Description
Tinospora Cordifolia, known as Giloy or Guduchi in Ayurveda, is praised for its immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective properties. Its benefits come from various bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, glycosides, and steroids. However, while some benefits are widely claimed, the quality of scientific evidence is not consistently high, and there are potential risks, particularly concerning liver health.
Potential health benefits
- Immune modulation: Giloy is known for enhancing the body’s immune system, which helps protect against infections. It may increase white blood cell counts and enhance the activity of macrophages, cells that fight foreign invaders. Clinical studies in patients with HIV and allergic rhinitis have also shown promising immunomodulatory effects.
- Diabetes management: Giloy can help regulate blood sugar levels due to its anti-hyperglycemic properties. Animal studies suggest it can reduce blood glucose levels, improve glucose metabolism, and protect against diabetic complications like foot ulcers and kidney damage.
- Liver support: In Ayurveda, Guduchi is traditionally used to protect the liver and treat conditions like jaundice. It has demonstrated hepatoprotective effects in animal studies, protecting against liver damage from lead and alcohol-induced toxicity by enhancing antioxidant enzymes.
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Giloy is traditionally used to manage conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and gout. It can reduce pro-inflammatory markers and inhibit certain enzymes involved in inflammation.
- Antioxidant effects: The extract contains potent antioxidants that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which contributes to cell damage in various diseases.
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