Tinospora Crispa (Tinospora crispa): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Tinospora crispa work to lower blood sugar?

Tinospora crispa exerts its hypoglycemic effects through several mechanisms. Research suggests its active compounds, such as borapetoside and alkaloids, may enhance glucose uptake in peripheral tissues and stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta-cells. The presence of berberine also contributes to glucose metabolism modulation. While these mechanisms support its traditional use for diabetes, current evidence is limited to preclinical studies and small human trials (Evidence Level C), necessitating more rigorous clinical research.

Does Tinospora crispa interact with diabetes medications like metformin?

Yes, Tinospora crispa has a significant potential for drug interactions with antidiabetic medications. Because the herb possesses blood-sugar-lowering properties, taking it alongside pharmaceutical drugs like metformin or insulin may result in additive effects, leading to hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar). Patients using this herb must monitor their blood glucose levels closely and consult a healthcare provider to adjust medication dosages safely. This interaction risk is supported by pharmacological studies (Evidence Level C).

What is the recommended dosage for Tinospora crispa?

Traditional adult dosages typically involve a stem decoction of 200ml taken two to three times daily. Alternatively, standardized extracts are often taken at approximately 300mg daily. However, product potency can vary significantly between preparations. Due to the risk of hypoglycemia and potential CNS depression at higher doses, it is essential to follow specific product guidelines or consult a qualified medical herbalist for personalized dosing.

Is Tinospora crispa safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Tinospora crispa is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The herb contains compounds such as picrotoxin and various alkaloids that may cause central nervous system (CNS) depression and stimulate uterine contractions, posing a risk to fetal development. Due to these potential toxicities and a lack of safety data, pregnant and breastfeeding women should strictly avoid this herb. This contraindication is supported by traditional use knowledge and pharmacological evidence (Evidence Level C).

What are the side effects of taking Tinospora crispa?

Common side effects associated with Tinospora crispa include mild gastrointestinal upset and nausea. More serious adverse effects can occur with high doses or prolonged use, including hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and central nervous system depression. Due to the presence of picrotoxin, excessive intake may lead to neurological symptoms. Individuals with pre-existing cardiac conditions should also avoid this herb, as it may exacerbate heart issues. These risks are based on pharmacological data and traditional observations (Evidence Level C).

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Tinospora crispa is a medicinal plant from the Menispermiaceae family distributed in Southeast Asia and India, traditionally used to treat diabetes and other inflammatory conditions [PMID:26749336, PMID:27047378].

Background

Tinospora crispa is a plant indigenous to Africa and South-East Asia, found in rainforests or mixed deciduous forests [PMID:27047378, PMID:36345416]. It is highly valued in the ethnomedicinal knowledge of the Thai Karen people [PMID:32610436].

Traditional uses

Traditionally used to treat diabetes, jaundice, rheumatism, urinary disorders, fever, malaria, internal inflammation, fractures, scabies, hypertension, and to reduce thirst and increase appetite [PMID:27047378, PMID:36345416]. In Dai ethnic areas of China, it is used for hyperuricemia and gouty arthritis [PMID:39708936].

Active compounds

Phytochemicals include alkaloids (such as magnoflorine [PMID:35907339]), flavonoids, flavone glycosides, triterpenes, and various diterpenes including cis-clerodane-type furanoditerpenoids (e.g., borapetosides A-C, tinocrispide, and tinopanoids K-T) [PMID:27047378, PMID:31242768, PMID:37651894, PMID:22283497]. It also contains higenamine, a beta-2 agonist [PMID:35161335].

Mechanism of action

The herb may stimulate insulin secretion from beta-cells and enhance glucose uptake in muscles [PMID:26749336]. Borapetoside C specifically increases glucose utilization in peripheral tissues and reduces hepatic gluconeogenesis [PMID:22283497]. It may ameliorate hyperuricemia by targeting the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1beta pathway to inhibit uric acid synthesis and promote excretion [PMID:39708936].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DDiabetes Mellitus

Animal and cell studies suggest insulin secretion stimulation and enhanced glucose uptake [PMID:26749336]; borapetosides A and C significantly lowered plasma glucose in diabetic mice [PMID:22283497].

Evidence BScabies

A study compared 10% brotowali (T. crispa) stem extract lotion against permethrin and neem leaf extract [PMID:41488098].

Evidence DHyperuricemia

Vines extract ameliorates hyperuricemia in mouse models by inhibiting uric acid synthesis and promoting excretion [PMID:39708936].

Safety & adverse effects

Tinospora crispa has been associated with hepatotoxicity, including cases of acute fulminant hepatitis [PMID:26749336, PMID:30670256]. It is noted that T. crispa may be misidentified as T. cordifolia, leading to unintentional consumption and subsequent liver injury [PMID:36803756, PMID:30670256].

Drug interactions

Extracts and non-polar fractions of T. crispa showed significant activation (2-fold) of the pregnane X-receptor (PXR), which is involved in the modulation of the CYP3A4 isozyme [PMID:35245632].

Evidence summary

Evidence is primarily based on in vitro, animal models, and case reports of toxicity. There is limited clinical trial data, with some emerging research on topical applications for scabies.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 26749336 (2016) — The Significance of Tinospora crispa in Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
2.PMID: 37469648 (2023) — Antidiabetic Activity of Combination of Binahong (Anredera cordifolia Ten. Steenis), Cherry (Muntingia calabura L.) and Brotowali (Tinospora crispa L.) Extracts. · Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences
3.PMID: 35161335 (2022) — Higenamine in Plants as a Source of Unintentional Doping. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 35245632 (2022) — Probing PXR activation and modulation of CYP3A4 by Tinospora crispa and Tinospora sinensis. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
5.PMID: 36400639 (2023) — Can Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), a well-known ayurvedic hepato-protectant cause liver damage? · Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine

Tinospora Crispa

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Tinospora Crispa