Phytochemical and Pharmacological proper ties of Giloy-A miracle vine Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook. F. & Thoms

Herbal medicinal plants are very important as source of many health care products and new pharmaceuticals. Because of having none or a few side effects, herbal medicines have been the main stay of the world population mainly in developing countries for primary healthcare because of better cultural acceptability and compatibility with human body. Presently multiple drug resistance has developed due to the indiscriminate use of commercial antimicrobial drugs commonly used in the treatment of infectious diseases. This review highlights pharmaceutical prof ile of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook. F. & Thoms which is commonly known as Giloy or Gudichi. It is a large glabrous, deciduous climber belonging to family Menispermaceae and is a potential source of nutritive minerals for human beings. In this manuscript, the phytochemistry, medicinal uses and pharmacological activities of various parts of the plant have been reviewed. The plant is rich source of diverse phytochemicals. It has been reported to possess strong antimicrobial and antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, anticancer and antitoxic properties. It is also useful in cardiovascular, liver and mental disorders and urinary calculi, uraemia as well as for increasing body resistance against various other ailments.