Giloy an Ayurvedic Wonder Herb, Gains Global Attention for Its Immune-Boosting, Anti-Inflammatory, and Therapeutic Potential in Cancer, and Holistic Healthcare
Tinospora cordifolia, commonly known as Guduchi or Giloy, familiar as Amrita in Sanskrit, which translates to the ‘herb of immortality’, because of its abundant beneficial properties
In recent years, Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), a revered herb in Ayurveda, has emerged as a global superstar in the realm of natural medicine. Known for its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and adaptogenic properties, Giloy is now at the forefront of scientific research, with studies exploring its potential in immunity boosting, cancer therapy, autoimmune disease management, holistic healthcare and inflammatory disorders.
A Surge in Scientific Interest
According to data from PubMed, a leading database for biomedical research, the number of studies on Giloy has skyrocketed by 376.5% over the past decade. In 2014, there were 243 research publications on Giloy, but by 2024, that number surged to 913. This exponential growth underscores the global scientific community’s growing fascination with this ancient herb.
The COVID-19 pandemic played a pivotal role in accelerating this interest. As the world sought natural immunity boosters and holistic healthcare solutions, Giloy’s immune-modulatory and antiviral properties came under the spotlight. Researchers have since delved deeper into its bioactive compounds, uncovering promising therapeutic benefits that could revolutionize modern medicine.
Giloy’s Role in Modern Medicine
Recent studies have highlighted Giloy’s potential in addressing some of the most challenging health conditions. For instance, a February 2025 study led by Harsha Vaghasia of Gujarat University explored Giloy’s role in treating HPV-positive cervical cancer. The findings revealed its immunomodulatory benefits, suggesting it could complement conventional cancer therapies for safer and more effective outcomes.
Similarly, a January 2025 study by researchers at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, investigated Giloy’s efficacy in managing Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis (IGM), a benign breast disorder often misdiagnosed as cancer. The study found that Giloy-based phytopharmaceuticals offered a steroid-free, cost-effective alternative to aggressive surgeries, marking a significant breakthrough in treatment options.
Government Support and Global Integration
The Ministry of Ayush has been instrumental in promoting scientific research on Giloy. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the importance of scientific validation of Ayurvedic herbs, stating, “We are committed to strengthening research collaborations, funding scientific studies, and promoting evidence-based integration of Ayurveda with mainstream healthcare.”
To further this mission, the Ministry has launched a technical dossier on Giloy, a comprehensive resource that combines traditional wisdom with modern scientific research. This initiative aims to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and the public, solidifying India’s position as a global leader in holistic and integrative medicine.
What Makes Giloy Special?
Dr. Galib, Associate Professor at the All-India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, explains, “Giloy’s bioactive compounds and therapeutic benefits, including its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, make it a promising candidate for future clinical applications.” As research continues to validate its medicinal properties, Giloy is poised to become a cornerstone of integrative healthcare worldwide.
The Future of Giloy
With its centuries-old legacy and growing scientific validation, Giloy represents a bridge between traditional Ayurveda and modern medicine. As the world increasingly turns to natural, plant-based therapies, this Ayurvedic marvel may hold the key to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our time.
