INTRODUCTION:

Tinospora cordifolia (T. cordifolia) has been revered in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, known as "Amrita" or the "nectar of immortality" due to its wide array of health benefits, particularly its role in enhancing immunity. The plant is a deciduous climbing shrub that belongs to the family Menispermaceae, commonly found in tropical regions of India. Various parts of T. cordifolia, including the stems, leaves, roots, and flowers, are used for medicinal purposes. These parts contain bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, and flavonoids, which contribute to its therapeutic properties.

Fig. 1: Tinospora cordifolia

In modern formulations, T. cordifolia extract develops immunity-boosting tablets, leveraging its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities. This review paper outlines the step-by-step process involved in the formulation and standardization of a solid oral dosage form (tablet) using T. cordifolia sattva.

Description of actions and indications of Guduchi in different texts through different time frames confirm the continued use of the drug for a long time. New actions such as Bolya (-Strength promoting), Chakshusya (-beneficial for eye health) and its use in Visarpa (-Spreading cellulitis/ Erysipelas), Pandu (-Anemia), Krimi (-Worm infestation), Arati (-Distress), Bhrama (-Dizziness), and Kasa (-Cough) were reported during the later period. Charaka samhita has considered Tinospora among four Medhya rasayana (-Intellect enhancer) drugs. Individually or in combination with other drugs, Tinospora is considered an important drug by other scholars also in the management of Vatarakta (-Gout), Kushtha (-Various skin diseases), Jvara (-Fever), Kamala (-Jaundice), and Promeha (-Excessive urination), etc. Traditional medicines form an important part of global healthcare. It is estimated that 80% of the world's population living in the developing world rely on herbal medicinal products as a primary source of healthcare and traditional medical practice, as an integral part of the culture in those communities. These are often used to provide first-line of care and basic health services to people living in remote and poor areas. Even in areas where modern medicine is available, the interest in herbal medicines has been increasing rapidly in recent years. The significant contribution made by herbal medicines to human health has led to increased official and commercial interest. The contribution of Ayurveda through its herbal remedies in global health care cannot be ignored by any science for its qualitative strength and benefits provided in the field of therapeutics. The long history of their usage in different pathological manifestations is proof of their safe, efficacious, and beneficial effects. These formulations gained tremendous popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) also welcomed innovations around the world including the repurposing of drugs, and traditional medicines and developing new therapies in the search for potential treatments for COVID-19. When the planet confronted COVID-19 in 2020 as a global pandemic, modern medicine had not much to offer for prevention or treatment. Everyone was groping in the dark with new hypotheses, which were propounded every day for new treatment protocols being recommended with a claim to be effective against this dreaded disease. The Ministry of Ayush is committed to helping the nation with the large resource of time-tested traditional knowledge practiced in this continent for the benefit of mankind. Ayurveda, being rooted in the philosophy of Swasthasya swasthya rakshanam, aaturasya vikara prashamanam (to help the healthy person protect and maintain his wellness and to help a diseased person to become healthy), focused on developing treatment strategies to address the pandemic situation using available drugs from AYUSH armamentarium. Tinospora cordifolia, commonly known as Guduchi or Giloy, is known as Amrita in Sanskrit, which translates to the 'herb of immortality, because of its abundant beneficial properties. It has a popular and important place in the therapeutic armamentarium of traditional ayurvedic medicine, both for preventive and promotive health as well as curative medicine. It is used for ages in the treatment of various diseases including fever, jaundice, chronic diarrhea, skin diseases, eye disorders, metabolic and joint disorders, etc. It is attributed to the properties of immune modulation and rejuvenation. Recently, the discovery of active components from this plant and their biological functions in disease control has led to active interest in this plant across the globe. Tinospora cordifolia is immensely useful due to the presence of different compounds of pharmaceutical significance belonging to various groups such as alkaloids, diterpenoid lactones, glycosides, steroids, sesquiterpenoids, and phenolics. These compounds possess pharmacological properties, which make them anti-diabetic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepato-protective, and immuno-modulatory. Further, the herb has been attributed with Anti-toxic, Anti-infective, Anti-arthritic, Anti-osteoporotic, Anti-diabetic, Anti- HIV, Anti-microbial, Anti-oxidant, etc. activities. Its secondary metabolites are reported to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease with high binding efficiency and these metabolites can help as an antidote for SARS-CoV-2. This new knowledge about the usage of T. cordifolia led to its widespread use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides the growing demand and acceptance for traditional medicine, few concerns surfaced in the recent past about their usage. This happened in the case of Tinosporo too. It has been known that 34 species of Tinosporo are available in various geographical regions of the world. Many of them have been investigated for their medicinal value. I cordifolia is well recognized and discussed in classical texts of Ayurveda, and the official texts of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 also recommended the use of I cordifolia in therapeutics as a safe and efficacious herb in different dosage forms. While certain other species are reported to cause hepatotoxicity. Thus, proper identification and appropriate use of this herb become an essential aspect of safe practice. The current dossier is an attempt to showcase and discuss the therapeutic potential and clarify the safety issues of Tinospora cordifolia.

