Tinospora cordifolia (Gulvel) is traditionally used in ayurvedic medicine for apparently much varied conditions. It is commonly used in combination with other substances or sometimes alone. Supportive evidence from pharmacological studies suggests its prominent role in immune-modulation in conditions like diabetes mellitus, obstructive jaundice, and hepatic and splenic injury. Antioxidant, radioprotective, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer and antispasmodic properties and capacity to dissolve urinary calculi also have supportive evidence. It is a potential antidepressant and enhances cognition and memory. Immune-modulation, preventing oxidative damage, and relieving inflammation are likely explanations for benefits in infections, joint inflammation, and allergies. The constellation of various activities plays a role in its protective effects against antitubercular and cytotoxic drugs, and toxins. It is helpful in potentiating other substances in the form of simple extraction. This review discusses its formulations, the relevance of supportive evidence and possible mechanisms of actions for its claimed benefits, and future prospects.

INTRODUCTION: Tinospora cordifolia