Important Facts For Prelims
Guduchi
- 18 Feb 2022
- 2 min read
Why in News
Recently, the Ministry of Ayush reiterated that Giloy/Gudduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is safe and as per available data, and does not produce any toxic effect.
- Earlier, certain sections of the media have falsely linked Giloy/Guduchi to liver damage.
- The Ministry of Ayush noted that the safety of a drug depends on how it is being used. Dosage is one of the important factors that determine the safety of a particular drug.
What is Guduchi?
- Guduchi is a climbing shrub that grows on other trees, from the botanical family Menispermaceae.
- The plant is native to India but also found in China and tropical areas of Australia and Africa.
- People have long used it to treat a wide range of issues, including fever, infections, diarrhoea, and diabetes.
What are Medicinal Applications of Guduchi?
- A special focus has been made on its health benefits in treating various metabolic disorders and its potential as an immune booster.
- It's use as antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular protective, neuroprotective, osteoprotective, radioprotective, anti-anxiety, adaptogenic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti-diarrheal, anti-ulcer, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer have been well established.
- It is used as a major component of therapeutics for ameliorating metabolic, endocrinal, and several other ailments, aiding in the betterment of human life expectancy.
- It is a popularly known herb for its immense therapeutic applications in traditional systems of medicine and has been used in the management of Covid-19.
