11 Evidence-Based Benefits of Giloy

(1) In ancient Hindu scriptures like Bhagavad Gita and Vishnu Purana, it is stated that the incident of Samudra Manthan or Churning of the ocean of milk gave birth to giloy herb. When the pot full of Amrita came out of the Samudra Manthan, asuras(demons) tried to take it away from the devas(deities) and during that hustle to capture the pot, few drops of Amrita fell on earth and a climbing herb sprang up, known as giloy.

(2) In another Hindu scripture, Ramayana, it is mentioned when numerous vanaras or monkey army were getting injured or killed during the war between Lord Ram and Ravana, Indra-the king of devas, sprayed the amrita to cure them and revive back them to life and few drops of it fell on the earth, from which giloy came into existence.

The significance of all these tales is to highlight the advantages of giloy consumption to the human body, so let’s see some of it!

11 Benefits of Giloy

1. Benefits of Giloy for Skin and Hair

Few herbs act like a blessing when it comes to skin beautification and hair health and one of them is Giloy. Due to the presence of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it helps the skin to gain luster, youthfulness as well as is beneficial for hair health.

2. Benefits of Giloy for Digestive System

Giloy has the power to cure many intestinal diseases and also it helps to strengthen the digestive system and works as a remedy for acidity, vomiting, etc., due to the fact that giloy is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and other above mentioned properties as well.

A study showed that giloy reduced ulcer index total acidity with an increment in the pH of gastric fluid in pylorus-ligated rats . 

3. Mental Power

Giloy is considered as a “Medhya Rasayana” or “Brain Tonic” because it has the ability to improve memory, intelligence and brain power and also it reduces mental stress.

A 21 day randomized double-blind placebo controlled study analyzed that the people who were given a pure aqueous extract of the roots of giloy experienced enhanced verbal learning, logical memory and cognition. 

Moreover, giloy also helps in dealing with various neurodegenerative disorders and acts as a strong anti-stress agent. Another study showed that the giloy consumption improved the I.Q level of patients. Top 5 Incredible Benefits of Ashwagandha

4. Anti-cancer Effects

Giloy also possesses anti-cancer property and helps to inhibit cancer. A RCT (Randomized Controlled Trial) indicated that 50% methalonic extract of giloy to mice for 30 days at a dose of 750 mg/kg of BW, the tumor size reduced life-span. 

Also another study showed that the giloy consumption inhibited oral cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and attenuating epithelial mesenchymal transition. 

5. Anti-diabetic Effects

Giloy has been reported to mediate its anti-diabetic potential through mitigating oxidative stress, regulating blood glucose levels, promoting insulin secretion and inhibiting gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. 

A study in the journal Heliyon, revealed that the aqueous extract of giloy (200 mg and 400 mg/kg of bodyweight) for 10 and 30 days resulted in anti-diabetic activity in diabetic animals at an efficacy of 50%-70% compared to insulin.

Another research showed that giloy powder at a dose of 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of bodyweight, significantly improved blood sugar and HbA1c. 

6. Improves Cholesterol Levels

Giloy has also been shown to possess hypolipidemic effect, improves the lipid profile and keeps the cholesterol levels in check. A research reported that giloy roots (2.5 gm and 5 gm/kg of bodyweight) for 6 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in serum and tissue cholesterol, phospholipids and free-fatty acids. 

7. Strengthens Bone

Giloy also helps in strengthening the bones. A study reported that giloy affected the proliferation, differentiation and mineralization of bones. Further, it stated that giloy possesses anti-osteoporotic and anti-osteoarthritis effect.

Another research found that the giloy extracts at 10 mg/kg of bodyweight had a significant effect on rheumatoid arthritis. However, more research is needed in this aspect. 

8. Ensures Liver Health

Giloy is also beneficial for maintaining liver health and possesses hepatoprotective effect. In vitro studies showed that giloy has inactivating property against hepatitis B and hepatitis E surface antigens in 48-72 hours. 

9. Anti-HIV Effects

Giloy extract also has anti-HIV effects and induces a decrement in the recurrent resistance HIV virus. Studies have reported that the giloy stem extract reduces the ability of eosinophil count and induces the stimulation of B lymphocytes. 

10. Immunity Booster

Giloy has immunomodulatory property as studies have found that giloy has antioxidants because of which it curbs the free radicals and reduces the oxidative damage, as a result it reduces the occurrence of diseases and strengthens the immune system. 

11. Disease Fighter

If there is one herb which can act like a remedy for any disease you name, it will be one and only Giloy. It has antiviral, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties which are proven to have a significant effect on diseases like hay fever, skin infections, asthma, diabetes, jaundice and so on and on.

Forms of Consumption of Giloy

1) Giloy Juice        2) Giloy Tablets          3) Giloy Powder

Who should not take giloy?

Though there are numerous benefits of consuming giloy but still there are some people who should be vigilant to the consumption of it and must consult a doctor or physician:

1. People suffering from autoimmune diseases like arthritis, etc.

2. Females who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions) 

Q1. When Giloy should be consumed?

Ans.Giloy or any other herb is always ideal to be consumed by an empty stomach early in the morning because of the following two reasons:

(i)It ensures its optimum absorption.

(ii)Also not enough research has been conducted to show which foods hinder the absorption of giloy, if taken after the meal.

Q2. Can giloy be consumed daily?

Ans.Yes, it can be consumed daily because it has no side effects, provided if you are not among those people who have been mentioned in the contraindications. But to be extra sure it is recommended to consult a doctor or physician and please do read the contraindications.

Q3. How to take giloy juice? 

Ans. It is always recommended to have giloy juice or any other herbal juice diluted with water. A general thumb-rule is to have 30 ml of giloy juice with 30 ml or at most 60 ml of water. 

Takeaway

The benefits of giloy are extremely powerful which makes it a perfect herb to try. Though there are many benefits of giloy, still there are some conditions in which you should avoid it.