Medicinal importance of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers and its possible use in food industry for value addition

Abstract Tinospora cordifolia with the traditional Indian names Giloe or Guduchi , is a potentially beneficial plant with diverse health benefits. The wide range of plant chemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, furano-diterpene glucosides, lignans, and sterols, gives it many health benefits such as fighting free radicals, bacteria, diabetes, inflammation, stress, and protecting the liver. Although considerable research has uncovered the pharmacological properties of T. cordifolia , its unlimited potential has yet to be fully exploited. Currently, herbal products possessing medicinal value are gaining greater significance, and there is enormous scope for utilising the medicinal properties of T. cordifolia for value-added food products. The herbal food products made by incorporating T. cordifolia into various meat and plant-based products have been discussed in the present review to highlight its role as a potential substitute for artificial preservatives in the food system and as an ingredient to improve the nutritional status. The information holds enormous potential for researchers, medical professionals, pharmaceutical companies, and the food industry, as it can aid in the design and development of effective medicines and value-added food products through the exploration of various targeted mechanisms of action of T. cordifolia.