SupplementPreliminary evidenceImmunity

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia, Giloy)

Ayurvedic rasayana 'amrita' for immune and inflammatory complaints, small RCTs for allergic rhinitis and rheumatoid arthritis adjunct; hepatotoxicity warning during the 2021 COVID era.

Why

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia, giloy, also known as amrita, 'nectar of immortality' in Sanskrit) is a foundational Ayurvedic rasayana. Small RCTs report symptom benefit in allergic rhinitis (Badar 2005) and as adjunct in rheumatoid arthritis. Significant caveat: during the 2021 India COVID surge, an unexpected cluster of hepatotoxicity case reports emerged with widespread giloy use, likely related to misidentification (substitution with Tinospora crispa, which is hepatotoxic).

How it works

Alkaloids (berberine, palmatine) and glycosides modulate cytokine signalling, NK cell activity, and lymphocyte function. Antimalarial activity documented historically.

Expected onset · Symptom effects over 4–8 weeks

How to take

Dosage

Standardised extract: 250–500 mg twice daily. Traditional churna: 3–6 g/day.

Timing

Divided 2 times daily with food

On the label

Specifically Tinospora cordifolia, species-verified. Avoid Tinospora crispa (different species, hepatotoxic) which has been substituted in some products.

Ideal for

Adults with allergic rhinitis or chronic inflammatory complaints exploring Ayurvedic adjuncts under supervision; rheumatoid arthritis adjunct under rheumatology coordination.

Safety

Hepatotoxicity signal from 2021, likely from species misidentification (Tinospora crispa instead of T. cordifolia). Use only species-verified product from quality-certified sources. Monitor LFTs if used chronically. Hypoglycaemia risk additive with diabetes medications. Autoimmune disease: theoretical immune-stimulation concern. Pregnancy: limited data; avoid.

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Evidence

At a glance

Badar 2005 J Ethnopharmacol RCT in allergic rhinitis showed symptom improvement vs placebo. Kulkarni 2022 hepatotoxicity series during India COVID surge raised an unresolved question, likely species misidentification as Tinospora crispa. Preliminary, RCTs exist in non-tier-1 journals but are small or short-duration. No Cochrane review, EMA monograph or EFSA-authorised claim covers the indication.

Limitations

Preliminary, RCTs exist in non-tier-1 journals but are small or short-duration. No Cochrane review, EMA monograph or EFSA-authorised claim covers the indication.

Where to get it

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