Guduchi, or Tinospora cordifolia, — a vine-like plant that grows in the tropical regions of India and other parts of Asia, traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. The stems of guduchi are covered with heart-shaped leaves and small yellowish flowers.
The plant is valued for its adaptogenic, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective properties.
The main active substances — glycosides, alkaloids, terpenes, and polyphenols, provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and general strengthening effects.
Health Benefits
- strengthens the immune system, increases the body’s resistance to stress and infections;
- has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects comparable to NSAIDs in arthritis;
- supports joint health, promotes the restoration of bone tissue;
- helps with gout by increasing the excretion of uric acid;
- protects the liver from toxins, stimulates its regeneration, inactivates surface antigens of hepatitis B and E viruses;
- reduces the severity of allergic reactions and bronchospasm;
- inhibits carcinogenesis and metastasis, protects bone marrow during chemotherapy;
- improves digestion and metabolism.
Daily Requirement and Sources
Guduchi is not a nutrient, so there are no strict consumption norms.
It is used in the form of:
- stem powder — mixed with water or honey;
- extract — 1 g 1–3 times a day;
- tincture — 1–2 ml 3 times a day;
- decoction — 1 tsp of dry herb in 200 ml of water, boil for 10–15 minutes, steep for 30 minutes, drink 120–130 ml 2–3 times a day.
Possible Risks of Excess and Their Manifestations
- taking in large doses may cause constipation;
- individual allergic reactions are possible;
- not recommended without consulting a doctor during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in cases of severe chronic diseases.
Culinary and Medical Uses
In cooking, guduchi is rarely used, but the powder or extract can be added to smoothies, yogurts, soups, and curries to enrich the dish with antioxidants and phytonutrients.
In medicine, it is used for inflammatory joint diseases, gout, infections, allergies, to protect the liver, and to increase overall body tone.