Phytochemical Constituents of Tinospora cordifolia:

The pharmacological activities of T. cordifolia are largely attributed to its rich composition of phytochemicals. The stem is particularly rich in alkaloids like berberine and palmatine, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Other important constituents include glycosides (cordifolioside), terpenoids, and flavonoids, all of which contribute to its antioxidative, antidiabetic, and anticancer activities. These constituents were evaluated using techniques like High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) for fingerprint analysis to ensure quality and standardization.

Formulation of Tinospora cordifolia Tablet:

1. Pre-formulation Studies:

Pre-formulation studies focus on understanding the physicochemical properties of the plant extract, which is crucial for the successful formulation of tablets. These studies include tests for moisture content, particle size distribution, and flow properties. For T. cordifolia extract, it was found that the dried extract has excellent flow properties, making it suitable for tablet compression.

2. Preparation of Extract:

The preparation of T. cordifolia extract, known as satva, involves drying and powdering the stems. This is followed by extraction using solvents like methanol or water, depending on the desired phytochemical profile. Soxhlet extraction is commonly used to obtain the concentrated extract, which is then purified and dried for further use in tablet formulation.

Fig. 2: Maceration Process of Giloy

3. Formulation Process:

Tablets of T. cordifolia can be prepared using the wet granulation method. The process involves the following steps:

· Mixing the extract with excipients such as lactose (90mg) and starch.

· Preparing a wet mass by adding a 5% starch solution.

· Granulating the wet mass and drying the granules at 45°C for 30minutes.

· Adding disintegrants like cross carmellose sodium (0.9mg) and lubricants like magnesium stearate before compression into tablets of about 500mg.

4. Standardization and Quality Control:

· To ensure the consistency and efficacy of the formulated tablets, several standardization parameters are followed, including:

· Weight variation: Ensures uniformity in the weight of tablets.

· Hardness and Friability: Determines the mechanical strength of the tablets.

· Disintegration and Dissolution Time: Measures the rate at which the tablet dissolves in the body, critical for bioavailability.

· Quantification of Active Compounds: The amount of active compounds, such as berberine, in each tablet, is quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), ensuring dosage accuracy.

Evaluation of Tinospora cordifolia Tablets:

1. Physicochemical Evaluation:

The physicochemical parameters of the tablets were evaluated for moisture content, hardness, friability, and disintegration time. The results indicated that the tablets had acceptable hardness and friability, ensuring durability during handling and storage.

· Weight variation test:

The weight variation test was performed by following the procedure, Weigh 20 tablets individually and consider them as X1, X2, X3, X20, Determine the average weight of 20 tablets X (X1+X2+X3+ X20/20. The individual weight was compared with the upper limit and lower Limit. Not more than two of the tablets differ from the average Weight by more than the error listed, and no tablets differ by More than double that percentage.

· Hardness and thickness test:

For each formulation, the hardness and thickness of 20 tablets were Determined. The hardness test was determined by Monsanto hardness Tester and the thickness of tablets was determined by Vernier Calipers.

· Friability test:

The friability of tablets can be determined in a laboratory by Roche Friabilator. The friability consists of a plastic chamber that rotates at 25rpm, dropping the tablets through a distance of six inches in the Friabilator, which is then operated for 100 revolutions. The tablets are Reweighed. Compress tablet loss of less than 0.5% to 1.0% of the tablet Weight is considered acceptable.

· Disintegration Test:

This text was the time required for the tablet to separate into particles the disintegration test measures only the time required under a given set of a condition for a group of tablets to disintegrate into particles. This test was performed to identify the disintegration of tablets in a specific time period.

2. Phytochemical Analysis:

The presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, and saponins was confirmed through preliminary phytochemical screening. The total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and the total flavonol content was measured using the aluminum chloride colorimetric method.

a. Starch:

Take the 10ml sample in a clean test tube, and then add around 4-5 drops of iodine solution into the above sample. Then observe the result, if the blue colour turns it contains Starch is present.

b. Alkaloid:

Mayer's Test:

Take a beaker and add 1-2 Drops of Mayer's Reagent and 3ml of Plant Extract, an orange red precipitate showed so it indicates the presence of alkaloids.

c. Glycoside:

Kedde's Test:

Glycoside solution was treated with 3,5 dinitro benzoic acid (Kedde's reagent A) and then added Sodium hydroxide (Kedde's reagent B) if the developed blue color so the presence of Glycoside.

d. Tannins:

Ferric chloride test:

Take 10 ml of water and then add powdered plant extract to it. After that, this mixture is boiled for five minutes. A few drops of 10% Ferric chloride are added to it. The blue color showed the presence of gallic tannins and the greenish color showed the presence of catechol tannins.

e. Saponins:

Take a test tube, 10ml of distilled water, and 3ml of aqueous extract solution added to it. The test tube was shaken for 5 minutes, then allowed to stand for 30 minutes, and showed honeycomb froth, which indicates the presence of saponins.

f. Flavonoids

Test for flavonoids:

Take ethanolic extract of the plant material was combined with the 1-3 drops of hydrochloric acid. The presence of flavonoids is indicated by the rapid development of red color.

