Serious Side Effects Of Giloy: Risks, Precautions, and Medical Insights

Unsupervised herbal supplements can trigger liver inflammation and immune reactions.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 18, 2025

Unsupervised herbal supplements can trigger liver inflammation and immune reactions.

Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), also known as Guduchi, is a widely used plant in Ayurvedic medicine celebrated for its immune-boosting and adaptogenic properties. However, while Giloy is often marketed as a natural remedy with minimal side effects, recent research highlights that excessive or unsupervised use may result in serious health complications, particularly affecting the liver and immune system. This article explores the severe side effects of Giloy, their underlying mechanisms, and the importance of safe and informed consumption.

What Is Giloy?
How Is Giloy Commonly Used?
Serious Side Effects Of Giloy
Who Is At Risk?
Why Does Giloy Cause Adverse Effects?
Precautions And Safe Usage Tips
When To Seek Medical Attention
General Safety Tips For Herbal Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is Giloy?

Giloy (scientific name: Tinospora cordifolia) is a climbing shrub native to India and commonly used in Ayurveda. Traditionally, different parts of the Giloy plant, especially the stem, have been used to manage fevers, boost immunity, and treat various ailments like diabetes, digestive problems, and respiratory illnesses. Its popularity surged notably during the COVID-19 pandemic as an ‘immunity booster.’

How Is Giloy Commonly Used?

Giloy is available in multiple formulations, including:

Powdered extracts
Juice and decoctions
Capsules and tablets (including ghanvati tablets)
Herbal teas and concoctions (sometimes mixed with other herbs)

These formulations are often self-administered without medical supervision, leading to concerns about inappropriate dosage and frequency, which can increase the risk of adverse effects.

Serious Side Effects Of Giloy

While Giloy is considered safe when taken in moderate amounts under expert guidance, emerging clinical data underscore that its excessive or unsupervised use may result in severe side effects. Below are the primary adverse effects documented in clinical studies and case reports:

1. Liver Injury (Hepatotoxicity)

Acute Hepatitis: Several multicentric retrospective studies in India have observed that excessive, unsupervised Giloy intake is associated with acute hepatitis—an inflammation of the liver marked by increased liver enzymes (AST and ALT), jaundice, and sometimes, progression to liver failure.
Chronic Liver Disease Aggravation: Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions are at a higher risk. Giloy may exacerbate their disease, leading to worsened symptoms, hepatic encephalopathy (a decline in brain function due to severe liver disease), or ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen).
Autoimmune Hepatitis-Like Features: In many cases, Giloy-induced liver injury displays characteristics of *autoimmune hepatitis*—this means the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells, possibly triggered by Giloy.
Severity and Reversibility: Liver enzyme levels typically improve after discontinuing Giloy, with most patients recovering if the herb is withdrawn promptly.

2. Autoimmune Reactions

Formation Of Autoantibodies: Clinical analysis reveals that Giloy can stimulate the immune system to form antinuclear antibodies (ANAs). In susceptible individuals, these antibodies may begin attacking healthy liver cells, causing symptoms similar to autoimmune hepatitis.
Unmasking Silent Autoimmune Conditions: For those with undiagnosed or ‘silent’ autoimmune diseases, Giloy may unmask or worsen these conditions.

3. Other Potential Adverse Effects

Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, abdominal discomfort, and digestion-related complaints may occur in some users, especially when Giloy is taken in large doses.
Neurological Symptoms: Extremely rare cases have reported neurological problems such as confusion or reduced alertness, but these are generally secondary to severe liver dysfunction.
Synergistic Hepatotoxicity: When Giloy is consumed along with other potentially hepatotoxic (liver-damaging) herbal supplements—like aloe vera, Indian gooseberry, or turmeric—the risk of liver injury may be amplified.

**Key Clinical Features Observed in Giloy-Induced Liver Injury**
Feature	Frequency/Percentage*
Acute Hepatitis Presentation	~32%
Aggravation of Chronic Liver Disease	~59%
Jaundice	~86%
Ascites (abdominal fluid)	~59%
Hepatic Encephalopathy	~32%
Autoimmune features	Common
* Based on data from retrospective multicenter studies

Who Is At Risk Of Giloy Side Effects?

