Ayurvedic medicinal plants have long been used for health promotion and disease management. This article explores the pharmacological efficacy and therapeutic properties of six widely used Ayurvedic herbs: Withania somnifera L. (Ashwagandha), Mucuna pruriens (Kapikachu), Sida rhombifolia (Atibala), Cyanthillium cinereum (Sahadevi), Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (Yashtimadhu). Each of these plants possesses unique bioactive compounds that contribute to their pharmacological effects. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is well-known for its adaptogenic, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Mucuna pruriens (Kapikachu) exhibits neuroprotective, aphrodisiac and anti-Parkinsonian activities due to its high L-DOPA content. Sida rhombifolia (Atibala) demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and hepatoprotective effects. Cyanthillium cinereum (Sahadevi) is valued for its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) is a potent immunomodulator with anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective actions, while Glycyrrhiza glabra (Yashtimadhu) is widely used for its gastroprotective, anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory effects. This review highlights their pharmacological mechanisms, therapeutic applications and potential integration into modern medicine. Further clinical research and pharmacological investigations are essential to establish their efficacy and safety in contemporary healthcare systems.

The study aimed to biochemometrically guide the identification of nine selected Himalayan species with potential anti-ageing and bioactivity properties. The results demonstrated that the majority of the species exhibited strong UV shielding capabilities, particularly within the UV-C (180-280nm) and UV-B (280-315nm) spectral regions. In-vitro sun protection factor (SPF) assessment of the extract at 500μg/mL revealed a comparable SPF value to that of the reference compound, epigallocatechin gallate (positive control). Notably, Berberis aristata exhibited the highest tyrosinase inhibitory activity (55.15 ± 0.99%) compared to the standard epigallocatechin gallate (48.14 ± 1.94%) at a fixed concentration (1.25mg/ mL). Conversely, anti-hyaluronidase activity was higher in the positive control, epigallocatechin gallate (55.99 ± 0.54%), than in B. aristata (38.05 ± 0.15%). Antioxidant potential, as evaluated by free radical scavenging assays, indicated that the extracts of B. aristata, Rubus ellipticus, and Ficus auriculata demonstrated strong radical scavenging potential. Moreover, all the tested species, except for F. auriculata, exhibited over 50% protection against DNA damage, with Morus alba (74.55%), Thalictrum foliolosum (73.57%), and Tinospora cordifolia (68.50%) demonstrating the most significant protective activity. HPLC-PDA analysis revealed a total of thirteen bioactive compounds, with ascorbic acid and gallic acid being consistently detected across the studied species. Lastly, multivariate chemometric analysis identified B. aristata and F. auriculata as promising species, demonstrating synergistic DNA protective and significant inhibition of extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes, suggesting potential for phyto-cosmeceutical applications.

Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook. F. & Thoms is one of the significant medicinal plants used in traditional ayurvedic treatment. In current study, an effectual and reproducible plant regeneration system was established via indirect organogenesis from inoculated leaf discs excised from one-year-old greenhouse-established plant. During the shoot multiplication, leaching of phenolics was evident commonly and to elude this, two adjuvants namely: ascorbic acid and activated charcoal were used. Supplementation of 100 mgl-1 ascorbic acid in amalgamation with 5.0 gL-1 activated charcoal with appropriate plant growth regulators to MS medium abridged phenol secretion eventually leading to enhanced plantlet regeneration and diminished leaf defoliation. An average (11-12) initiation days was observed for callus initiation on MS medium amended with 3.0 mg L-1 2, 4-D with 100 % callus induction aptitude with a mean fresh weight of 13.20g. Maximum shoot proliferation (84.34%), shoot numbers (5.12±0.24) with bigger length (5.84±0.29 cm) and leaf numbers (6.12±028) were attained on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg L-1 BAP in association with 2.0 mg L-1 Kn after 40 days of culture. The highest (82.82%) response of root initiation, number of roots (4.12±0.24) with greater length (5.14±0.28 cm) was recorded on 1/2 MS medium amended with 1.0 mg L-1 IBA after 45 days of transferring of shootlets in rooting medium. Among different potting mixtures, maximum survival (75%) with highest plant height (16.12±0.42cm) was evident in amalgamation of cocopeat: vermiculite (1:1) under greenhouse circumstances after 45 days of hardening. Plants after acclimatization established well in nature. Though the characters were not counted quantitatively, regenerants seemed phenotypically normal and true-to-the types.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major global health challenge, with India bearing one of the highest burdens. Conventional pharmacological therapies such as metformin remain the cornerstone of management but are limited by side effects and narrow focus on glycemic control. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach, integrating herbal formulations, diet, and lifestyle modification. This study evaluated the efficacy of a standardized Ayurvedic tablet compared with metformin in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial was conducted with 150 participants aged 30–70 years, HbA1c 7.0–10.0%, and BMI 20–40 kg/m². Participants were assigned to Arm A (Hyponidd tablets, 450 mg *2, BID) or Arm B (metformin, up to 1000 mg BID) for 12 weeks, with identical lifestyle counseling. Primary endpoint was change in HbA1c; secondary endpoints included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial glucose (PPG), anthropometrics, hypoglycemia incidence, quality of life. Results: 142 participants completed the study (72 in Arm A, 70 in Arm B). HbA1c reduction was greater in Arm A (–1.3%) compared to Arm B (–0.8%, p=0.02). FPG decreased by 38 mg/dL in Arm A versus 25 mg/dL in Arm B; PPG decreased by 62 mg/dL versus 40 mg/dL, respectively. More participants achieved HbA1c <7.0% in Arm A (62%) than Arm B (38%). Conclusion: The Ayurvedic tablet demonstrated superior efficacy and holistic benefits compared to metformin, attributed to synergistic actions of ingredients such as Cassia auriculata, Emblica officinalis, Curcuma longa, Eugenia jambolana, Enicostemma littorale, Melia azadirachta, and Tinospora cordifolia. These findings support Ayurveda as a culturally relevant and scientifically validated strategy for managing type 2 diabetes.

Many people often assume the safety of herbs and use them in the form of polyherbal blends to treat various health conditions. The present study aimed to evaluate the acute and subacute oral toxicity profile of a polyherbal blend in Wistar rats. The polyherbal blend was prepared to contain Terminalia chebula Retz., Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., Phyllanthus emblica L., Curcuma longa L., Tribulus terrestris L., Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb., Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers, and Cinnamomum verum J. Presl. An acute oral toxicity study of a prepared polyherbal blend was conducted as per OECD guideline 423 and the subacute toxicity study was performed as per OECD 407 guidelines. There was no mortality and signs of toxicity at 2000 mg/kg single oral administration of polyherbal blend, indicating that the oral median lethal dose (LD50) is greater than 2000 mg/kg. The results of the subacute toxicity study indicated no significant changes in body weight, food and water consumption, hematological and biochemical parameters in rats treated with polyherbal blend at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg for 28 days when compared to their respective controls. Organ weights and histopathology showed no significant alterations in treated or satellite groups as compared to controls. It is concluded that the polyherbal blend is safe at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg and 28 days repeated dose of 1000 mg/kg by oral route in rats.

A novel approach for profiling of nature-inspired and bioactive proteins and peptides isolated from selected medicinal plants and their implications in Alzheimer diseases by in-silico analysis.

Background: Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral infection, primarily affecting children, characterized by fever, painful oral ulcers, and skin rashes. Conventional management focuses on symptomatic relief, with no specific antiviral treatment. Ayurveda, with its holistic approach, offers promising alternatives for managing HFMD through immune-boosting and healing interventions. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia Willd. Miers) in accelerating recovery and alleviating symptoms of HFMD. Materials and Methods: Two pediatric cases diagnosed clinically with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) were managed in the Kayachikitsa OPD of Hillside Ayurveda Medical College and Hospital, Saldoddi, Agara village, Kanakapura main road, Bengaluru-560082. The treatment protocol consisted of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia Willd. Miers) - administered internally and Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) - applied topically for oral ulcers. Additionally, Kumari pulp (Aloe vera L.) was used externally for skin lesions in one of the cases. The treatment was given for three days, and outcomes were assessed based on symptom relief, lesion healing, and overall recovery time. Results: Early intervention with Ayurveda treatment led to rapid symptomatic relief, prevention of lesion progression, and faster healing of ulcers and rashes. In both cases, oral discomfort significantly reduced within the first dose, and drying of lesion was observed by the second day of treatment. Additionally, the children resumed normal feeding and daily activities earlier than expected, suggesting an accelerated recovery. Conclusion: The findings suggest that Guduchi and Yashtimadhu can serve as effective therapeutic options for HFMD management, addressing both the infection and associated symptoms. Their antiviral, immunomodulatory, and wound-healing properties contribute to faster recovery and improved patient outcomes. While further clinical studies are required, this study highlights the potential of Ayurveda as a primary treatment approach in HFMD.

