Abstract
Tinospora cordifolia is one of the constituents of several ayurvedic preparations used in general debility, dyspepsia, fever and urinary diseases. The stem is bitter, stomachic, diuretic, stimulates bile secretion, causes constipation, allays thirst, burning sensation, vomiting, enriches the blood and cures jaundice. The extract of its stem is useful in skin diseases. The root and stem of T. cordifolia are prescribed in combination with other drugs as an anti-dote to snake bite and scorpion sting Dry barks of T. cordifolia has anti-spasmodic, anti- pyretic, anti-allergic , anti-inflammatory and anti-leprotic properties.
Introduction
Tinospora cordifolia (TC) is a large extensively spreading glabrous, perennial deciduous twiner with succulent stems and papery bark; leaves simple, alternate, cordate, entire, 7-9 nerved; flowers in clusters, female flowers usually solitary; fruits drupes, red when ripe. The surface of the stems appears to be closely studded with warty tubercles and the surface skin is longitudinally fissured. On removal of the surface skin the dark greenish mucilaginous stem is seen. The plant is sometimes cultivated for ornamental value and is propagated by cuttings. The leaves afford a good fodder for cattle.
Ayurvedic literature quotes guduchi as a constituent of several compound preparations, used in general debility, dyspepsia, fever and urinary diseases. It has multiple actions like; stem is a bitter stomachic; stimulates bile secretion; causes constipation; tonic; allays thirst, fever, burning sensation, prevents vomiting; diuretic; enriches the blood; cures jaundice; useful in skin diseases; the juice is useful in diabetes, vaginal and urethral discharges, low fevers, and enlarged spleen (Ayurveda). The root and stem are prescribed in combination with other drugs as an antidote to snake bite and scorpion sting. An infusion of the powdered stem is used as an alternative and tonic and has enjoyed the reputation among ancient Hindu writers of being an aphrodisiac.
Review
Various pharmacological actions and medicinal uses of the different parts of plant are well reported in the ancient literature. Biological activities of the crude extracts as well as its different fractions from leaf, root, stem bark and fruit have been reported. The biological activities of crude extract(s) of various part(s) of guduchi on different animal models as well as on human beings have been discussed in the following below
Abbreviation(s)
EtOH Ethanol
MeOH Methanol
EtoAc Ethylacetate
Pet.Ether Petroleum ether
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