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  2. Volume 1 | Issue 4 [October to December]
  3. GUDUCHI (TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA): IMMUNOMODULATORY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION—A REVIEW
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Dr. Jalpa Gandhi

GUDUCHI (TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA): IMMUNOMODULATORY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION—A REVIEW

Introduction: Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia [Willd.] Miers), revered as Amrita in Ayurveda, is a classical Rasayana indicated for jvara (fever), prameha (metabolic disorders), hepatic dysfunction, and general debility. Contemporary interest centres on its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic benefits. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of classical compendia (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu), and searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the AYUSH Research Portal (January 2000–June 2025). Search terms included “Tinospora cordifolia,” “Guduchi,” “immunomodulatory,” “Rasayana,” “clinical trial,” and “pharmacology.” Inclusion criteria: peer-reviewed in vitro/animal/clinical studies, systematic reviews, and pharmacognostic papers on authenticated T. cordifolia. Exclusions: non-peer-reviewed content, case anecdotes without standardization, and studies not specifying species/authentication. Results: Classical sources describe Guduchi as tridoṣa-śāmaka, Rasayana, jvarahara, dāhapraśamana, and medhya. Phytochemistry reveals alkaloids (e.g., magnoflorine), diterpenoid lactones (e.g., tinosporaside), glycosides (e.g., cordifolioside A), steroids, and immunoactive polysaccharides (arabinogalactans). Experimental work demonstrates macrophage and NK-cell activation, cytokine modulation (IL-6, TNF-α), NF-κB and COX-2 inhibition, hepatoprotection, antihyperglycemic effects, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. Clinical studies suggest benefits in recurrent infections, allergic rhinitis, glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, and adjunctive relief in osteoarthritis; most trials are small and heterogeneous. Safety is generally favourable, though pharmacovigilance emphasizes correct species authentication and dose-form standardization. Discussion: Ayurvedic Rasayana and modern immunopharmacology converge on Guduchi as a systems-level immunomodulator. Evidence supports adjunctive use for infection susceptibility and metabolic risk; however, gaps persist in large RCTs, chemoprofile standardization, species authentication (to avoid confusion with T. crispa), dose–response, and long-term safety. Conclusion: Guduchi is a promising bridge between classical Rasayana concepts and contemporary immunomodulation. Rigorous, standardized, multi-centre trials with authenticated material are needed to inform guidelines and public-health integration.

KEYWORDS: Guduchi; immunomodulation; pharmacology; Rasayana; Tinospora cordifolia