Serious Side Effects of Giloy: Risks, Warnings, and Who Should Avoid It

Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) is a popular plant in Ayurvedic medicine, acclaimed for numerous therapeutic benefits like boosting immunity and supporting wellness. However, mounting scientific evidence warns of its potential side effects, especially when misused or consumed unsupervised. This article explores the risks, warnings, and essential precautions associated with Giloy, providing an evidence-based analysis to help consumers make informed choices.

What Is Giloy?

Giloy, also known as Guduchi, is a climbing shrub widely used in Ayurveda for its supposed adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immunity-boosting properties. It is commonly consumed as a juice, powder, supplement, or boiled extract. Traditionally, it’s incorporated into health regimens for treating fever, infections, digestion issues, and chronic conditions.

Liver Risks: The Most Serious Side Effect

Liver toxicity is the most significant and widely documented side effect of Giloy. Studies and real-world case reports since the COVID-19 pandemic have linked Giloy and its extracts to cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI), sometimes resulting in severe liver inflammation and even failure.

• Immune-Mediated Liver Injury: Giloy can overstimulate the immune system, leading the body to attack its own liver cells. This results in harmful inflammation and may cause lasting damage.
• Reported Cases: Documentation from India reveals over 200 cases of Giloy-associated liver damage. Some patients experienced life-threatening symptoms and required hospitalization.
• Symptoms to Watch For:
  • Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin)
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal pain or swelling
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dark urine or loss of appetite
• Who Is Most at Risk? People with pre-existing liver disease, those taking liver-affecting medications, or individuals with chronic illnesses are at the highest risk.

Clinical Recommendations: Consult a healthcare provider before using Giloy, especially if you have a liver condition or take medications affecting liver function. Avoid long-term and unsupervised use, and always be vigilant for early warning signs.

Table: Early Signs of Liver Injury Linked to Giloy

Immunity: The Double-Edged Sword

Giloy is celebrated for its immunomodulatory effects, but these can turn problematic, especially in those with autoimmune diseases. The herb may overstimulate the immune system, worsening conditions such as:

• Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
• Multiple sclerosis

For patients with such autoimmune conditions, Giloy can intensify immune attacks on healthy organs and tissues, exacerbating symptoms and sometimes causing serious flare-ups.

Digestive Side Effects

Gastrointestinal issues are frequently reported with Giloy consumption, especially at high doses or over long periods. Typical adverse effects include:

• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Constipation
• Stomach irritation

These symptoms are usually dose-dependent and may resolve after reducing intake or stopping Giloy entirely. Always start with a small dose and monitor your body’s response.

Neurological Side Effects

Though rare, Giloy may cause neurological issues in certain individuals. A published medical case described a patient developing lingual dystonia—sudden involuntary tongue movements—after ingesting Giloy Ghanvati tablets, especially when combined with alcohol consumption.

• Other Rare Neurological Complaints:
  • Abnormal movements
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue

Caution: If you experience neurological symptoms, stop Giloy and consult a physician immediately.

Drug Interactions: Giloy and Medication Safety

Giloy can interact with prescription drugs, sometimes increasing or lowering their effectiveness. Problems arise especially in these categories:

• Immunosuppressants: Giloy may enhance their effects, increasing infection risk.
• Anti-diabetic medications: It can lower blood sugar, potentially causing hypoglycemia (an unsafe drop in blood sugar levels) for users already on glucose-lowering drugs.
• Liver medication: Increased risk of liver side effects when used together.

Always inform your doctor about all supplements, including Giloy, before starting any treatment course.

Giloy During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There is not enough clinical research to confirm the safety of Giloy for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Due to potential unknown risks to the developing fetus or infant, it is best avoided unless directly prescribed by a qualified medical professional.

Who Should Not Take Giloy?

Expert guidelines highlight specific groups that are at higher risk for Giloy-related complications:

• Individuals with pre-existing liver disease
• People with autoimmune conditions (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Diabetics and thyroid disorder sufferers
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Anyone on medication affecting the liver or immune system
• Children and older adults (unless prescribed)

Natural does not always mean safe. If you fit any of these categories, avoid Giloy or use it only on specific medical advice.

Precautions to Take When Consuming Giloy

If you choose to use Giloy, apply these essential safety guidelines to reduce health risks:

• Opt for fresh, high-quality Giloy from verified sources.
• Follow recommended dosages; avoid high doses or long-term, unsupervised use.
• Consult your doctor if you have liver issues, autoimmune disease, diabetes, or are on chronic medications.
• Never mix Giloy with alcohol or combine with other herbs or supplements without professional guidance.
• Monitor for symptoms (jaundice, nausea, fatigue, digestive trouble); stop use immediately if unusual signs arise.
• Store Giloy supplements or extracts properly to maintain efficacy and safety.

The Myth of “Natural Means Safe”

Although Giloy is advertised as a natural health booster, doctors and researchers emphasize that natural supplements also carry real risks. Herbal remedies should never be used as substitutes for evidence-based medical treatment, and their interactions with pharmaceutical drugs are not always predictable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Giloy safe for healthy people?

Giloy is generally considered safe in healthy people when consumed in recommended doses for short periods. However, risks may still arise due to unregulated supplement quality or undisclosed health issues. Always practice caution and consult a healthcare professional.

Does Giloy boost immunity?

Yes, Giloy may modulate or stimulate the immune system, making it popular in immunity-boosting products. But these effects can be risky in autoimmune patients or those on immunosuppressive therapy.

Can Giloy harm the liver?

Yes, several documented cases reveal that Giloy can cause immune-mediated or direct injury to the liver, sometimes resulting in jaundice, hepatitis, or liver failure. Liver injury is the most severe described side effect.

Are there any digestive side effects of Giloy?

Some users report stomach upset, nausea, or constipation, especially with high doses or prolonged intake. These typically improve after reducing dosage or discontinuing Giloy.

Should pregnant women use Giloy?

No, Giloy is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to the lack of safety data and potential unknown risks to both mother and child.

Can Giloy be taken with other medications?

Giloy may interact with various medications, especially those affecting the immune system, blood sugar, or liver. Always consult your doctor before combining Giloy with prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

Key Takeaways

• Liver toxicity is the most critical risk associated with Giloy.
• Autoimmune conditions can be worsened by Giloy due to immune system overstimulation.
• Digestive and neurological side effects have also been documented, though less commonly.
• Special caution is needed for pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly, and individuals on chronic medications.
• Always consult a healthcare professional before starting Giloy or any herbal supplement, and discontinue if adverse symptoms develop.

Giloy may offer some potential health benefits, but the risks—especially to the liver and in specific health conditions—are too significant to ignore. Consume only under professional supervision and avoid self-medicating with herbal supplements.

Author

Medha DebCommerce Editor

 

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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