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) have been utilized in the Indian subcontinent to combat viral infections and insect vectors since prehistoric times. This study examines the application of Bangladeshi MAPs for the treatment of Zika virus (ZIKV). It also provides a comprehensive review of prevention and management strategies for diseases transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. A total of sixty-two Bangladeshi MAPs, belonging to 59 genera and 36 families, exhibit potential antiviral properties against ZIKV. Among these, four species, viz., Erythroxylum sp., Chamaecrista sp., Scleromitrion diffusum, and Camellia sinensis, demonstrated activity against chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Additionally, four species, Allium sativum, Tridax procumbens, Trigonella foenum-graecum, and Punica granatum, showed effectiveness against dengue virus (DENV). Nine other species, including Andrographis paniculata, Azadirachta indica, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Psidium guajava, Tinospora cordifolia, Vitex negundo, and Zingiber officinale, were found to reduce viral loads of all three viruses, DENV, CHIKV, and ZIKV, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Furthermore, at least sixteen species, including Andrographis paniculata, Azadirachta indica, Bixa orellana, Blumea balsamifera, Camellia sinensis, Cannabis sativa, Cinnamomum verum, Curcuma longa, Momordica charantia, Psidium guajava, Rauvolfia serpentina, Tecoma stans, Tridax procumbens, Piper nigrum, Vitex negundo, and Zanthoxylum nitidum, exhibited both antiviral and insecticidal properties against Aedes spp. Also, Allium sativum, Kaempferia galanga, Lippia alba, and Zingiber officinale were effective against both Aedes spp. and Culex quinquefasciatus. At the same time, Punica granatum showed efficacy against A. aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and C. quinquefasciatus. This study underscores the significance of integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific methods to develop innovative plant-based therapeutics and environmentally friendly insecticides. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 23(4): 508–515, 2025

Plants have been primary source of medicines from time immemorial. The herbal resources have inspired the scientific community to regularly develop new drugs to combat the issues of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens and the negative side effects of the present therapeutics. The study aimed to estimate the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and antibacterial activity of Artemisia vulgaris, Boerhavia diffusa, Ocimum sanctum, and Tinospora cordifolia collected from Bharatpur. The plant materials were extracted with methanol and water by cold percolation. Qualitative phytochemical analyses were conducted using standard color differentiation reactions, while quantitative analyses involved absorbance-based measurements. Antioxidant potential was determined by 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method, while agar-well diffusion method was employed to estimate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Methanolic extracts exhibited higher phytochemical content and bioactivity. Among these, O. sanctum showed the highest total phenolic content (115.81 ± 3.58 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (178.95 ± 21.95 mg QE/g), followed by B. diffusa, T. cordifolia, and A. vulgaris. O. sanctum also demonstrated the highest antioxidant potential with the lowest half-maximum inhibition concentration (IC50) value (100.43 ± 0.38 µg/mL), showing a strong correlation of phenolic and flavonoid contents with DPPH radical scavenging (p<0.05). While methanolic O. sanctum extract exhibited the highest antioxidant potential, aqueous A. vulgaris demonstrated the most potent antibacterial property against both tested bacterial strains, suggesting different active compounds are responsible for these effects. The study provides valuable insights for developing efficient therapeutics from these plants through compound-level isolation, identification, and characterization.

