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 viru