S.N.D. College of Pharmacy Babhulgaon, Yeola, Nashik
In recent years, India’s local pharmaceutical sector has grown at an astounding rate. Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi), a member of the Menispermaceae family, contains a wide variety of bioactive compounds that can be used to study plant-based nutraceuticals. It may be used as a replacement for synthetic pharmaceuticals and is a versatile resource for all living things because of its negative side effects and financial consequences. Because of their phytochemical components and capacity to produce change, plants have long been recognized as an essential component of traditional medicine. Due to a variety of components, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, and terpenes, Guduchi/Giloy has therapeutic benefits and medicinal properties. As a result, ancient writers have given it the name “Amrita.” The most popular way to use Cordifolia T. is as a decoction, either by itself or in combination with other herbs. When combined with other dietary supplements. Has been employed as a decoction, either alone or in combination with other extracts from Terminalia and Phyllanthus species. A thorough phytochemical analysis of alcoholic and aqueous extracts has been conducted. More than 200 distinct chemicals have been found in aqueous extracts from various tinospora species. The most prevalent non-overlapping chemical families are diterpenoids with a clerodane-like structure.
The natural herbal plant Cordifolia, often known as Guduchi, is a member of the Menispermaceae family of moonseeds. One (1) Eighty percent of the world’s population, according to the World Health Organization, mostly uses traditional medicines that employ plant extracts or their active ingredients.2)Many health-conscious people have changed their perspective from one that is “treatment-centric,” or primarily dependent on pharmaceutical interventions, to one that incorporates practices and measures that promote resilience and disease prevention as the prevalence of acute and chronic diseases continues to rise.(3)
|
Rank |
Name |
|
Kingdom |
Plantae |
|
Clade |
Tracheophyte’s |
|
Clade |
Angiosperms |
|
Clade |
Eudicots |
|
Order |
Ranunculales |
|
Family |
Menispermaceae |
|
Genus |
Tinospora |
|
Species |
Tinospora Cordifolia |
Fig 1: plant description
The enormous, deciduous, hairless perennial plant Tinospora is widespread in India, notably in the tropics, at altitudes of 1.2 kilometers or more above sea level. Where it can be found. The nations in the immediate vicinity are Sri Lanka, China, Burma, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and others. [4] Tinospora Warm climates are ideal for growing plants. Red or medium-black soil is ideal for Tinospora cultivation. It may possibly succeed. Grown in a wide range of soil types, including clay loam and sandy soils. But for it to flourish, the soil needs to be rich in organic matter, well-drained, and moist enough. (5)
T. cordifolia, Known as the “queen of all herbs,” T. cordifolia is a climbing shrub with many coiling branches. The stem, leaves, flowers, and fruits are the many sections of the entire plant (Fig. 1). There are many other components, such as seeds, lamina, and arial roots. Aerial roots are characterized by tetra-to penta-arch formations. Apart from that, the root cortex has an inner parenchymatous zone and an outside, thick wall. The base is deeply cordate, membranous, pubescent, and whitish tomentose, with a conspicuous reticulum underneath. The lamina is oval, 10–20 cm long, and up to 15 cm broad [6]. The form of seeds is bent. The embryo immediately transformed into a curve.However, the endocarp is well ornamented and confers vital taxonomic characters.(7)
Traditional medical systems, especially those in South Asia, have long valued T. cordifolia ethnopharmacologically. The stem of T. cordifolia is primarily used as a bitter, stomachic, astringent, diuretic, thermogenic, aids in preventing constipation and jaundice, and soothes thirst, vomiting, and burning sensations. Additionally, its stem has been regarded as an indigenous source of medications with antipyretic, anti-diabetic, immunomodulatory, and anti-hepatotoxic properties. Skin conditions can be effectively treated using T. cordifolia stem extract. The plant’s roots, another crucial component, have anti-ulcer and anti-stress properties. The stem and root of T. Cordifolia are used as an antidote for snakebite and scorpion sting, together with other medications. T. cordifolia’s dry bark has anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antipyretic, and antispasmodic properties. Several studies published on T. cordifolia revealed that it has numerous uses in Ayurvedic medicinal systems. T. cordifolia is Renowned for its immunomodulatory properties. According to a number of published research, T. cordifolia has a wide range of applications in Ayurvedic medicine. The immunomodulatory effects of T. cordifolia are well known. It is frequently advised to strengthen the immune system and is used to improve the body's natural defenses [7, 8]. It has long been used to treat bacterial and viral infections as well as other forms of fever [9, 10]. It is thought to strengthen the body’s defenses against infections and lessen the symptoms of fever. The plant is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. (11)
Analytical studies of T. cordifolia and its commercial formulations for its primary alkaloids, jatrorrhizine, palmatine, and berberine, were carried out by HPLC and RPLCMS-DAD [12]. Four bioactive compounds—syringin, cordifolioside A, magnoflorine, and tinocordiside—in the stem of T. cordifolia were analyzed for variation using UPLC-DAD-ESI-QTOFMS/MS and NMR [13]. Analytical studies on bioactive markers of both alkaloidal and non-alkaloidal components may be useful in developing quality control protocols for T. cordifolia. [14].
