Makabuhay | Guduchi Herbal Medicine

This article discusses the medicinal uses, health benefits, side effects and warnings of Makabuhay.

Makabuhay (Tinospora cordifolia) or Guduchi is a popular Ayurveda medicinal plant, also called Heavenly elixir or divine nectar,
widely used to promote overall health. Makabuhay (Guduchi) claims health benefits for diabetes, glucose metabolism,
inflammation, immune system support, and neurology.

Scientific Name: Tinospora cordifolia

Also knows as:

Makabuhay (Tagalog), Heavenly elixir (English), Guduchi, Gulancha Tinospora (India); Punjabi: Gllow, Telugu: Tippa-teega,
Tamil: Shindilakodi, Malayalam: Amruthu, Chittamruthu, Kannada: Amrutha balli, Khmer: bndaul pich, Sinhala: Rasakinda,
Thai: borapht, Pali: galoc, Hindi:geloy, Gujarati: galac, garo, Sanskrit: guduchi, amrta, cinnodbhava, Bengali: Gulancha,
Marathi: Guduchi, gulvel, Odia: Guluchi.

Makabuhay plant (Tinospora Cordifolia) also popularly known as Indian Guduchi, giloya or Heavenly elixir is a native plant
from tropical and subtropical rainforests in the Far East such as in India, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.

Makabuhay as it is called in the Philippines has a long history of medicinal use in India also called Guduchi. Makabuhay has
long been used in Ayurveda medicine (traditional medicine in India) for thousands of years. Ayurvedic practitioners in India
used Makabuhay to promote longevity, prevent diseases and to treat various illnesses from arthritis to treatment of cancer.

In the Philippines, Makabuhay plant extract is traditionally combined with coconut oil to treat rheumatism and arthritis,
abdominal pains (kabag), scabies, skin ulcers and others.

Makabuhay can be found in wild forests and can be identified by its heart shaped leaves. Makabuhay is a shrub whose aerial
roots climb other trees usually neem or mango trees. Makabuhay plant has succulent bark that is creamy white to grey in
colour; it has deep clefts spotted with lenticels. It has a sweet-acidic-bitter taste. Makabuhay has yellow flowers, growing in lax
racemes from nodes on old wood. Makabuhay bears fruits that are drupes, turning red as it ripens.

Makabuhay (Tinospora cordifolia) contains many chemicals that are known to have antioxidant activities while a few can even
fight cancer cells in animal studies. However, most of the scientific studies that are made on the medicinal uses of Makabuhay
are limited to animals or in test tubes. Scientific studies on humans are insufficient

Makabuhay Traditional Medicinal Uses

Makabuhay is largely used in traditional herbal medicine for various conditions.
Makabuhay roots, stems and leaves are used as herbal treatment for fevers, malaria.
Makabuhay leaves and roots are pounded then dissolved in cold water. Applied with a soft
cloth over the nape, forehead, underarms and other body parts to bring down the body
temperature.

Makabuhay poultice is used to treat gout, arthritis, and rheumatism

by reducing pain and edema.

Makabuhay is used to treat skin diseases (athletes foot, scabies,

etc.), promotes wound healing and alleviate skin itching.

Makabuhay tonic is believed to promote overall good health and longevity, improves
memory, improves skin tone and texture, and provides energy.

Makabuhay tonic is also used to treat fever and malaria.

Makabuhay tonic is used to treat gastrointestinal and digestive problems, which includes
diarrhea, hyperacidity, abdominal pains, gas pains (kabag), vomiting, dyspepsia,
dysentery, colitis, constipation, loss of appetite and even worm infestation.

Makabuhay is also used in the treatment of diabetes, heart problems, hepatitis, anemia,
impotence, tuberculosis, jaundice,

Other Scientific Studies Relating to Makabuhay (Tinospora cordifolia)

Diabetes and Tinospora Cordifolia

A research conducted in the Indian Medicine Research Laboratory in Sri Ramachandra University, studied the mechanism of the
active ingredients of Tinospora cordifolia against key marker cells of insulin dependent glucose transporter-4 (Glut-4) and the
predominant protein that influences glucose metabolism. According to results, the Glut-4 and the dominant protein were
modulated by Tinospora cordifolia, Moreover, the uptake of glucose was likewise mediated suggesting the anti-diabetic
properties of TC compounds. (Phytomedicine Feb 2013: Anti-diabetic Property of Tinospora Cordifolia)

