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SASIDHARAN VATTOLIL

EVERY WORD OF YOUR DESCRIPTION IS LIKE EACH BOOK

Snarang

We are using this herb from very childhood..approx from 50 yrs.So there was no pimple in my young age or any skin disease or diabetes at this age.(58)
n I recommend it very strictly..to make fit your lever..body..health.

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Guduchi : Uses, Benefits, Side effects and More!

By Dr Anuja Bodhare +2 more

Introduction

Guduchi, scientifically known as Tinospora cordifolia, is a vital remedy in the Indian system of medicine. It belongs to the Menispermaceae family and has been used as a medicament since ancient times. It is also known as Giloy, Amrita, or Indian bitter. It is found in dense and dry forests all over India, growing over small trees and bushes at high altitudes. The stems, roots, and leaves of Guduchi all have medicinal properties.1,2 

In the traditional Ayurveda classical textbooks, such as Charaka, Sushruta, and other texts, Guduchi is mentioned, under different names, as a medicine to treat a range of ailments.1 

guduchi benefits

Did You Know?

  • Guduchi, also known as Tinospora cordifolia, is considered the best rejuvenating herb in Ayurveda. Source:pib.gov.in
  • Guduchi has been found to increase the lifespan of fruit flies at lower concentrations. Source:pib.gov.in
  • Guduchi has anti-diarrheal and anti-ulcer properties.Source:pib.gov.in
  • Guduchi has been used to treat various metabolic disorders and boost the immune system.Source:pib.gov.in

Nutritional Value of Guduchi

Nutritional Value Present in Stem of Guduchi

  • Calcium: 102.23 ppm
  • Phosphorus: 24.81 ppm
  • Iron: 26.058 ppm
  • Copper: 3.733 ppm
  • Zinc: 7.342 ppm
  • Manganese: 12.242 ppm
  • Crude fibre: 56.42%
  • Crude protein: 7.74%

I came across a fascinating study regarding Guduchi lotion. It has been found that Guduchi lotion might help treat scabies. Thus, using it as a therapeutic option for scabies infections may be a valuable choice for managing scabies and promoting skin health.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Nutrients Present in 100 Grams of Guduchi leaves:

Fresh Leaves:

  • Carbohydrate: 3.34 g
  • Protein: 2.30 g
  • Fat: 0.36 g
  • Fibre: 11.321 g
  • Iron: 5.87 mg
  • Calcium: 85.247 mg
  • Vitamin C: 56 mg
  • Beta-carotene: 303.7 µg
  • Energy: 88.64 kcal
  • Polyphenols: 4.8 mg
  • Flavonoids: 6.76 mg

Dehydrated Leaves:

  • Carbohydrate: 7.53 g
  • Protein: 5.23 g
  • Fat: 1.05 g
  • Fibre: 52.295 g
  • Iron: 22.55 mg
  • Calcium: 210 mg
  • Vitamin C: 16 mg
  • Beta-carotene: 428.5 µg
  • Energy: 240 kcal
  • Polyphenols: 12.2 mg
  • Flavonoids: 18.28 mg 

Therapeutic Uses of Guduchi:

The dried, fully developed stem of Tinospora cordifolia constitutes the drug ‘Guduchi’. The therapeutic properties of Guduchi are: 

  • Memory enhancer  
  • Anti-cancer  
  • Anti-inflammatory1  
  • Anti-aging  
  • Immunity enhancer  
  • Digestion enhancer  
  • Anti-oxidant    
  • Anti-diabetic (reduces the blood sugar level)  
  • Anti-spasmodic (helps in relieving muscle spasms)  
  • Anti-arthritic (helps to mitigate the joint pains associated with arthritis)  
  • Liver-protective  
  • Anti-allergic (helps to fight allergic reactions)  
  • Anti-stress3  

I would like to highlight the anti-microbial activities of Guduchi. Guduchi extracts have been found to potentially fight against various bacteria, including E. coli and S. aureus. Thus, Guduchi might be your microbial-fighting squad ready to save the day!

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Also Read: Pippali: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!

Benefits of Guduchi:

In ancient Ayurveda classical textbooks, it is mentioned to be useful in the treatment of leprosy, fever, jaundice, asthma, gout, etc. This herb holds a special place for tribals across India. They used Guduchi for managing various diseases ranging from ear pain, dysentery, and cough to bone fractures, skin disease, and women’s issues.1 Some of the benefits of Guduchi are described as follows: 

1. Benefits of Guduchi for Digestion

Guduchi is useful for managing various bowel issues. One study has specifically shown that it is effective against amoebic infection of the digestive system. The consumption of powdered Guduchi mixed with amla or jaggery is an effective remedy for constipation. ‘Guduchi Satva’, the starch obtained from the stem of Guduchi, is especially beneficial for the digestive system.1,3 

In my observations, the Guduchi plant is like a medicine cabinet. People have been using it for ages, and even though the whole plant has medicinal properties, the stem is the star! It’s so special that it’s officially recognised by the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Why? Because it’s packed with alkaloids that make it extra powerful.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

2. Benefits of Guduchi for Diabetes

Guduchi has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels, especially during fasting levels. The anti-diabetic effect is attributed to the various phytochemicals present in it. It regulates the blood sugar level by reducing oxidative stress, enhancing insulin release, and reducing the production and breakdown of glucose in the body. Guduchi is especially useful for type 2 diabetes.1,3 

