The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the priorities related to health around the world. There has been an increase in demand for immunity-enhancing remedies and classical herbs. One plant that has gained attention is Giloy. In the form of Giloy Juice, Giloy tablets, and Giloy Ghanvati, this remedy is accessible in every Indian pharmacy, with claims ranging from immunity-boosting to fighting infections.
This blog will guide you through what giloy is, its benefits, side effects, uses, and much more.
What is Giloy?
Giloy is a crucial plant in Ayurveda, famous for its adaptogenic and immediate effects. For many years, it’s been used for treating fevers, managing diabetes, for liver health, and improving common vigor. The Giloy plant is native to India, and it’s called “Amrit” or “root of immortality”. Giloy is available in the market in various forms like giloy juice, giloy tablets, powder, or as giloy ghanvati.
Other names are:
- Guduchi
- Amrita
- Heart-leaved moonseed
Forms of Giloy
Giloy is accessible and used in various forms such as:
- Giloy Juice: It is extracted from the stem and drunk fresh or bottled. You can also prepare at home by washing the stems, cutting the giloy into small pieces, and boiling it in water for 30 minutes. Now strain it and drink as per the advice.
- Giloy Tablets/Ghanvati: These are the formalized pills necessary for its regular use.
- Giloy Powder: It is prepared from the dry stem, leaf, and root also used in foods, drinks.
- Homemade Kadha: This is the traditional ayurvedic mix of giloy boiled with some herbs.
- Creams and Lotions: It is usually used for skin issues, often used with standard treatment.
Active compounds of Giloy
The various uses and benefits of giloy come from various beneficial plant compounds found. And contributes to improving immunity, anti-inflammatory action, anti-diabetic impact, and more.
The researchers have determined four compounds of giloy, they are:
- Alkaloids
- Steroids
- Lignans
- Terpenoids
An alkaloid is a compound that gives a bitter taste to some plants. They are used for making many types of prescribed medicines. It is known for its therapeutic benefits, such as BP, relief from pain, malaria, and cancer. In ancient times, people used alkaloids to treat diseases.
Terpenoids are the largest compounds in plants. They contribute to smell, taste, and colour. Some lab tests show the effects of antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic agents.
Lignans are mostly found in fibrous plants. It protects from growing viruses, fungi, and other microbes. They also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. They are interesting as it has slow growth or even kill some cancer cells in lab tests.
Steroids in plants might also have some benefits, like skin health, injury healing, and heart health. Some have a similar structure to cholesterol.
Benefits of Giloy
There are various benefits of giloy after consuming it, they are:
| Benefit | Details |
| Immunomodulatory effects | Stimulates immune cells (NK, B, T cells), increases antibodies, enhances humoral immune response |
| Anti-inflammatory action | Reduces inflammatory markers; beneficial in arthritis, allergies |
| Antioxidant activity | Scavenges free radicals, protects against oxidative stress, supports anti-aging processes |
| Antidiabetic properties | Shown in animal studies to reduce blood sugar and HbA1c, improve insulin sensitivity |
| Hepatoprotective (liver protection) | Protects the liver against toxins (shown in animal studies) |
| Cardioprotective | May help manage lipid profile, reduces cardiovascular risks (mostly animal data) |
| Antipyretic (reduces fever) | Used in traditional medicine for reducing fevers, including malaria/dengue |
| Antimicrobial/Antiviral | Shows potential against some bacteria and viruses (mostly preclinical evidence) |
| Arthritis/gout relief | Anti-arthritic properties relieve joint pain and inflammation in arthritis and gout |
| Digestive health | Supports digestion, used for diarrhea, dysentery, and loss of appetite |
| Skin health | Used for skin infections, wounds, and scabies (traditional and limited clinical study) |
| Cancer research support | Early studies show immuno-supportive and possible anti-tumor effects, but no strong human data yet |
| Allergy symptom relief | Shown to reduce hay fever (allergic rhinitis) symptoms in small human studies |
Giloy Benefits for Females
Some of the research and studies have put giloy as beneficial for women:
| Benefits for Females | Description |
| Support the Immune System | Its antioxidants and immunomodulatory elements increase the protection against infections and overall immunity. |
| Balance Hormones | Traditional uses and early research suggest giloy can help regulate female hormones. |
| Maintain Bone Health | Studies indicate that giloy can reduce bone loss after menopause, suggesting protective impacts for bone density. |
| Digestive health | Supports digestion and gut health, improves nutrient absorption, important for reproductive functions and overall well-being. |
| Supports fertility | Reducing stress, enhancing immunity, and helping hormonal balance might create a supportive environment for conception. |
| Skin and hair health | Antioxidant and detox properties help fight hair loss and give clearer skin. |
How much Giloy per day?
There is no universally agreed-upon dosage for giloy because of enough human research. But some general dosages are:
- Giloy Juice: 15-30 ml or twice daily.
- Giloy Tablet: 250-500 mg once or twice per day.
- Giloy Powder: 2-4g per day (traditionally blended with water).
Note: Always consult your doctor for the dosage.
Side Effects of Giloy
Many people endure the giloy very well, but some studies claim that even high doses do not cause any issues. Some of the side effects are:
| Side Effects of Giloy | Description |
| Digestive upset | Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and irritation may occur, especially with high doses or empty stomach. |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rashes, itching, swelling, or, rarely, difficulty breathing. |
| Lowered blood sugar | Might trigger hypoglycemia, particularly in people taking anti-diabetic medications. |
| Fatigue | Some may experience tiredness or dizziness after use. |
| Autoimmune flare-ups | Can overstimulate the immune system and worsening conditions. |
| Liver injury | Rare liver toxicity or inflammation, especially in those with underlying autoimmune or liver diseases. |
| Pregnancy or Breastfeeding | Not recommended due to enough safety data. |
| Medication interaction | May interact with immunosuppressants, diabetes drugs, and others. |
Precautions While Using Giloy
- Do always use the giloy under the supervision of a doctor, particularly when you have any long-term disease.
- Always check the allergies before using it.
- Do not exceed the limitation of consuming it.
- If you feel or experience any unusual signs, immediately discontinue it.
- If you take medicines for diabetes, then always consult your doctor.
- Buy from trustworthy producers to avoid contamination.
Conclusion
Giloy acts as an immunity enhancer and anti-inflammatory agent. It is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and an immunity booster. It has many benefits, like digestion, blood sugar, and skin health. For females, it also gives potential benefits and manages reproductive health. It is regarded as a valuable natural plant in balancing overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
A. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, children under 5 years, and individuals with diabetes should avoid taking giloy.
A. Yes, for short periods and with recommended doses by your doctor, you can use giloy daily.
A. Yes, particularly with antidiabetics and immunosuppressants, it might interact with these medicines.
A. Yes, you can eat leaves directly, or you can make a paste by mixing water.
Disclaimer: The information provided is only for knowledge. Always consult your doctor before taking medication. Do not overlook the doctor’s medical advice because you have read it here. The author is not responsible for any inconvenience due to the information contained in the post.