3. Pharmacological Activity:

a. Antioxidant Activity:

The antioxidant activity of the tablets was evaluated using the DPPH free radical scavenging method. The IC50 value of the tablet formulation was found to be 59 µg/ml, indicating potent antioxidant activity.

b. Antibacterial Activity:

The antibacterial activity was tested using the disc diffusion method against common pathogens. The results showed significant antibacterial activity, supporting its use as an immunity booster.

c. Anti-allergic Activity:

T. cordifolia is used to treat kasa (cough) and swash (asthma), which are both described in various Ayurvedic texts. T. cordifolia has long been used to treat asthma, and the juice is also used to treat chronic coughs. Sneezing was reported to be completely relieved in 83 percent of patients treated with T. cordifolia in a clinical study. Similarly, 69 percent experienced alleviation from nasal discharge, 61 percent from nasal blockages, and 71 percent from nasal pruritus.

d. Antipyretic and Anti-Infective Activity:

As previously stated, T. cordifolia is known for its Jwarahara (antipyretic) activity. The antipyretic activity was found in the water-soluble fraction of a 95 percent ethanolic extract of the T. cordifolia plant. Antipyretic effects have been reported in the hexane- and chloroform-soluble portions of T. cordifolia stem in another experimental study. T. cordifolia has been shown to have remarkable anti-infective and antipyretic properties in various studies.

e. Anti-hyperglycemic Activity:

In Ayurveda, T. cordifolia is commonly used to treat diabetes mellitus. Various studies show that it improves experimental diabetic neuropathy and gastropathy in rats, lowers blood sugar in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats and rabbits, lowers blood glucose and brain lipids, improves glucose tolerance in rodents, improves glucose metabolism, and inhibits adrenaline-induced hyperglycemia. Patients with diabetic foot ulcers who received T. cordifolia as an adjuvant therapy had a significantly better final outcome and wound healing.

f. Immunomodulatory Activity:

The alcoholic and aqueous extracts of T. cordifolia have been successfully tested for their immunomodulatory activity and have been reported to have beneficial effects on the immune system. In vitro, the aqueous extract of T. cordifolia was found to improve phagocytosis. In-vivo, both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts increased antibody production, and T. cordifolia extract (TCE) treatment reduced eosinophil count and improved hemoglobin in HIV patients....

g. Antiulcer Activity:

D. N. K. Sarma et al. studied the antiulcer activity by using the ethanolic extracts of the roots of T. cordifolia and was observed that it induces a marked protective action against an 8 h restraint stress-induced ulceration, which is comparable to that of diazepam.²⁴

h. Wound Healing Activity:

Umesh Jain et al. have observed that the methanolic extract possesses significant wound healing-promoting activity of Tinospora cordifolia. The study suggested that the methanolic extract of Tinospora cordifolia possesses better wound healing potency, which was evident by the increased rate of wound contraction; reduction in the period of epithelialization, increase in collagen deposition and increase in tensile strength in granulation tissue.²⁵

i. Mental Disorder:

The whole plant and the juice of the leaves are traditionally used in various mental disorders. This is regarded as one of the best psychotropic drugs in India.²⁶

j. Effect on Memory:

T. cordifolia has also been shown to enhance cognition (learning and memory) in normal rats and reverse cyclosporine-induced memory

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses:

· Tinospora cordifolia is used for the treatment of a variety of ailments, including fever, jaundice, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Its primary health benefits include:

· Immune Modulation: Enhances the body’s immune response by increasing the production of white blood cells and improving the function of macrophages.

· Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage.

· Antimicrobial: Exhibits significant activity against bacterial and fungal infections.

· Antidiabetic: Regulates blood glucose levels, making it beneficial for managing diabetes.

CONCLUSION:

This review highlights the formulation and evaluation of an immunity-boosting tablet using Tinospora cordifolia satva. The formulated tablets exhibited potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, supporting their use as a herbal supplement to boost immunity. Standardization and quality control are critical for ensuring the efficacy and safety of herbal formulations. Further research and clinical trials are recommended to explore the full potential of T. cordifolia in modern medicine.

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Received on 22.10.2024 Revised on 07.11.2024

Accepted on 25.11.2024 Published on 10.03.2025

Available online from March 21, 2025

Research J. Science and Tech. 2025; 17(1):66-72.

DOI: 10.52711/2349-2988.2025.00009

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