining. In the clinical trial stage, several preclinical treatments and the miraculous herb T. cordifolia, when combined with other medical herbs, address the coronavirus's target site. The therapeutic potential of medicinal herbs, such as T. cordifolia, W. sominfera (ashwagandha), and O. sanctum (tulsi), among others, in combating coronavirus disease has been demonstrated in a number of research. Recent research on W. sominifera and Tinospora cordifolia shown immunomodulatory activity against COVID-19 in vivo. The Tinospora cordifolia plant's aqueous extracts have an impact on effector cell activation and cytokine generation. To strengthen the body's defenses against the fatal illness, a person experiencing coronavirus symptoms takes "kadha," or a decoction, of Tinospora cordifolia and O. sanctum along with Piper nigrum (black pepper), Curcuma longa (turmeric), and Zingiber officinale (ginger). [4]

CONCLUSION

Tinospora cordifolia has as diversified role. As said, a versatile resource to all forms of life. As discussed already, reports state the existence of active compounds in plant extracts as alkaloids, glycosides, lactones and steroids. All these active compounds have immunomodulatory and physiological roles of different types, thereby demonstrating the diverse versatility of the plant. Studies need to be conducted with aspects how the active compounds actually interact with the living systems and affects the structure-function relationships. Crystal structures of the membrane-bound receptors and the activation of the downstream signaling cascades and the changes in the immediate environment of the site of action can lead us into identification of novel perspectives into our understanding of nature.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express my special gratitude to Dr. G. J. Khan Principal, JIIU'S Ali Allana College of Pharmacy Akkalkuwa and Management of Jamia Islamia Ishaatul Uloom Akkalkuwa and Management of Jamia Islamia Ishaatul Uloom Akkalkuwa for their continuous motivation and providing all necessary facilities during completion of this work.

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