Abstract

GUDUCHI; A POTENTIAL DRUG IN AYURVEDA

Neha Rawat, Rakesh Roushan*

Abstract

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia [Wild.] Miers.) of family Menispermaceae. Guduchi is a Sanskrit word which means, ‘that which protects body from diseases’. Another name for this herb is ‘Amrita’, which refers to ‘the heavenly elixir’ according to Hindu mythology. According to the tale, Guduchi saved celestial beings from old age and kept them eternally young. It is the potential drug in Ayurveda as it is full of life energy and has a myriad of uses. It can help with prolonging life and was thus recognized by the ancient rishis of the Vedic era, long before the age of modern technology. It is a potential ayurvedic drug, used extensively in treatment of fever, diabetes, urinary tract disorders, anaemia, jaundice, asthma, cardiac disorders etc. It is a well known immune-modulator herb used in the correction of auto immunity. As per Acharya Charak, Guduchi is one among the four Medya Rasayan where its Swaras is to be administrated to get all the benefits of rasayan. Its Ras is Tikta, Veerya is Ushna and Vipaka is Madhura. Guna includes Laghu and Snigdha. It balances Tridosha in the body. Guduchi is highly rich in anti-oxidants. It also has anti-pyretic, anti-viral and wound healing properties. There are many studies already done on Guduchi and many researches are still going on to know the effects of Guduchi in the body for the benefit of the patients.

Keywords: Guduchi; Tinospora cordifolia; Menispermaceae; Rasayan; Medya Rasayan.