Traditional medicinal plants have been widely used for managing diabetes, especially in rural and indigenous communities. However, scientific validation of these practices remains limited. This study aims to document the ethnobotanical knowledge of plant-based approaches to diabetes management and to assess the Glycemic index (GI) of the most commonly used herbs to validate their potential efficacy. A structured survey was conducted across several districts to collect data on the traditional use of medicinal herbs for diabetes management. The most frequently reported plant species were chosen for further analysis. Their glycemic index was determined in a murine in vivo model to assess their impact on blood glucose levels. The survey revealed a strong reliance on plant-based remedies for diabetes management. Several plant species demonstrated significant potential to regulate glucose levels, as indicated by their glycemic index values, including Dioscorea villosa, Setaria italica, Tinospora cordifolia, Neolamarckia cadamba, Alternanthera sessilis, and Moringa oleifera. The findings suggest a scientific basis for the continued use of these herbs in traditional medicine. This study reinforces the importance of traditional knowledge in diabetes management and highlights the need for further pharmacological validation of these plant species. The results provide a foundation for developing plant-based interventions as complementary therapeutic options for diabetes care.

Background: Prenatal stress detrimentally impacts cognition, behavior, and psychosocial traits. Tinospora cordifolia (TC) is known for its antistress and cognitive enhancement properties. However, its effectiveness against stress induced by maternal separation and vibration is not well-documented. The purpose of the study was to assess the neuroprotective effects of TC on neonatal rats who have experienced the prenatal vibration stress and also stress caused by maternal separation. Methods: Pregnant Wistar rats in the stressed group experienced three hours of daily vibration stress from 7-16 days of gestation. The treatment group was given 6 mg/kg of TC extract before vibration stress. The neonates were separated from their mother and treated with TC postnatally. At the end treatment period, the rats were subjected to spatial learning task. Following this, animal brains were processed for Golgi cox staining to study the CA3 neuronal arborization. Results and conclusion: TC-treated mothers showed significantly better spatial learning than those subjected to vibration stress alone. Neonates exposed to prenatal stress took longer time to find the target quadrant, indicating impaired spatial memory, which improved with TC treatment. Increased dendritic branching in CA3 neurons was observed in both TC-treated mothers and neonates. TC extract improves the spatial learning in rats by attenuating the hippocampal CA3 neural damage induced by prenatal vibration stress and maternal separation.

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a global health burden characterized by insulin resistance, persistent hyperglycaemia, and chronic inflammation. Although single-target therapies effectively reduce glucose levels, they seldom address oxidative stress or adipocyte dysfunction. Polyherbal formulations (PHFs) harness synergistic phytochemicals for multimodal intervention; however, many lack mechanistic transparency owing to excessive inclusion of diverse botanical bioactives, suffer from non-standardized composition, and underexplore volatile antidiabetic constituents. Confronting these challenges, we developed Gluco Balance V (GB5), a cold-percolated ethanolic extract comprising equal proportions of bio-effective parts of Asparagus racemosus, Cyperus rotundus, Tinospora cordifolia, Terminalia arjuna, and Mimosa pudica. These botanicals were selected for complementary antidiabetic, antioxidant, and adiporegulatory activities documented in preclinical and clinical settings, indicating balanced, synergistic, and safe bioactivity.MethodsGB5’s phytochemical composition was standardized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) fingerprinting. In vitro assays assessed 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging capacity, inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase), enzyme kinetics, and effects on glucose uptake (GU) and lipid accumulation (LA) in yeast and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Computational network pharmacology, molecular docking, and pharmacokinetic analyses elucidated molecular targets and bioavailability. Statistical analyses employed robust dose-response modelling, analysis of variance with Dunnett’s T3 test, and t-tests with false discovery rate correction.ResultsGC–MS identified 21 bioactive compounds, including phytol, fatty acids, and sterols, driving GB5’s therapeutic synergy. GB5 showed robust antioxidant activity (DPPH and NO; half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) 88.6 and 74.8 µg/mL) and mixed-type inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase (IC50 71.6 and 174 µg/mL). At sub-inhibitory doses, it outperformed ascorbic acid (ASA) and acarbose. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, GB5 increased GU by 32.3% at 2.0 mg/mL, comparable to rosiglitazone, and reduced lipid accumulation by 18.6% (90% effective concentration (EC90) 0.742 mg/mL). Network pharmacology and molecular docking implicated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and advanced glycation end-products–receptor for advanced glycation end-products (AGE–RAGE) pathways with 9,12-octadecadienoic acid and cholestan-3-ol, 2-methylene-, (3β,5α)- as key associates.ConclusionsGB5’s multi-targeted efficacy against hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress, and adipocyte dysfunction positions it as a promising complementary therapy for T2DM, meriting further in vivo evaluation.Graphical abstractSupplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-025-05192-3.

