Microorganisms are frequently invading our body. Our immune system is constantly battling with these microbes, protecting us from ailments. However, if the immune system becomes weak, owing to some reason, the frequency and severity of infections would rapidly increase, significantly reducing the quality of life. Hence, a healthy immune system is a prerequisite for a healthy life.

Small white blood cells, known as lymphocytes, are entrusted with the task of combating germs. They are produced in the bone marrow. The NK (natural killer) cells, T cells and B cells are the tree main types of lymphocytes. The NK cells differentiate the infected cells from the uninfected cells and kill the infected cells with the help of cytotoxic granules. Proteins known as cytokines help to activate the natural killer cells. The T cells, which mature in the thymus gland, play the major role, in killing the antigens and boosting the immunity of the body. The B cells are associated with production of specific antibodies against the antigens. The immune function of the T cells is coordinated by helper T cells or Th cells and cytokines. The immune system also comprises of other larger white blood cells, known as phagocytes, eosinophils, basophils and neutrophils. The mast cells, present on the lining of the nasal passage, throat, lungs and intestines are the only non white blood cells associated with immune function.

Whenever you contract a viral infection, your immune system develops antibodies against the virus that kill the specific virus in the body and prevent further infections from the same viral strain. A strong immune system could produce antibodies speedily, reducing the severity of the infection. However, if your immune system fails to perform its normal function, the infection might cause serious health problems, which might become fatal.

The immune response tends to slow down with age, which makes elderly people vulnerable to infections. Elevated levels of stress hormones interfere with the normal immune function, worsening existing infections or increasing the risk of contracting viral infections. The immune function might be severely impaired by certain viral infections such as HIV. The risk of infections is also higher among people diagnosed with autoimmune disorders who take medications to suppress immune activities to prevent abnormal immune response.

Tinospora cordifolia is an important medicinal plant in Ayurveda. Its strong immunomodulatory effect helps to improve the body’s resistance to infections. The efficacy of the herb in strengthening the immune system has been demonstrated in several studies.

Boosts immunity

The immune stimulatory affect of Tinospora cordifolia reduces the risks of infections. The active compounds in the herb help to activate the natural killer cells or the lymphocytes. Intake of the herb significantly improves the functions of the T cells and the B cells. It also improves cytokine and helper T cells production and supports macrophage activation. Hence, by improving the overall function of the immune system, Tinospora cordifolia protects the body from microbes. (Nair PK, Rodriquez S, Ramachandran R, Alamo A, Melnick SJ, Escalon E, Garcia PL Jr, Wnuk SF, Ramachandran C. “Immune stimulating properties of a novel polysaccharide from the medicinal plant Tinospora cordifolia.” Int Immunopharmacol. 2004 Dec 15;4(13):1645-59).

Despite activating and increasing the production of cytokines for improving immunity, Tinospora cordifolia prevents overproduction of the pro-inflammatory proteins. Excess production of cytokines leads to inflammatory conditions. The immunomodulatory effect of the medicinal plant improves the activities of the components of the immune system without causing abnormal immune response owing to heightened production of pro-inflammatory immune components. (Raghu R, Sharma D, Ramakrishna R, Khanam S, Chintalwar GJ, Sainis KB. “Molecular events in the activation of B cells and macrophages by a non-microbial TLR4 agonist, G1-4A from Tinospora cordifolia.” Immunol Lett. 2009 Mar 24;123(1):60-71).

Cholestasis or obstruction of bile flow from the liver suppresses activities of immune cells. People suffering from this condition are susceptible to infections. Studies suggest that Tinospora cordifolia could improve the immunity in people suffering from obstructive jaundice that blocks bile flow. (Rege NN, Nazareth HM, Bapat RD, Dahanukar SA. “Modulation of immunosuppresion in obstructive jaundice by Tinospora cordofolia.” Indian J Med Res. 1989 Dec;90:478-83).

Prevents bacterial infections

Tinospora cordifolia could prevent abdominal discomfort caused by inflammation of the lining of the inner wall of the abdomen following infections by E. coli bacteria species. Moreover, it speeds up elimination of the harmful bacteria from the gut by boosting the activities of phagocytes and neutrophils. (Thatte UM, Kulkarni MR, Dahanukar SA. “Immunotherapeutic modification of Escherich coli peritonitis and bacteremia by Tinsopora cordifolia.” J Postgrad Med. 1992 Jan-Mar;38(1):13-5).

Reduces fungal infections

Even Candida infections could be effectively treated with Tinospora cordifolia. (Rege NN, Dahanukar SA. “Quantitation of microbicidal activity of mononuclear phagocytes: an in vitro technique.” J Postgrad Med. 1993 Jan-Mar;39(1):22-5).

Beneficial for HIV positive patients

Clinical trials with Tinospora cordifolia indicate the effectiveness of the herb in improving immunity in human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) positive patients. In about 60% HIV positive patient, intake of Tinospora cordifolia extract reduced the various symptoms of the disease. Scientists suggest Tinospora cordifolia therapy as an adjunct to management of HIV or AIDS. (Kalikar MV, Thawani VR, Varadpande UK, Sontakke SD, Singh RP, Khiyani RK. “Immunomodulatory effect of Tinospora cordifolia extract in human immuno-deficiency virus positive patients.” Indian J Pharmacol. 2008 Jun;40(3):107-10).

