Ministry of Ayush has recently noticed safety concerns on the use of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) that were published in social media and in some scientific journals.
This advisory is being issued to confirm that Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is safe to use but some similar-looking plants like Tinospora crispa may be harmful. Guduchi is a popularly known herb, familiar as Giloy and is being used in therapeutics for a long in the Ministry of Ayush systems.
There is a good number of studies published in peer-reviewed indexed Journals to substantiate the safety and efficacy of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia). Its hepatoprotective properties are also well established. Guduchi is known for its immense therapeutic applications and the practices are regulated in accordance with various applicable provisions.
It is observed that different species of Tinospora are available and only Tinospora cordifolia should be used in therapeutics, whereas similar-looking species like Tinospora crispa may manifest adverse effects.
Below is the information about these plant species
| Plant part | Tinospora cordifolia | Tinospora crispa |
| Stem | Green in colour not having small rounded projections NO milky secretion | Greenish grey in colour having small rounded projections milky secretion |
| Leaves | heart-shaped with a groovy notch at the base | heart-shaped with no groovy notch at the base |
| Petals | Six in number | Three in number |
| Drupes (Bunch of fruit) | Spherical or ball shaped red in colour | Ellipsoid or rugby ball-like shaped orange in colour |
| Photograph of the plant |  |  |
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, 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 Ayush medicine it may be reported to the nearby Pharmacovigilance centre through an Ayush physician. Further, it is advised to take Ayush medicine and treatment under supervision and consultation of a registered Ayush physician only.
Please click here for guidelines issued by the Ministry of Ayush
Dislciamer : This is an official press release by PIB.