T. cordifolia extract administered in vivo produced antitumor biomarkers such as TNF, IL-1, and reactive nitrogen intermediates with notable cytotoxicity. At high dosages, BMC (bone marrow cells) exhibited apoptosis, whereas at lower levels, leucocytosis was observed [15–18]. T. cordifolia decreased the neutropenia brought on by cyclophosphamide dosages, both single and repeated [20]. Through phagocytosis and antigen presentation, the alcoholic extract of T. cordifolia stimulated macrophages.
Four species of Indian Tinospora have had their alkaloids, glycosides, diterpenoid lactones, flavonoids, steroids, and sesquiterpenoids extracted and identified; the remaining five species have not had their phytochemical content examined. Table 2 have discussed the major chemical constituent class and their Active phytoconstituent with pharmacology. The rich source present in T. cordifolia includes diterpenoid lactones, steroids, alkaloids,And glycosides [21,22–]
Table 1–Major chemical constituent class and their Active
|
chemical class |
Active constituent |
Phytoactive(class) |
Activity |
Reference |
|
1)Glycoside (phenylpropanoid) |
Tinocordioside Tinocordifolioside Cordifolioside palmatoside |
Cordioside (Clerodane furanoditerpene) Syringin Cordifolioside |
Enhance phagocytosis |
22,26-29 |
|
2) Steroids |
B–sitosterol 20Bhydroxyecdysone Makisterone A, Giloinsterol |
– |
– |
30 |
|
3) Aliphatic compund |
Octacosanol Hepatacosanol Nanacosan–15–one dichliromethane
|
– |
– |
31-32 |
|
4) Polysaccharides |
Alpha–D–glucan |
RRI |
Increase pathocytosis, increase Th1cytokines |
33 |
|
5)sesquiterpenoids |
Tinocordifolin, einocordifolin |
Tinocordifolioside |
Increase phagocytosis, increase ROS |
34,35,36 |
Phytoconstituent with pharmacology
TNF, IL-1, and RNI are antitumor indicators (37) Activates macrophages to increase immunity (38). Prevents chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (39) Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant (40) T. cordifolia has been the focus of in-depth scientific research with pharmaceutical significance worldwide throughout the past 20 years. Numerous reports exist regarding the anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, anti-allergic, and many other properties of the Tinospora plant. Alkaloids, phenolics, diterpenoid, glycosides, aliphatic compounds, and steroids are among the phytochemical components found in T. cordifolia plants that have the potential to target many ailments through their pharmacological activities. The majority of pharmacological research is based on physiologically active chemicals and crude extracts from plants.In this section, we have highlighted the diverse pharmacological Activities of T. cordifolia.
Anti-diabetic activity
The antidiabetic potential of T. cordifolia has been amply demonstrated by a number of pharmacological investigations. The main phytoconstituents that have been shown to have an anti-diabetic effect are alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, and steroids [42–59]. T. cordifolia has been used extensively as a treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Asia and Africa [60]. Both in vitro and in vivo, the alkaloid-rich fraction from the stem, which includes palmatine, jatrorrhizine, and magnoflorine, has been shown to have an insulin-mimicking and insulin-releasing effect [61]. In the induction of hypoglycemic activity, isolated alkaloids from the T. cordifolia plant exhibited an insulin-associated response [62].
|
Extract/isolated compound |
Human patient/Animal model |
Therapeutic Model |
|
Methanol |
Normal and alloxan rats |
Increase in Body weight and protein Hepaticenzyme hexokinase Activity increased, glucose-6 phosphatase and significant decrease in fructose 1, 6- biphosphatase [63]. Isoquinoline alkaloid rich fraction Normal and glucose -loaded Wistar rats. |
|
Isoquinoline Alkaloids rich fraction. |
Normal and glucose -loaded wistar rats |
Insulin mimicking and insulin-releasing effect in vitro in vivo (64) |
|
Hydoalcoholic (70% ethanol, 30% water) |
High fat diet fed and Streptozotocin-SpragueDawley rats. |
Inhinbit glucogenesis and glycogenolysis and promote insuline secretion. (65) |
It has been observed that syringin and cordifolioside A have Immunomodulatory properties. At concentrations between 0.1 and 2.5 g/ml49, the other five compounds demonstrated a notable increase in phagocytic activity as well as a boost in the production of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. Tinospora cordifolia ethanolic extract (100 mg/kg/p.o.) has immunomodulatory properties that include modifying the concentration of antioxidant enzymes, increasing T and B cells and antibodies, which are important for immunity, increasing the concentration of melatonin in the pineal gland, and raising the levels of cytokines like IL-2, IL-10, and TNF-α, which are important for immunity (66)Stem and entire plant extracts scavenge free radicals (DPPH test, for example) and lessen oxidative stress in a variety of types. Phenolics and flavonoids are primarily responsible for these effects.
