Quick facts
| Botanical name | Tinospora cordifolia |
|---|---|
| Other names | Giloy, Amrita |
| Part used | Stem |
| Common forms | Stem decoction or juice; Guduchi satva; tablets; part of many formulations. |
Ayurvedic properties
Ayurveda describes every herb by its taste (rasa), qualities (guna), potency (virya), post-digestive effect (vipaka) and effect on the doshas.
| Taste (rasa) | Bitter, astringent |
|---|---|
| Qualities (guna) | Heavy, unctuous |
| Potency (virya) | Heating |
| After digestion (vipaka) | Sweet |
| Effect on doshas | Balances all three |
Traditional uses
- Recurrent fevers
- Gout and joint inflammation (Vatarakta)
- Skin disorders
- Blood sugar
These are uses described in Ayurvedic practice; they are not all supported by clinical research.
What research shows
Very limited
Limited
Moderate
Strong
Small studies only; claims of immune benefit are not established by good-quality trials.
Safety
Avoid or ask a doctor first if you have:
- Liver disease
- Autoimmune diseases (it may stimulate the immune system)
- Pregnancy
- Before surgery
Possible interactions
- Diabetes medicines — risk of low blood sugar
- Immunosuppressants
Side effects
In 2020–21, Indian hepatologists reported a series of liver injuries in people taking Giloy. Part of the problem may have been misidentified plants — Tinospora crispa looks similar and is known to harm the liver. Buy only licensed, correctly identified products and avoid high doses or long unsupervised use.
Stop and seek medical advice if you develop yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, a rash, or feel unwell after starting any herbal product.
Buying safely
- Buy licensed products whose label shows the manufacturer's name and address, an AYUSH licence number, batch number and expiry date.
- Prefer products that name the botanical species and the part used.
- Be wary of products promising cures, “no side effects”, or rapid results — some have been found to contain hidden steroids or other drugs.
- Tell every doctor and pharmacist about all the herbal products you take.
- Report side effects through the Ministry of Ayush pharmacovigilance programme. See our Ayurvedic medicine safety guide.
Related conditions
Guduchi (Giloy) is discussed on these condition pages:
Other herbs
Ashwagandha Turmeric (Haridra) Triphala Tulsi (Holy Basil) Brahmi Shatavari Amalaki (Amla) Neem Guggulu Kapikacchu Yashtimadhu (Liquorice)
Please note: this page is general education, not medical advice. Take herbal medicines only on the advice of a qualified practitioner who knows your health and your other medicines.