In Ayurveda, Guduchi, [Tinospora cordifolia (Wild.) Miers] is considered as a lead drug (agrya dravya) having multitude of therapeutic indications. This review provides a concise information regarding Guduchi, pertaining to its identifying characters, therapeutic properties and actions, being collected from 30 Nighantu (lexicons), 12 Samhita (treaties) and Chikitsa grantha (Compendia) and 15 Rasa grantha (Pharamcopoeia). The study reveals that, Guduchi is also known by about 79 other names (paryaya) , signifying its morphological features and pharmacological properties and actions. Guduchi possesses tikta, kashaya, katu rasa, laghu guna, ushna veerya, madhura vipaka and tridoshaghna property. Kandaguduchi, a variety of Guduchi, has also been pronounced and attributed with 12 synonyms, possesses katu rasa, ushna veerya and sannipatahara properties and highlighted for its categorical actions like Jvaraghni, Vishabhutghni and Valipalitnashini. Guduchi, singularly has been attributed with fourteen karma(action) and indicated in twenty one clinical conditions. It is one among the few herbs advocated to be used in ardra (fresh) condition.. Guduchi is also used in
pharmaceutical procedures like Shodhana (processing), Marana (calcination) and Jarana (incineration) of various metals and minerals. This review is expected to enrich the documentary evidences about classical references on Guduchi as add on to future researches.
Key words: Amrita, Chhinna, Guduchi, Giloe, Tinospora cordifolia, Tinospora malabarica, vegetable
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