Medicinal plants play a crucial role in traditional healthcare systems, particularly for rural communities that rely on them for therapeutic and nutritional purposes. The present study aims to investigate the ethnomedicinal applications, elemental composition, and nutritional content of the different plant parts of ten wild medicinal plant species—Achyranthes aspera L., Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa, Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Berberis lycium Royle, Cassia fistula L., Senegalia catechu (L.f.) P.J.H. Hurter & Mabb., Senna tora (L.) Roxb., Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook.f. & Thomson, and Vitex negundo L.—collected from the Renukaji Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The nutritional properties of the selected plant species were assessed using the muffle furnace and micro-Kjeldahl methods, while their mineral compositions were determined via the diacid digestion method or atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique. The quantitative analysis of Achyranthes aspera L. leaves, Berberis lycium Royle roots, and Vitex negundo L. leaves was carried out using UPLC-PDA, which confirmed the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids in their methanolic extracts, which contribute to the medicinal properties of these herbs. This study found that younger generations are less interested in traditional knowledge of ethnomedicinal plants due to modernization. Therefore, it is important to document these plants along with their phytochemical and mineral content. Due to the heavy reliance of rural communities on these medicinal herbs, there is an urgent need to implement conservation strategies to prevent their depletion in the Renukaji Wildlife Sanctuary. These plants are rich in bioactive compounds such as saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids, and also contain essential minerals like Na, N, K, P, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Ca, Mg, and S. Therefore, they serve not only as traditional medicines but also as potential sources of nutritional supplements. Further research on their pharmacological properties and sustainable utilization is necessary to ensure long-term benefits for both community health and biodiversity preservation.

Tinospora cordifolia is a well-known Ayurvedic medicinal plant with reported immunomodulatory and anticancer properties, yet integrated studies linking its phytochemistry to biological and molecular mechanisms remain limited. In this study, the methanolic extract of T. cordifolia was evaluated for antioxidant and cytotoxic activities, alongside computational investigations of its key phytoconstituents. Spectroscopic analyses (FTIR and UV–Vis) confirmed the presence of functional groups such as amines, phenolics, and aromatic systems. The extract demonstrated notable antioxidant potential and exhibited significant cytotoxicity against Dalton’s lymphoma ascites, Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma, and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines, with morphological changes suggestive of apoptosis or necrosis. Computational studies using density functional theory and molecular docking highlighted Tinocordiside as the most bioactive compound. Tinocordiside showed favorable frontier molecular orbital properties and strong binding affinity to the EGFR tyrosine kinase domain, forming multiple hydrogen bonds with critical residues and displaying a docking score comparable to Erlotinib. In contrast, despite its promising activity, Tinocordiside’s bulky glycosidic structure and poor solubility may limit cellular permeability and bioavailability. This underscores the need for apoptosis marker studies in vitro, in vivo validation, and advanced formulation strategies such as amorphous solid dispersions, lipid-based nanoparticles, or cyclodextrin complexes to enhance its therapeutic potential. In summary, T. cordifolia methanolic extract exhibits potent antioxidant and anticancer activity, with Tinocordiside as a promising EGFR-targeting lead compound for further therapeutic exploration.

