Benefits of Giloy (Ayurvedic herb) in Managing Diabetes

Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), an Ayurvedic herb, is also known as ‘Guduchi’ and ‘Amrita’ in India. The meaning of ‘Guduchi’ is “something that protects the whole body,” and ‘Amrita’ means “root of immortality”.

All of its parts have been used as medicines in Ayurveda for thousands of years. However, the stem is considered to have the maximum number of health benefits because it has high nutritional content and important plant compounds like alkaloids. Other key components in Giloy are terpenoids, lignans, and steroids.

Alkaloids give the plant its bitter taste. They have therapeutic benefits for pain relief, blood pressure, malaria, cancer and intestinal properties.

Terpenoids contribute to plants’ taste, fragrance, and colour. This active compound has antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties.

Lignans have antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory that protect cells from oxidative damage. They also possess antimicrobial properties that help prevent the growth of viruses, fungi, and other microbes. These compounds are also found effective against cancer cells and preventing their growth.

Steroids have potential benefits for wound healing, skin health and heart health. They might also aid in lowering cholesterol levels in your blood.

Due to its amazing compounds and medicinal properties, Giloy is widely used to treat indigestion, constipation, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, liver diseases, chronic fever, skin problems, and more. And lately, emerging research suggests that Giloy may also benefit in managing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes.

Giloy and Diabetes Management

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It occurs due to a condition called insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas that helps regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels. It allows cells to absorb glucose from your bloodstream for energy or storage. However, in insulin resistance, the cells in your fat, liver, and muscles do not properly recognize and use insulin. As a result, glucose remains in the blood, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

When cells do not recognize insulin, the pancreas makes more insulin to try to compensate. But over time, the pancreas can’t keep up with this extra demand, so it stops producing insulin anymore.

According to Ayurveda, when your body has good metabolism and absorption of nutrients, it has better regulation of blood sugar levels. Giloy works on your digestion (the pachan shakti) and improves the absorption of nutrients and sugar by your body cells. Both these functions are essential in managing blood sugar.

Talking specifically about the benefits of Giloy for type 2 diabetes, one of the alkaloids called berberine present in the herb has been shown to work like metformin (a medicine used in diabetes) and effectively lower blood glucose. Berberine has also been shown to reduce bad cholesterol and blood pressure levels in the body.

The flavonoids present in Giloy help reduce oxidative stress, a major factor in insulin resistance. Increased oxidative stress impairs pancreatic cell function and increases insulin resistance, which negatively impacts diabetes.

Scientific Evidence Supporting the Use of Giloy in Diabetes

A study investigated the anti-diabetic effects of Giloy leaf powder. It included two groups of diabetic patients who were given doses of 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of Giloy leaf powder. For two months, the patient’s blood sugar levels and HbA1c (a measure of long-term blood sugar control) were monitored. The results showed significant improvements in both blood sugar levels and HbA1c, supporting the use of Giloy as an effective treatment for diabetes.

Some studies also show that Giloy may help with diabetes-related complications such as diabetic neuropathy (type of nerve damage), healing of wounds and kidney function.

Benefits of Giloy for Diabetes

• Improves insulin sensitivity
• Helps stabilize blood sugar levels
• Reduces oxidative stress associated with diabetes
• Helps reduce inflammation related to insulin resistance
• Aids in liver function, important for glucose metabolism
• Help in weight management, a key to controlling diabetes
• Strengthens overall immune health
• Helps prevent symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and other diabetic complications

Giloy is available on the market in various forms such as juice, powder, tablets, and capsules. The recommended dosage can vary depending on the form you are using:

Giloy stems powder: Take 2 to 6 grams per day, mixed with water or milk.

 Giloy juice: Mix 20 to 30 ml of juice with an equal amount of water. It should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning and then again, half an hour after dinner for best results.

 Always make sure to take the dosage according to the directions on the label because each manufacturer’s preparation may differ. Do not consume it without consulting a doctor, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.