Abstract

REVIEW ON MEDHYA (INTELLECT PROMOTING) ACTION OF GUDUCHI [TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA (WILD) MIERS]

Dr. Pansare T. A.*, Dodke Pranita and Borokar Archana

Abstract

Even though enormous development has occurred in the field of psychiatry, the difficulties with management of a certain mental problems such as cognitive dysfunction, memory disorder, anxiety, mental retardation etc. have yet remained unsolved. Moreover adverse effects of anti-psychotic drugs are generating substantial amount of discomfort to the patients. Hence there is a need to discover suitable, safe and effective drug from plant origin. Ayurveda has the potential to tackle the problem of neurodegeneration and its effects on cognition and to improve the quality of life of a person. Medhya drugs are mentioned in Ayurvedic classical texts for enhancement of cognition and they act on psychological co-morbidities like agitation, stress and depression. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook. f. & Thomson) is one of the medhya Rasayana possessing multi-dimensional actions and having an influence on mental health. Its Ushna Virya and Tikta Rasa promotes Sadhak Pitta and enhances Grahana (grasping power) and Smarana (Memory). It encourages the organic metabolism by Agnideepan and Dhatwagnideepan action resulting in improved structural and functional form of Majja Dhatu. Furthermore its Madhur Vipak promotes nourishement of the brain. The analysis of literature in this regard exposed distinguished pharmacological activities of Guduchi like nootropic, antioxidant, anti-aging, free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, cognition, CNS depressant, anti-convulsant and anti-toxic activities. The present endeavour is to highlight data about Ayurvedic aspect and phytochemical and relevant pharmacological study for justification of Medhya activity of Guduchi.

Keywords: Guduchi, Tinospora cordifolia, Medhya, intellect promoting.