Immunomodulatory properties of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) leaves and its applications in value-added products

In Ayurvedic texts, Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) have been known as the most potent and important medicinal product. Giloy leaves have been used for centuries to cure various ailments and diseases in the human body. This review highlights that giloy leaves have immunomodulatory properties and can be used to develop functional food products. The current review focuses on the phytochemical composition of giloy leaves, and the mechanism for their immunomodulatory action highlighting specific pathways including NF-kB pathway and interleukin modulation. Giloy leaves possess antioxidant activity and induce apoptosis of cells in the immune response. Studies have shown the potential of incorporating giloy leaves into a wide range of value-added products, such as beverages, biscuits, and herbal formulations, to bridge traditional knowledge with modern functional food production. A comparison of traditional and modern giloy-based products demonstrates their benefits and drawbacks, showing that traditional techniques can be combined with modern scientific developments to improve medicinal efficacy. Although giloy leaves-based products show promising potential, further research is necessary to ascertain their effectiveness.