Giloe: The Nectar from Ayurveda

Tinospora cordifolia, commonly known as Giloe, is an important medicinal plant which has been used in India since ages in the preparation of traditional ayurvedic medicines. It contains various alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, phenolics and polysaccharides. It is a rich source of nutrients, phytochemicals, antioxidants and capable of boosting immune response of the body. The starch present in the stem is highly nutritious and digestive. T. cordifolia shows anti-diabetic, anti-microbial and anti-cancerous properties. Due to the presence of immense medicinal properties, this plant has been over harvested from the natural habitats. During the last decade, T. cordifolia has been subjected to extensive phytochemical, pharmacological, and clinical investigations and the studies have resulted in interesting findings which have applications for the treatment of cancer, liver disorders and hypoglycaemia. In the present review, various properties and medicinal uses of T. cordifolia have been discussed.