Numerous animal experiment types have been used to illustrate the herb Guduchi’s anti-cancer qualities. This plant greatly increases body weight and the weight of various tissues, making it a great example radioprotective vegetation. Additionally, it shields against the sub-lethal range gamma radiation the of at Swiss Albino mice’s testes release. Cultivated HeLa cells showed a dose-dependent increase in cell death or killing when exposed to different doses of T. cordifolia dichloromethane extracts as opposed to untreated cultured cells (control).[67]. A study found that when T. cordifolia aerial roots hydroalcoholic extract was administered to Swiss Albino mice’s liver and extrahepatic organs at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight, the levels of GSH and other metabolising enzymes rose. Additionally, a significant decrease in MLD synthesis suggests a decrease in free radical production and a cell’s antioxidative status. [68]
The pursuit of cytotoxicity by altering different hormone and mineral levels and maybe scavenging free radicals, guduchi shows a protective effect. According to reports, T. cordifolia can make Swiss albino mice’s kidneys less toxic to aflatoxin. It then accomplishes this by dramatically increasing the levels of hormones (like glutathione) and enzymes (like catalase and glutathione reductase); it also reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the main ingredient in this plant’s anti-toxin action is its alkaloids. [69] A decrease in the erythrocyte and leucocyte counts in the blood serum is a sign of lead nitrate toxicity in Swiss albino mice is shown by a decrease in the erythrocyte and leucocyte counts in the blood serum. Guduchi leaf and stem extract, on the other hand, reverses these changes by outperforming the haematological value of lead poisoning. [70] It has also been demonstrated that giving Swiss albino mice this herbal plant extract orally will lessen the negative effects of lead nitrate on their livers. The study found that the levels of enzymes including GPT, ALT, and AST are decreasing while the enzyme catalase, which scavenges free radicals, is increasing. [71]
A study found that Pseudomonas aer”gino’a, which is found in burn patients, was effectively inhibited by silver nanoparticles derived from T. cordifolia stems. [72] Several bacterial strains, including S. typhi, K. pneumoniae, E. coli, Aeruginosa, and others, showed potential anti-bacterial action when tested against T. cordifolia extracts by either inhibiting their growth or decreasing their very existence. [73–75] Reports state that an active chemical compound from T. cordifolia stems was recently found to be effective against bacteria like B. subtilis and E. faecalis as well as fungi like T. rubrum and T. Simii. In, [76] Granulocyte activity was increased by a hydroalcoholic Extract of T. cordifolia, which effectively reduced breast Inflammation in a bovine model. An S. aureus infection causes Mastitis; hence, the plant’s ability to prevent inflammation
The dried bark of Tinospora cordifolia has antispasmodic properties. [77] No antipyretic properties have been found in studies on the soluble fractions of Tinospora cordifolia stem in hexane and chloroform. [78]
2.Diabetes
3.Digestive disorders
4.jaundive
5.skin disease
6.general debility
2.intestine problems
3.Bone fractures
4.snakebites and scorpions sting
2.Wound healing [79]
Even when administered at a relatively high dose of 9 g/kg body weight, acute poisoning studies on T. cordifolia did not reveal any negative effects or fatalities [80]. Mice given a 3 g/kg dosage of T. cordifolia aqueous extract showed no adverse effects in the acute toxicity tests [81]. Human studies have demonstrated that T. cordifolia had no negative effects, even when administered to individuals with HIV and allergic rhinitis at very high dosages (900 mg/day). A dose of 500 mg/day for 21 days was found to be safe for humans in clinical trials on T. cordifolia, with no apparent adverse effects on the kidneys, heart, intestines, or neurological system [82]. In the first part of the study, giving T. cordifolia to healthy volunteers was found to be safe and well-accepted [83], [84],
CONCLUSION –
Guduchi, or Tinospora cordifolia, is a useful medicinal plant with a variety of compounds that support its many therapeutic benefits. Along with outstanding safety and tolerability, it demonstrates potent antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. T. cordifolia has enormous potential for advancement in herbal medicine and nutraceutical uses as a safe, natural substitute for synthetic medications.
REFERENCE
Harshada Bangar*, Manoj Garad, Yogita Chaudhari, Tinospora Cordifolia (Guduchi): Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities and Therapeutic Potential, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2025, 2 (11), 530-539. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17657368
10.5281/zenodo.17657368