Individuals With Preexisting Liver Conditions: Those with known liver diseases (hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis) are particularly vulnerable to further liver dysfunction when consuming Giloy.
People With Autoimmune Disorders: Persons with autoimmune diseases, especially of the liver, thyroid, or gut, may see worsening immune attacks after using Giloy.
Elderly And Those With Comorbidities: Age, metabolic disorders, or multi-drug regimens may increase the risk of adverse outcomes.
Those Taking High Doses/For A Long Duration: Most severe cases involved unsupervised consumption, improper dosages, or combining Giloy with other herbs for prolonged periods—often more than a month at a time.

Why Does Giloy Cause Adverse Effects?

Giloy is believed to activate and modulate the immune system, which typically provides health benefits. However, in certain individuals, this immunostimulatory effect can go awry:

Immune Activation Gone Wrong: Overstimulation leads to the immune system targeting healthy cells, especially liver cells, resulting in damage.
Idiosyncratic Liver Injury: The exact dosage and duration at which Giloy causes liver problems remain unclear, but reported cases point to an unpredictable, sometimes abrupt onset of symptoms—even at seemingly moderate doses.
Interaction With Other Drugs/Herbs: Giloy may interact with other supplements or medications, heightening toxic effects, especially on the liver.

Precautions And Safe Usage Tips

Consult a Qualified Health Professional: Never self-medicate or alter Giloy dosage without expert advice, especially if you have underlying health issues or are on regular medications.
Follow Recommended Dose Only: Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration. There is no universal safe dose—appropriate intake varies based on individual health.
Ask For Diagnostic Monitoring: If you require long-term or high-dose Giloy use, periodic liver function tests are advised to detect early signs of toxicity.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women: Safety has not been established; Giloy is best avoided unless specifically recommended by a doctor.
Do Not Combine With Other Potentially Toxic Herbs: Avoid simultaneous use of multiple herbal remedies known for possible liver toxicity unless under strict medical supervision.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Early recognition and prompt medical intervention can substantially reduce the risk of permanent damage. Watch out for these warning signs:

Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Dark colored urine
Severe abdominal pain or persistent discomfort
Nausea, vomiting, or unexplained fatigue
Unusual swelling (especially abdomen or legs)
Confusion, drowsiness, or changes in mental status

On experiencing any of these, discontinue Giloy immediately and consult a healthcare professional. Early liver function testing and support can be lifesaving.

General Safety Tips For Using Herbal Supplements

Do Not Self-Medicate: Just because a product is “natural” does not mean it is without risks.
Discuss All Supplements With Your Doctor: Especially if you are already managing chronic illnesses or using prescription medications.
Read Labels Carefully: Ensure you know the active ingredients—Giloy can be present under different names and may be included in multi-ingredient herbal formulas.
Report Side Effects: If you experience any adverse reaction, stop use and seek medical attention; report the reaction to your healthcare provider for appropriate monitoring and future prevention.
Prefer Regulated, Quality-Checked Products: Purchase from reputable sources to minimize the risk of adulteration or contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is Giloy completely safe for everyone?

A1: No. While generally well tolerated in moderation under expert guidance, Giloy can cause serious liver and immune reactions, particularly in susceptible individuals, those with existing liver disease, and people taking high doses for a long time.

Q2: What are the first warning signs of Giloy-related liver damage?

A2: Early symptoms include yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea, and unexplained fatigue. Promptly stopping Giloy and seeking medical attention is crucial if these develop.

Q3: Can Giloy be used safely at all?

A3: When consumed in recommended amounts under medical supervision, most healthy adults tolerate Giloy well. However, high-risk groups and unsupervised use significantly increase safety concerns.

Q4: Who should absolutely avoid Giloy?

A4: Individuals with chronic liver disease, people with known or suspected autoimmune disorders, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those on hepatotoxic medications should avoid Giloy unless specifically permitted by their physician.

Q5: Can stopping Giloy reverse its side effects?

A5: In many documented cases, discontinuation led to recovery, especially if the damage was detected early. Severe injury or prolonged delay in stopping may lead to lasting liver damage or, rarely, liver failure.

References

Pandit A, Sachdeva S, Bhatia S, et al. Tinospora Cordifolia (Giloy)–Induced Liver Injury During the COVID-19 Pandemic—Multicenter Cohort Study. PMCID: PMC9134809.
Times of India. Too much Giloy might do more harm than good: Study (2022).
Gupta G, et al. Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi/Giloy)-Induced Liver Injury. PMCID: PMC10238282.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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