A Review on the Adaptogenic Activity of Potent Rasayana Tinospora cordifolia

Abstract

Tinospora cordifolia is an herbaceous vine that belongs to the Menispermaceae family, a succulent woody shrub genus, native to the tropical Indian sub-continent, and it is known for its common names: “Guduchi”, “giloy”, “amrita”, “gurjo”, and “heart-leaved moonseed”. The recent recognition and biological role of active components in disease management in the plant have contributed to an active interest in the plant worldwide. Extracts of T. cordifolia are widely used as antispasmodic, anti-microbial, antiperiodic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-allergic, endocrine disorders like anti-diabetic, hypolipidaemic, etc. in various herbal formulations to treat different diseases. It helps reduce the resistance to insulin and stress, revitalises all the tissues of the body, and spontaneously promotes metabolism. However, this adaptogenic ability is also under-explored. Stress and ageing disorders need to be treated independently. The current review paper mainly focused on stress, depression, and the anti-stress properties (adaptogen) of T. cordifolia. Depression and stress, along with disrupted metabolic and reproductive properties, are high-risk factors in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients. Further studies are needed to focus on adaptogenic activity to relieve certain endocrine disorders that occur due to stress, often ovarian cysts, female menstrual irregularities, and hormonal imbalance.