Fact Check: Can Giloy cure type 2 diabetes?

Hyderabad: Giloy aka Tinospora cordifolia is known as a medicinal plant that has been used in folk and Ayurvedic medicines throughout India for ages. From roots to stem, every part of the plant is immensely useful due to the presence of alkaloid compounds such as diterpenoid lactones, glycosides, steroids, sesquiterpenoids, and phenolics.

The viral post claims that consuming Giloy would help cure Type 2 Diabetes.

The post is being shared with the caption, "Did you know? Giloy - A Magical Ayurvedic Herb. Has a Hypoglycaemic agent that helps cure type 2 diabetes. Giloy has no side effects, so make Giloy consumption part of your daily life."

Fact Check

NewsMeter found the claim to be misleading.

To know whether Giloy works for Type 2 Diabetes, we contacted our expert Prof. Dr. S. Vijay Mohan, M.D, Sr. Consultant Physician, Care Hospitals & Professor &HoD, Dept. of Internal Medicine.

He said, “Giloy is traditionally used as a health booster like many other ancient medicinal plants in India and some other countries. People use Methi, Amla, Neem, etc as a remedy for Diabetes. There is no robust scientific evidence for any of these household remedies. However, they are not harmful too. Diabetes is a Multifactorial disease for which there is no single medicine so far. All anti-diabetic drugs are glucose-lowering agents only and do not offer cure as some claim.”

However, due to the presence of alkaloid compounds such as diterpenoid lactones, glycosides, steroids, sesquiterpenoids, and phenolics. Giloy is popularly consumed as a medicinal supplement to manage diabetes, immunity, detoxification, and overall health benefits.

Dr. Vijay Mohan further explained, “Diabetes is a disease or condition where your blood sugar spikes. It’s when your body is unable to produce a hormone called insulin. Insulin is responsible for regulating blood sugar level or glucose in the body which also regulates energy in your body.”

“Giloy is one herb to control or manage the condition but as of now, there is no cure for Diabetes. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, healthy weight, balanced diet, and exercising can help manage the disease. If diet and exercise aren't enough to control blood sugar, diabetes medications or insulin therapy may be recommended by your physician”, said Dr Mohan.

Although Giloy has a wide range of health benefits, Healthline warns of a hypoglycaemic side effect. As Giloy has the potential to lower blood sugar, you should be cautious with this herb if you take medications to lower your glucose. Talk to your healthcare provider before adding Giloy to your diet as it might interact with the ongoing treatment and drugs you are taking.

It should be noted that there aren’t many studies to show if the herb is as beneficial as claimed by traditional practitioners. These herbs might possess a number of side effects as well if not taken in adequate quantities or if overdosed.