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Tinospora cordifolia

Introduction

Tinospora cordifolia is a climbing vine with heart shaped leaves. The leaves and root have been used to ease allergy symptoms and swelling in the body. It has also been used as an antioxidant to slow damage to cells. Tinospora cordifolia can be taken as a pill, powder, or lotion.

There are no advised doses for Tinospora cordifolia.

What Research Shows

May Be Effective

• Osteoarthritis—may ease pain ^B1  
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)—may help control active RA ^C1 
• Scabies—may be as effective as standard treatment ^D1  

Not Enough Data to Assess

• Diabetic foot ulcers ^A1 
• Seasonal allergies^E1-E2 

Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.

Safety Notes

It is likely safe to take Tinospora cordifolia in small doses for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to use for a long period. It is also not known whether it is safe to take by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions

Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.

References [ + ]

A. Diabetic Foot Ulcers

A1. Purandare H, Supe A. Immunomodulatory role of Tinospora cordifolia as an adjuvant in surgical treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: a prospective randomized controlled study. Indian J Med Sci. 2007 Jun;61(6):347-355.

B. Osteoarthritis

B1. Chopra A, Saluja M, et al. Ayurvedic medicine offers a good alternative to glucosamine and celecoxib in the treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, controlled equivalence drug trial. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2013 Aug;52(8):1408-1417.

C. Rheumatoid Arthritis

C1. Chopra A, Saluja M, et al. Comparable efficacy of standardized Ayurveda formulation and hydroxychloroquine sulfate (HCQS) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA): a randomized investigator-blind controlled study. Clin Rheumatol. 2012 Feb;31(2):259-269.

D. Scabies

D1. Castillo AL, Osi MO, et al. Efficacy and safety of Tinospora cordifolia lotion in Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis-infected pediatric patients: A single blind, randomized controlled trial. J Pharmacol Pharmacother. 2013 Jan;4(1):39-46.

E. Seasonal Allergies

E1. Badar VA, Thawani VR, et al. Efficacy of Tinospora cordifolia in allergic rhinitis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2005;96(3):445-449.

E2. Guo R, Pittler MH, et al. Herbal medicines for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a systematic review. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2007 Dec;99(6):483-495.

Last reviewed July 2019 by EBSCO NAT Review Board Eric Hurwitz, DC
Last Updated: 3/27/2020

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