Prevents tumor growth

The anti-tumor effect of Tinsopora cordifolia has been proved in experimental studies. It could slow down tumor growth and improve the life span of tissues bearing the tumor. (Singh N, Singh SM, Shrivastava P. “Immunomodulatory and antitumor actions of medicinal plant Tinospora cordifolia are mediated through activation of tumor-associated macrophages.” Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2004 Feb;26(1):145-62).

Improves wound healing

Slow wound healing and poor immunity increase the risk of infections. The risk of developing wound sores is greater among diabetics. The immunomodulation effect of Tinospora cordifolia helps to speed up the wound healing process and helps to eradicate bacteria present at the site of the wound by activating the phagocytes. (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):347-55).

Functions as an antioxidant

The antioxidant effect of Tinospora cordifolia protects the body from chemotoxicity caused by chemicals produced by the scavenging activities of free radicals. It helps to protect the immune system from free radicals as evident from the improved activities of white blood cells and bone marrow cells following use of Tinospora cordifolia extract. (Mathew S, Kuttan G. “Antioxidant activity of Tinospora cordifolia and its usefulness in the amelioration of cyclophosphamide induced toxicity.” J Exp Clin Cancer. 1997 Dec;16(4):407-11). The antioxidant effect of the herb coupled with its chemopreventive function against carcinogens increases the effectiveness of Tinospora cordifolia as an adjuvant for cancer treatment. (Singh RP, Banerjee S, Kumar PV, Raveesha KA, Rao AR. “Tinospora cordifolia induces enzymes of carcinogen/drug metabolism and antioxidant system, and inhibit lipid peroxidation in mice.” Phytomedicine. 2006 Jan;13(1-2):74-84).

Tinospora cordifolia is a large, hairless, broadleaf climbing shrub. Its stems are rather succulent with long filiform fleshy aerial roots coming out of the branches. Guduchi’s bark is grey-brown in color and warty. The shrub’s leaves are membranous and cordate. Where as the flowers are small, yellow or greenish yellow. The male flowers are clustered and females are usually solitary. The drupes are oval, glossy, succulent, red and pea-sized and the seeds curved.

The active ingredients found in the Guduchi are namely - Tinsporine, diterpenoid furanolactone tinosporidine, columbin, and ß-sitosterol, tinosporide, tinosporaside, cordifolide, cordifol, heptacosanol, clerodane furano diterpene, diterpenoid

A healthy lifestyle boosts the immune function naturally. A nutritious diet could supply your body the essential nutrients needed for sustaining the normal immune function. Although a balanced diet would provide your body the essential vitamins and minerals in the right doses, to activate the immune cells, you should not miss foods rich in vitamins A, B2, B6, C, D and E and selenium and zinc. Studies have revealed direct association between these vitamins and minerals and immune function. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining the health and function of the mucosal membranes and production of B cells, T cells and cytokines. Vitamin B6 is needed for regulating the activities of lymphocytes. Vitamin C is one of the most widely used nutrients for enhancing immunity. It improves the effectiveness of other nutrients in boosting immune function. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with various illnesses including certain cancers. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. It could protect the immune system from oxidative stress. A selenium deficit diet might increase the risk of developing cancer tumors. Zinc is essential for activating the T cells.

Smoking and heavy drinking might reduce the natural ability of the body to fight infections. Practicing stress management techniques is not only beneficial for your emotional health, but they can also improve the functions of the immune system. To strengthen your immune system, you should enjoy a sound sleep.

1. A study was carried out to have evaluation of the anti-neoplastic activity of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing mice. It carried out positive results on mice. (Department of Radiobiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India by Jagetia GC, Rao SK. in Biol. Pharm. Bull. 2006 Mar;29(3):460-6)

2. The antioxidant property of T. cordifolia roots was studied by administering the aqueous extract to alloxan-induced diabetic rats. After six weeks, the levels of plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, ceruloplasmin, and alpha-tocopherol were drastically decreased. In addition, the levels of glutathione and vitamin C were elevated. The root extract at a dose of 5 g/kg was the most effective.

3. In another study, a Guduchi extract was shown to inhibit the lipid peroxidation and superoxide and hydroxyl radicals in vitro at mg/ml concentrations (Mathew S, et al. Antioxidant activity of Tinospora cordifolia and its usefulness in the amelioration of cyclophosphamide induced toxicity. J. Exp. Clin. Cancer Res 1997; 16(4):407-11)

4. In one research, ingredients in Guduchi such as syringin, cordiol, cordioside, and cordifoliosides A and B were identified as the active principles responsible for anticomplement and immunomodulatory activities (Maurya R, et al. Tinocordifolin, a sesquiterpene from Tinospora cordifolia . Phytochemistry 1998; 49(5):1343-45)