Anti-Radiation Properties of Tinospora Cordifolia

In a clinical report from the Radiation and Cancer Biology Laboratory of the University of Rajasthan, India, the anti-radiation
property of Tinospora cordifolia has been positively identified. In the study of a group of male mice that was subjected to
gamma radiation, results have shown that those pre-treated with Tinospora cordifolia extracts exhibited less testicular lesions
as compared to a control group. This suggests the radiation protective activity of Tinospora cordifolia in testicular radiation
induced lesions. (eCAM 2011: Radiation-induced Testicular Injury and its Amelioration by Tinospora Cordifolia Extract)

Anti-Cancer Properties of Tinospora cordifolia

The Division of Ethnopharmacology of Loyola College in India conducted a study on the effects of Tinospora cordifolia extracts
against induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats to determine its potential use in cancer therapy. Results have shown
that those treated with Tinospora cordifolia extracts (TCE) exhibited an increased level of antioxidants and detoxification
enzymes, and decreased serum transaminase level and hepatic marker enzymes to near normal. TCE likewise reduced tumor
incidence and reversed the damaged hepatocytes to normal. The study concludes that TCE exhibits preventive effect against
chemically induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats and further suggests that Tinospora cordifolia extract can be a potent
chemopreventive drug for HCC. (Investigational New Drugs, August 2011: Chemopreventive potential of Epoxy clerodane
diterpene from Tinospora cordifolia against diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma)

Tinospora cordifolia activity against Allergy

The efficacy of Tinospora cordifolia (TC) extract in patients of allergic rhinitis was assessed in a randomized double blind
placebo controlled trial in the Department of Pharmacology, Indira Gandhi Medical College, India. Results have shown that
those treated with Tinospora cordifolia extracts exhibited less symptoms as against those who were not. The statistical results
indicated a significant difference that confirms the effectiveness of Tinospora cordifolia against allergic rhinitis. (Journal of
Ethnopharmacology. January 2005: Efficacy of Tinospora cordifolia in allergic rhinitis)

Effects of Tinospora cordifolia to Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis

The Division of Endocrinology, University of Gttingen in Germany conducted a laboratory investigation on the effects of beta-
Ecdysone (ECD), a steroid found in Tinospora cordifolia extract on joints, epiphyseal cartilage and trabecular tissues in rats.
The study has shown that rats subjected to treatment of ECD have developed thicker joint cartilage and thicker epiphyseal
growth plate. The study suggests that Tinospora cordifolia has antiosteoporotic effects and may be of value in the prevention
and treatment of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis which is of increasing importance due to aging and obesity among individuals.
(Phytomedicine, April 2010: Beneficial effects of beta-Ecdysone on the joint, epiphyseal cartilage tissue and trabecular bone in
ovariectomized rats)

Makabuhay Usage, Dosage

Where can I get or buy Makabuhay plant?
Makabuhay thrives in the wild. The roots, branches and leaves are harvested and used (see below for
preparations). The plant can be bought from your local horticulturist for propagation in your
garden.

Commercially extracted Makabuhay (Tinospora cordifolia) oil extract called Guduchi can also
be bought in most health stores specializing in Ayurveda. Amzon listed: Morpheme Guduchi (Tinospora
Cordifolia) - 500mg Extract - 60 Veg Capsules for a reference.

Makabuhay Tea Preparation

gather fresh Makabuhay leaves and stems,

cut in small pieces

wash with fresh water

boil 50 grams of Makabuhay leaves to a liter of water

let it seep for 10 minutes

remove from heat

strain

drink while warm up to 2 cups a day.

Makabuhay Poultice Preparation

gather fresh leaves, stems and roots

wash with fresh clean water

pound in a mortar

grounded leaves and stems may be applied or a juice extract may be used

other herbs and coconut oil may also be mixed.

applied directly onto the affected area.

Makabuhay Decoction
A spoonful of dried leaves and thinly chopped stems are boiled in a cup of water. Drink one cup per day.

Makabuhay / Guduchi use Warnings and Side Effects

Makabuhay herbal medicine is generally for topical application and moderate intake.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There are no sufficient studies made on the side effects of Makabuhay plant (Tinospora
cordifolia) in pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Diabetes. Makabuhay (Tinospora cordifolia) might have a side effect of lowering the blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if
you have diabetes. The doses of your diabetes medicine might need to be adjusted.

Autoimmune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis
(RA), or other conditions: Makabuhay plant (Tinospora cordifolia) might activate the immune system and can worsen the
symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

Surgery. Makabuhay might affect blood sugar levels, so there is a concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control
during and after surgery. Refrain from taking Makabuhay at least 2 weeks before surgery.