Giloy – Health Benefits, Uses & Side Effects
Giloy is the mother of the herb. It is a heart-shaped leaf that is a common name given to the heart left moonseed. It is in the form of vine. It is most commonly found in the Asian region such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, India, and Sri Lanka.
It has been used for many centuries and has also been a part of traditional medicine. Other common names for Giloy are Amrita, Gado, Gulancha. It is commonly used in Ayurveda and Sidha.
Now available in the form of capsules. It can also be blended in the form of juice. It has also been approved by the FDA for the treatment of many health conditions.
Nutritional Content of Giloy
Giloy contains alkaloids. Other than that, it also contains steroids, flavonoids, lignans, carbohydrates.
Health Benefits of Giloy
1. Immunity enhancer
The herb serves as an immunity booster. This means that it helps the immune system to fight off diseases.
2. Antioxidant
The flavonoids present in the herb acts as antioxidants. Antioxidants are associated with various benefits, such as help the body to get rid of free radicals and toxins.
3. Detox properties
The same detoxification process also helps improve the health of the liver. This leads to a proper functioning healthy liver.
4. Skin complexion
Lotion made from giloy helps to improve the appearance of the skin.
5. Relaxation of the respiratory system
It is mostly helpful against respiratory conditions, especially asthma and bronchitis. It helps with getting rid of chronic cough.
6. Stress and anxiety
The adaptogenic properties of the herb are helpful for people who are stressed out. It helps with symptoms of anxiety.
7. Sexual health
The herb also has aphrodisiac properties. It helps in the sexual well being of the person. It might also help people deal with sexual dysfunction or issues with impotence.
MEDICAL USES
1. Diabetes
The antidiabetic properties of giloy are by regulation of blood glucose levels. This property of giloy has been utilized for many years in India.
It helps in reducing oxidative stress in cells. It also promotes the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. The stem of giloy is rich in isoquinoline alkaloid. These alkaloids mimick insulin and also help in the release of insulin.
2. Immunostimulant
Antioxidants present in giloy help in boosting immunity. This effect is produced by getting rid of toxins and free radicals.
Cyclophosphamide is a type of anti-cancer drug. It is known to increase toxicities in the body. Giloy decreases these cyclophosphamide toxicities that are induced during treatments of cancer.
3. Arthritis and Osteoporosis
Giloy has found its ways in traditional medicine for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. This effect is more pronounced when combined with ginger.
It protects the bone from mineralizing and proliferating. It helps in the synthesis of bone cells and helps in the formation of bone-like matrix. Alcoholic extracts of giloy are particularly used for this purpose.
4. HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus or HIV is a disease that affects the immune system of a healthy human body.
HIV is an advanced virus that continually modifies itself. Therefore, with time, it becomes resistant to a number of antiviral medications.
Giloy reduces the chances of recurrent resistance to this virus. This effect of giloy is mediated by reducing the eosinophilic count and increase in the production of immune-mediated cells. Helps it helps in the management of diseases caused by HIV.
5. Anti-Bacterial
A methanolic extract of giloy is reported to produce antimicrobial activities. This activity is particularly effective against E.coli, S.Aureus, K.pneumoniae, P.vulgaris, S.typhi, and many others.
This means that giloy helps prevent all of the diseases which are caused by these organisms. It has the ability to kill bacteria by boosting the immune system that causes phagocytosis of bacteria.
6. EyeSight
If you wish to get rid of the spectacle and have a clear vision. Then boil some giloy in water and directly apply it to your eyelid.
The treat of eye disorder with the help of giloy is very common in India.
7. Reducing signs of aging
Giloy helps get rid of signs of aging. These might be wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, etc. Giloy helps people to have a fair and brighter looking skin. Making the person look as young as ever.
8. Asthma
Asthma is a lifelong condition that affects the lungs. It causes wheezing and shortness of breath. Giloy helps to relieve these symptoms. It is used successfully to treat asthmatic patients.
Side Effects of Giloy
1. Although giloy has many benefits, it also not free from side effects.
2. Eating giloy results in irritation of stomach and constipation. This is independent of the type of dosage form giloy is consumed in.
3. Giloy also results in a drop in sugar level. Therefore, people with diabetes should eat or drink giloy with caution.
4. Giloy is a stimulant of the immune system. Sometimes eating or drinking giloy juice may over-activate this system. In such cases, diseases related to the immune system are aggravated. Such diseases include multiple sclerosis, arthritis. Therefore, if a person suffers from such a condition, it is better to avoid giloy.
5. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid giloy overall. Because of the lack of evidence regarding the use of giloy in such women.
6. Long term use of giloy is rarely researched upon, and therefore, it should not be used on a long term basis.
CONCLUSION
Giloy is a wonder herb. It is associated with multiple health benefits. Consult your general physician or an Ayurvedha specialist when you need giloy to treat a specific condition. Also, look for authentic suppliers of Giloy.
Since there are many similar plants in the market and people who are new at this might get scammed by it. Giloy is safe to consume by children who are older than 5 years old.
However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, research or ask your specialist if it is safe to consume giloy.
The world has just started acknowledging the medical miracles of giloy. Hence, there is a shortage of researches in the medicinal benefits of it. It might even be beneficial for other conditions that are not researched thoroughly.