3. Benefits of Guduchi for Arthritis

The stem of Guduchi helps in inflammation and arthritis. It also helps in alleviating joint pain and many other symptoms associated with arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis can be managed by consuming powdered Guduchi stem mixed with ginger.3 

4. Other Benefits of Guduchi

  • It is used to manage fever occurring due to malaria, dengue, and swine flu. When given in these conditions, it is known to increase platelet levels in the blood.  
  • The anti-inflammatory property of Guduchi makes it valuable in decreasing respiratory problems such as recurrent colds and coughs, asthma, and tonsil infections.  
  • In animal studies, Guduchi has been shown to reduce cholesterol, phospholipids, and free fatty acid levels.  
  • It is useful in the management of leprosy.  
  • It has been shown to play a very promising role in the management of infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).3  
  • It protects against ulcers caused due to stress.  
  • Clinical studies have shown that Guduchi regulates abnormal liver function in patients with infective hepatitis.  
  • It helps to prevent the reduction of white blood cells, which occurs due to chemotherapy (cancer treatment).  
  • The liquid extract of the stem of Guduchi has been shown to help break down urinary stones.  
  • Clinical studies have shown that Guduchi is useful in relieving symptoms of post-menopausal issues without any side effects. It is suggested that it may be an alternative to hormone replacement therapy.  
  • Studies on animals have shown that Guduchi causes a temporary but marked reduction in blood pressure and heart rate and an increase in the pumping force of the heart and urine output.    
  • Studies also reveal that it reduced the urea levels in subjects who had increased levels of urea in their blood.1  

Also Read: Hadjod: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!

How to Use Guduchi?

Guduchi can be used in the following ways: 

  • The powder of the stem of Guduchi can be used along with ginger, which helps in relieving joint pain.3  
  • Guduchi powder can be mixed with amla or jaggery to get rid of constipation.3  
  • It helps in better vision by boiling Guduchi powder in water, cooling it and then applying it to the eyelids.3  
  • In general, the dried and powdered leaves of Guduchi can be added to your regular recipes to improve the nutritional level of the dish.2  

You should always consult your Ayurvedic physician before consuming Guduchi for regular use. They will be the best person to prescribe you the correct form and dosage as per your health condition.  

Also Read: Shilajit: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Side Effects of Guduchi

As far as the side effects of Guduchi are concerned, no significant study has been documented.1 However, if you experience any adverse reactions to it, immediately contact your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it to you. They will be able to treat you appropriately. 

Precautions to Take With Guduchi

Guduchi is generally considered to be safe if it is taken in the recommended dosages.1 However, general precautions have to be followed while consuming Guduchi.  

  • Extra precautions must be taken during pregnancy and lactation. Guduchi must be consumed during this period only if it is prescribed by your Ayurvedic physician.  
  • One must also be cautious while giving this herb to children and older people. 

Interactions With Other Drugs

Unfavorable reactions of Guduchi with any other drug have not been reported. However, evidence is insufficient to state that it is completely safe to use for all age groups and does not exhibit any drug interactions. Therefore, it is best to follow the advice of your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed you this herb.  

Also Read: Paneer Dodi: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and more!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do dry and fresh leaves of Guduchi provide the same amount of nutrition?  

One study has shown that 100 grams of dried Guduchi leaves have more protein, fiber, iron, calcium, carbohydrates, fats and energy as compared to the same quantity of fresh Guduchi leaves. But, fresh leaves of Guduchi had more beta-carotene and vitamin C as compared to the dried leaves.2 

Is Guduchi beneficial for hair fall?

There are no studies that report Guduchi to be useful for hair fall. You may consult your Ayurvedic physician for further advice.

Is it safe to use Guduchi during pregnancy?

No studies are available to check for the safety of Guduchi during pregnancy. It is best to consult your Ayurvedic physician before consuming Guduchi in any form during pregnancy. 

Can Guduchi be given to children?  

Guduchi is generally considered to be safe if it is taken in the recommended dosage.1 
Because of its various health benefits, it is said that it can be included in the diet of children as well as adults.2 However, it is best to consult your child’s health care provider before including Guduchi in their diet. 

Are there any traditional Ayurvedic formulations that contain Guduchi?  

In ancient Ayurvedic classical textbooks, there are several formulations mentioned that contain Guduchi as one of the major ingredients. These are given as follows: 
Guduchyadi Churna 
Guduchi Taila 
Dashmoolarishtha 
Sanjivani Vati 
Kantakari Avaleha 
Chyavanaprasha 
Guduchi Satva 
Brihat Guduchi Taila 
Stanya Shodhana Kashaya Churana 
Panchnimba Churna 
Guduchi Ghrita 
Amritaguggulu 
Amritashtaka Churna1 

References:

  1. Sinha K, Mishra NP, Singh J, Khanuja SPS. Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi), a reservoir plant for therapeutic applications: A Review. Indian J Tradit Knowl [Internet]. 2004 Jul 18 [cited 2022 May 25];3(3):257-70. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Suman-Khanuja/publication/228968177
  1. Pandey M, Paul V, Singh P, Ali Z. Evaluation of nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of herbal leaves. World J Pharm Pharm Sci [Internet]. 2016 Jun 14 [cited 2022 May 25];5(8):1396-402. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/virginia-paul/publication/354461935

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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