Guduchi is a single-herb formulation prepared from the stem extract of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) in an effective immunomodulator and is recommended in the management of various recurring frank and occult infections as a co-prescription. Biological response modifiers (BMs) of Guduchi produce an immunomodulatory effect through activation of macrophages, which in turn exhibit microbicidal activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Guduchi produces a significant anti-inflammatory effect in both acute and subacute stages of inflammation. Guduchi exhibits strong free radical scavenging activity against active oxygen and nitrogen species.
Pharmacological Actions
1. Immunomodulatory activity
Guduchi is used as an immunomodulator for the activation of macrophages. Guduchi has natural immunopotentiators termed as BRMs. The basic mechanism of immunostimulation of BRMS is thought to occur through macrophage activation. Macrophages perform a variety of complex microbicidal functions, including surveillance, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and destruction of targeted organisms. Production of nitric oxide and lysozyme appears to constitute one of the main microbicidal mechanisms of macrophages.
2. Antimicrobial activity
Guduchi extract exhibits antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Important plant metabolites such as tannins and saponins may be responsible for antimicrobial activity.
3. Anti-inflammatory activity
Guduchi produces a significant anti-inflammatory effect in both acute and subacute models of inflammation-its mode of action appears to resemble that of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
4. Antioxidant activity
Guduchi has been reported to elevate the glutathione reductase (GSH) level and expression o the y-glutamylcysteine ligase and Cu-ZnSOD genes, It also exhibits strong free radical scavenging activity against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Guduchi inhibits the Fenton (FeSO) reaction and radiation-mediated 2-deoxyribose degradation in a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, it shows a moderate but dose-dependent inhibition of chemically generated superoxide anion.
5. Antiallergic activity
Guduchi has been found to show promising results in the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). It significantly reduces sneezing, discharge, nasal obstruction, nasal pruritus, and other symptoms of AR. The antiallergic and bronchodilatory properties of Guduchi extract were evaluated on histamine-induced bronchospasm, in which Guduchi significantly decreased bronchospasm.
Indictions
As a co-prescription
• With anti-infectives
• In upper respiratory tract infections (URTIS), lower RTIS (LRTIS), urinary tract infection (UTI), and skin and soft tissue infections
• For the management of infected wounds in diabetic patients
• In preoperative and postoperative conditions
• In immunocompromised patients
• In occult infections-pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), latent tuberculosis (TB), persistent urinary tract problems, and endocarditis
Due to the lack of safety data, the use of Guduchi during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended.
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