Similar looking plants like Tinospora Crispa may prove harmful to health. Several studies substantiate the safety and efficacy of Guduchi New Delhi. Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia), or commonly known as Giloy, is a safe herb to use, the Ministry of Ayush said this while issuing a guideline today. However, similar-looking plants such as Tinospora Crispa may be harmful to human health, it added. Guduchior Giloy is being widely used in therapeutics for a long time in Ayush systems.
The Ministry of Ayush issued the guideline after it noticed safety concerns on the use of Guduchi (TinosporaCordifolia) that appeared on some social media platforms and in some scientific journals.
“There are a good number of studies published in peer-reviewed indexed Journals to substantiate safety and efficacy of Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia). Its hepato-protective properties are also well established. Guduchi is known for its immense therapeutic applications and the practices are regulated in accordance with various applicable provisions.” the Ministry said.
“It is observed that different species of Tinospora are available and only TinosporaCordifolia should be used in therapeutics, whereas similar-looking species such as TinosporaCrispa may manifest adverse effects. Thus, it is reiterated that Guduchi is a safe and effective Ayurveda medicine.
However, it is advisable to use it in consultation with a qualified and registered Ayush physician.” Ministry of Ayush has a well-established system of Pharmacovigilance (for reporting of suspected adverse drug reactions from Ayush medication), with its network spreading across all over India.
If any suspected adverse event occurs after intake of Ayushmedicine, it may be reported to the nearby Pharmacovigilance centre through an Ayushphysician.
Further, it is advised to take Ayush medicine and treatment under supervision and consultation of a registered Ayush physician only. For the purpose of identification, the guideline clearly informs about the difference between Tinospora Cordifolia and Tinospora Crispa.
Below is the information about these plant species
| Plant part | Tinospora cordifolia | Tinospora crispa |
| Stem |
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| Leaves |
groovy notch at the base |
groovy notch at the base |
| Petals |
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| Drupes (Bunch of fruit) |
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| Photograph of the plant |  |
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