Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), also called Giloe, Guduchi, and Amrita, is a climbing shrub with heart-shaped leaves that belongs to the family Menispermaceae. The word Giloe is a Hindu mythological term referring to a heavenly elixir that keeps celestial beings eternally young. Guduchi in Sanskrit means protecting the whole body, and Amrita implies immortality. It is primarily found in India but now wooing Western countries with its incredible benefits. All plant parts, mainly stem, are used in Ayurvedic medicine.
Traditionally, giloy is used for a wide range of ailments, including fever, urinary problems, asthma, dysentery, diarrhoea, skin infections, leprosy, diabetes, gout, jaundice, anorexia, eye conditions, etc. It is a known immunity booster, brain tonic, and adaptogenic. It also reduces stress levels, improves memory, and boosts brainpower.
Active Compounds of Giloy
Giloy contains many beneficial compounds, including terpenoids, alkaloids, lignans, and steroids that have many health benefits. Studies suggest these compounds have antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties, among other benefits. Giloy is very beneficial in improving digestion as it contains polysaccharides, including arabinose and arabinogalactans, which promote a healthy microbiome in the gut, thus restoring the healthy gut ecosystem.Potential Benefits of Giloy
Giloy exhibits multiple biological activities due to diverse chemical constituents present in its different parts. Some of the health benefits provided by giloy are mentioned below:Giloy as Immunomodulator
Giloy has incredible benefits as it keeps the immune system strong and body disease-free. Giloy has best been known for its immunomodulatory activity, and it helps fight germs and boost immunity. Giloy enhances macrophages' phagocytic activity, which are the first line of defense in the body. It increases the production of cytokines, regulates interleukin-6 (IL-6) activity, and enhances antigen-specific response. Giloy is a potential agent in treating HIV-positive patients as it plays a crucial role in immunity.Anti-Diabetic Role of Giloy
Giloy stimulates the production of insulin secretion from the pancreas, helps lower blood sugar levels, and works like a hypoglycemic agent. It also improves the long-term cellular insulin sensitivity, thus helping manage diabetes well. The root extract of giloy shows an antihyperglycemic effect in diabetics by decreasing excess glucose levels in urine. Giloy contains berberine that works like diabetes medication metformin and reduces not only blood sugar but also LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure.Antioxidant Role of Giloy
Giloy boasts antioxidant properties due to the presence of flavonoids and polyphenols and presents an excellent solution for free radical scavenging activity. Giloy is a good source of nutraceuticals that help prevent and reduce chronic degenerative diseases with consequent health benefits by reducing oxidative stress.Anticancer Role of Giloy
Giloy shows anticancer potential in many cancers, including brain and skin cancer. It significantly induces differentiation in glioma cells and reduces cell proliferation. Giloy extract reduces tumour size and increases the life span in cancer patients.Giloy as Anti-Arthritis Agent
Giloy has been traditionally used to reduce joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it acts by decreasing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-17, and tumour necrosis factor-α. Giloy also offers a mild analgesic effect that can soothe chronic pain.Anti-osteoporotic Role of Giloy
Giloy helps stimulate the growth of osteoblasts, differentiate cells into the osteoblastic lineage, and improves the mineralization of the bone matrix, and hence finds potential application as an anti-osteoporotic agent. Beta-Ecdysone (Ecd) from Giloy extract induces a significant increase in the thickness of joint cartilage, induces osteogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells, and relieves osteoporosis.Hepatoprotective Role of Giloy
Giloy is an efficient hepatoprotective agent. It normalises liver function and relieves the symptoms of hepatic disorders by regulating Triglyceride, Cholesterol, HDL, and LDL. It promotes hepatic regeneration because of its ability to scavenge free Reactive oxygen species (ROS). Giloy also increases the glutathione (GSH) level and helps the liver to detoxify toxic body waste.Cardioprotective Role of Giloy
Giloy regulates lipid metabolism by inhibiting glucuronide and cholesterol and protects the heart against infarction due to its antioxidant properties. Giloy shows a decrease in levels of serum cholesterol, phospholipids, and free fatty acid, due to its hypolipidemic effect, thus reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.Neuroprotective Role of Giloy
Giloy possesses significant neuroprotective activity. It modulates the antioxidant enzyme system of brain tissue and preserves the dopaminergic neurons. Giloy also enhances learning and memory (cognition) by increasing the synthesis of the acetylcholine neurotransmitter.Giloy Role in Parkinson's Disease
Giloy helps in the treatment of Parkinsonism due to its anti-inflammatory activity. It protects dopaminergic neurons by suppressing neuroinflammation in Parkinson's.Giloy Role in Respiratory Disorders
Due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, giloy helps treat ailments such as bronchitis and chronic cough. Giloy soothes the mucous membrane of the respiratory system and makes it effective in respiratory problems such as asthma, cough, cold, and tonsillitis. Giloy helps treat allergies and alleviates symptoms such as nasal discharge, sneezing, and coughing. It also helps combat pollution naturally.Anti-Ageing Role of Giloy
Giloy is an effective anti-ageing herb. It is rich in flavonoids that fight against cell damage and initiate new cell growth. It also nourishes the skin, enhances collagen production, and reduces the visible signs of ageing.Anti-stress Role of Giloy
Giloy shows significant anti-stress activity. Giloy extract helps in behavior disorders and mental deficits. Research shows the improved intelligence quotient (I. Q) level of patients using giloy. In Ayurveda, it is used as Medhya Rasayana or brain tonic as it increases memory and recalling power of the mind.Wound Healing Role of Giloy
Giloy helps wound healing by increasing tensile strength and promoting collagen synthesis.Recent Controversy about Giloy and Liver Damage
There is no concrete evidence that giloy causes liver damage. While there are no severe or potential side effects of giloy, in some cases, it may cause constipation or lower blood sugar levels. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should avoid using giloy. Anything consumed in excess can be harmful to health, so it should be used in the recommended quantity.Disclaimer:
This content is for information and educational purposes only and should not be perceived as medical advice. Please consult a certified medical or healthcare professional before making any decision regarding your health using the content above.