Guduchi

guduchi

Brand(s):

• Guduchi

Manufacturer:

• Himalaya Herbals

Disease(s):

• Stress / Immunodeficiency / Recurrent Infections / Hepatitis / Arthritis

Guduchi Bottle

What is Guduchi (Indian Tinospora)?

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), a renowned adaptogen, plays a significant role in supporting the immune system and helping the body cope with daily stress. It's considered a rasayana in Ayurveda – a traditional rejuvenative and daily tonic. The Charaka Samhita, a foundational Ayurvedic text, classifies it as a medhya rasayana, promoting mental rejuvenation. Guduchi supports healthy immune function by maintaining optimal levels of white blood cells, such as macrophages. Historically, it's been used to address dyspepsia and various fevers. In the Philippines, a related Tinospora species was traditionally used as a general health tonic, known as "makabuhay," meaning "you may live." This climbing plant, identifiable by its easily peeling bark and numerous aerial roots, thrives in the Himalayas and parts of South India. Its stem contains alkaloids like berberine and bitter principles including columbin, chasmanthin, palmarin, tinosporon, tinosporic acid, and tinosporol. Studies suggest it possesses analgesic properties, although less potent than sodium salicylate.

Active Constituents and their Roles

Guduchi's therapeutic properties stem from its diverse chemical composition. It contains saponins, which upon hydrolysis yield sapogenins such as diosgenin, gitogenin, chlorogenin, ruscogenin, and 25D-spirosta-3,5-diene. The leaves and fruit provide flavonoids like rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, kaempferol-3-glucoside, kaempferol-rutinoside, and tribuloside. Furthermore, the seeds contain the carboline alkaloids harmane and harmine, with harmol also present in the herb.

Key Functions of Guduchi

• Immunity Enhancement: Guduchi bolsters the body's natural defenses by improving the activity of protective white blood cells and macrophages. It exhibits antibacterial properties and is sometimes used as a supportive measure during chemotherapy. Its aqueous extract demonstrates a high phagocytic index, signifying enhanced cellular defense mechanisms. It may be helpful in managing respiratory, skin, and soft tissue infections.
• Diuretic Properties: Guduchi acts as a diuretic, potentially aiding in the removal of urinary stones and the management of urinary tract infections.
• Joint Pain Relief: It shows promise in addressing joint pain associated with gout, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.
• Hepatoprotective Effects: Guduchi is known for its liver-protective qualities, potentially beneficial in cases of liver damage, viral hepatitis, and poisoning (alcohol, medical, or chemical). It may assist in liver tissue regeneration and fibrosis management.

Common Uses

• Recurrent infections
• Hepatitis
• Arthritis
• Adjunctive therapy during chemotherapy

Contraindications

Currently, no significant contraindications are known.

Recommended Dosage

The typical dosage is one capsule twice daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Composition

Each capsule contains 250mg of Guduchi extract.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using Guduchi or any herbal supplement, particularly if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.