Introduction: The robust nature of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) biofilms poses substantial challenges during endodontic therapy. Conventional irrigants, such as Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl) and Chlorhexidine (CHX), are effective but are cytotoxic and have deleterious effects on fracture resistance. Natural alternatives like Tinospora cordifolia (TC) and Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CZ) offer promising antimicrobial properties against biofilms. Aim: To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of TC and CZ against 21-day-old E. faecalis biofilms, compared to conventional irrigants. Materials and Methods: This an in-vitro study was conducted in the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, India, between February 2024 and May 2024. Methanolic extracts of TC and CZ were prepared, and Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) were determined using an agar diffusion test. Thirty-one singlerooted teeth were vertically sectioned (N=62) and incubated in an E. faecalis suspension for 21 days to establish biofilms, confirmed via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Samples were categorised into five groups (n=12): TC, CZ, NaOCl, CHX, and saline (control) and each group was treated with 2 mL of the respective solution for 10 minutes. Microbial load was assessed quantitatively via Colony-forming Unit (CFU) counts/mL and qualitatively. CFU data were expressed as mean±SD. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s post-hoc test was used for intergroup comparison. Results: The findings revealed a statistically significant variation among the tested irrigants. MIC was 7 mg/L for TC extract and 7.5 mg/L for CZ extract. CFU counts/mL (mean±SD) were lowest for 5.25% NaOCl (0) and 2% CHX (0), followed by TC (15.430±4.320×107), CZ (20.564±2.234×107), and saline (34.45±5.653×107). Conclusion: Both methanolic extracts of TC and CZ show considerable antimicrobial efficacies against E. faecalis biofilm as compared to the negative control, suggesting their potential as alternative or adjunctive endodontic irrigants.

BackgroundVascular dementia (VaD) is an acquired syndrome and the second leading cause of dementia, following Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is characterized by neuroinflammation‐driven neurodegeneration, cognitive decline, and memory difficulties, particularly in the elderly. Unlike AD, no Food and Drug Administration‐approved treatments are available for VaD. Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi or Gurjo), a medicinal herb renowned for its anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, has shown therapeutic potential in AD, but its application in VaD remains underexploredMethodThe phytochemical composition of T. cordifolia ethanolic extract (TCEE) was analyzed using high‐resolution mass spectrometry after Soxhlet extraction. To induce the experimental model of VaD, rats underwent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) and were subsequently divided into six groups. These groups were treated for 21 days with different interventions: sham‐operated, BCCAO, BCCAO + TCEE (at three varying doses), and BCCAO + Donepezil. To assess the effects of T. cordifolia, oxygen saturation was measured using ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging. Cognitive functions were evaluated using the Morris Water Maze, Open Field Test, and Novel Object Recognition. Neuronal morphological changes were examined through Hematoxylin‐Eosin (HE) and Nissl staining, while infarct size was quantified by 2,3,5‐triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Furthermore, inflammatory biomarkers were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.ResultIn the VaD rat model, treatment with TCEE significantly enhanced cerebral blood flow, as shown by photoacoustic imaging, and reduced neuronal loss, as evidenced by Nissl, HE, and TTC staining. Cognitive performance also improved across various behavioral tests. T. cordifolia treatment mitigated glial activation, downregulated TLR4 and MyD88 expression, inhibited NF‐κB p65 phosphorylation, and reduced levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, including IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α. Furthermore, similar effects were observed with the TLR4 inhibitor TAK‐242 and the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor Donepezil.ConclusionThe findings suggest that T. cordifolia may alleviate cognitive dysfunction in VaD by modulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB inflammatory signaling pathway. This herb shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent and TLR4 inhibitor for the treatment of VaD.

