Literature Review and Pharmacological Activities of Guduchi

Tinospora cardifolia is a medicinal ayurvedic herb having vast benefit to human health. It comes under the climbing shrub, which belongs to the family Menispermaceae and is inherent to india and some extent to china also and some parts of Australia and Africa. The other names used for Tinospora cardifolia are Guduchi or Giloy or Amrita. Not only its single part but whole plant has got its own pharmacological effect for human well being.Tinospora cardifolia has chemical constituents like terpenoids, alkaloids, steroids, lignans, flavonoids and glycosides. It has many pharmacological activities such as immunomodulation, anti-diabetic, anti cancer and hepatoprotective. Guduchi is widely utilized in Ayurvedic therapeutic preparations, both on its own and combination with other herbs. Acharya charaka listed it in the Vayasthapana, Dahaprashamana, Trishna nigrahana group, while Susruta and Vagbhata classified it under the Guduchyadi, Patoladi, Aragwadhadi group. Additionally Guduchi is mentioned in the Guduchyadi varga in Bhavaprakasha Nighantu. It is primarily known for its Rasayana and digestive properties like Deepana, Pachana, and Bhedana. Materials and methods: Relevant ayurvedic texts, including the Caraka samhitha,Susrutha samhitha and various Nighantu, as well as modern literature, research works and online sources have been considered. Results: Examined the vernacular names and synonyms of Guduchi and Rasa panchaka including the therapeutic properties of Guduchi. Conclusion: Guduchi has anti pyretic, anti diabetic, rejuvenative, anti-inflammatory and many other properties. Guduchi is one among the four drugs of Medhya rasayana which has anxiolytic and tranquilizng effect, which helps to maintain the mental health of human beings.