Tinospora cordifolia (GILOY): A MAGICAL SHRUB

Medicinal plants have been used as natural medicines, since prehistoric times because of the presence of natural chemical constituents. Among them Tinospora cordifolia has a wide array of bioactive principles as well as it has been proven medicinally important plant, have not received considerable scientific attention. The plant is commonly used as traditional ayurvedic medicine and has several therapeutic properties such as jaundice, rheumatism, urinary disorder, skin diseases, diabetes, anemia, inflammation, allergic condition, anti-periodic, radio protective properties, etc. A special focus has been made on its health benefits in treating endocrine and metabolic disorders and its potential as an immune booster. The stem of this plant is generally used to cure diabetes by regulating level of blood glucose. T. cordifolia is well known for its immunomodulatory response. This property has been well documented by scientists. A large variety of compounds which are responsible for immunomodulatory and cytotoxic effects are 11-hydroxymuskatone, N-methyle-2-pyrrolidone, Nformylannonain, cordifolioside A, magnoflorine, tinocordioside and syringin. Root extract of this plant has been shown a decrease in the regular resistance against HIV. The active principles from T. cordifolia enhance host immune system by increasing immunoglobulin and blood leukocyte levels and by the stimulation of stem cell proliferation. Tinospora cordifolia has been used in indigenous systems of medicine, as indicated in various classical texts of Ayurvedic System of Medicine, viz. Charak, Sushrut and Ashtang Hridaya and other ancient treaties.