Accurate identification and authentication of medicinal plants underpin both the safety and efficacy of herbal preparations. The climber Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers (commonly known as Guduchi or Giloy) is widely used in traditional Indian medicine and has attracted substantial pharmacological interest. However, its extensive commercial use has been accompanied by challenges of adulteration, substitution and mis‐identification. This review collates and synthesizes the key information on identification and authentication techniques for T. cordifolia, with the aim of providing a coherent framework for quality assurance in raw materials and finished herbal products. First, we outline the botanical description and taxonomic placement of T. cordifolia, highlighting its distinguishing morphological features. We then examine the principal challenges in identification, including morphological similarity with congeneric species and deliberate or accidental adulteration. Traditional macro and microscopic methods of authentication are described, followed by detailed discussion of modern analytical and molecular techniques-physicochemical parameters, chromatographic, spectroscopic methods, and DNA-based molecular markers (ITS, RAPD, SSR) supplemented by chemometric and metabolomic approaches. A comparative analysis of these techniques emphasizes their respective advantages, limitations and appropriate contexts of use. Recent advances such as AI driven image recognition, digital herbarium databases and blockchain traceability in herbal supply chains are also considered, pointing to future directions for robust authentication. In conclusion, while no single technique suffices in isolation, a multitiered, orthogonal approach combining morphological, chemical and molecular methods offers the greatest assurance of authenticity. Research gaps persist in large-scale validation, cost-effective, field deployable tools and integration of traceability systems these warrant future investigation.

In the Indian Ayurvedic system, Tinospora cordifolia is highly prized for its distinct phytochemical components. While the sun-dried portions of this herb have been less examined, the shade-dried stem has been thoroughly investigated for its potential to prevent diabetes. Hence, the present study assesses the anti-diabetic efficacy of the sun-dried stem of T. cordifolia using streptozotocin and a high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced diabetic rat model. GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) analysis revealed that anti-diabetic components like octacosanol, oleic acid, and palmitoleic acid were present in its methanolic extract. The in vivo investigation showed that the induction of diabetes evoked some physical alterations, such as weight loss and reduction in gonad size, in male Wistar rats, which were improved after supplementation with T. cordifolia . The 900 mg/kg wt dose showed the strongest capacity to lower fasting blood glucose (FBG) (71%), whereas triglyceride (<60 mg/dL) and total cholesterol (<80 mg/dL) were significantly lowered in treated groups compared to the controls. Though FBG levels were lowered in the treatment groups, serum insulin levels (26.09 pg/mL) did not show any elevation in values. Simultaneously, leptin hormone was improved along with serum vitamin D levels, and no improvement or major changes in pancreatic tissues were found. This study is the first to report that T. cordifolia extract can increase serum vitamin D levels in diabetic rats and may have a role in vitamin D regulation.

Microwave-assisted green synthesis of nickel nanoparticles using Tino-spora Cordifolia stem extract and its application as a photocatalyst

BackgroundTraditional medicines (TMs) are not regulated like conventional drugs in many countries, and they are often perceived as safe, which leads to large-scale self-medication. There is limited safety information available for TMs. Thus, including them in pharmacovigilance systems is crucial for systematically gathering and evaluating adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to enhance safety and prevent harm with their use. Therefore, this study analyzed the pattern of serious suspected ADRs reported with TMs to the WHO Uppsala Monitoring Center.MethodsIndividual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs) from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2021, from the UN Asia region were included, which reported events suspected to be associated with TMs. ADRs resulting in hospital admission/prolongation of hospital stay, disability, life-threatening conditions, congenital abnormality, or death were considered serious ADRs. Demographic details, patterns of reported ADRs, and suspected TMs were analyzed along with the outcome of events.ResultsThere were 713 suspected serious ICSRs with at least one TM as a suspected drug reported, which accounted for 2.5% of the total reports. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (19.8%), hepatobiliary disorders (15.3%), and gastrointestinal disorders (12.9%) were commonly reported system organ classes. Asymptomatic elevation of liver markers (8.8%) was the most common reaction, followed by vomiting (4.1%), dyspnoea (3.1%), drug-induced liver injury (3%), diarrhoea (3%), rash (2.8%), and urticaria (2.6%). Artemisia argyi (4.9%), Vitis vinifera (3.6%), Andrographis paniculata (2%), Ginkgo biloba (1.7%), Silybum marianum (1.5%), and Tinospora cordifolia (1.5%) were the most frequently suspected TMs. Seventeen (2.4%) ICSRs had a fatal outcome.ConclusionsThe present analysis revealed that various TMs have the potential to cause serious ADRs, particularly affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissue, the hepatobiliary system, and the gastrointestinal system. Their comprehensive list presented in the study will be valuable for promoting the safe use of TMs.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-025-05060-0.