​Tinospora sinensis (Chinese Tinospora)

Tinospora sinensis (Chinese Tinospora)

Product Name: Тиноспора крючковатая, Tinospora sinensis, Hakenmond-Mondbohne, Tinospora de gancho, Tinospora à crochet, التنوسبورا المعقوفة, บอระเพ็ดเขี้ยวงู, Ilon tuturi, Илгактуу тиноспора, Qarmaqlı tinospora, Тиноспораи қалмоқдор, Kabantis Tinospora, Āķa tinospora, Тиноспора гачкувата, Qarmaqlı tinospora, טינוספורה מסולסלת

Synonyms: Тиноспора, китайская тиноспора, гилой; Chinese Tinospora, sinuous giloy, hooked moonseed; Chinesische Tinosporapflanze, Hakenmondsamen; Tinospora china, giloy chino; Tinospora chinoise, vigne lunaire sinueuse; التينوسبورا الصينية, جيلوي المتعرج; บอระเพ็ดจีน, ข้างเคียงของเถาวัลย์

Parts Used: stem, bark, leaves, root, inflorescences, stem

Main indications for use of Tinospora sinensis: Acute bacterial dermatitis, inflammatory diseases of soft tissues, ulcerative skin lesions, herpetic infection, candidiasis of mucous membranes, chronic tonsillitis, acute pharyngitis, viral gastroenteritis, helminthic infestations, pulmonary tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, toxic liver damage, hyperglycemia, arterial hypertension, inflammatory osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, secondary immunodeficiency.

Use of Tinospora sinensis in mixtures and complexes: Chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer, chronic pancreatitis, biliary dyskinesia, fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, chronic renal failure, cystitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, neurodermatitis.

Pharmacological properties of Tinospora sinensis: immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, antipyretic, adaptogenic, anthelmintic, analgesic, antiarthritic, antimycotic, antiviral, antitubercular, antiparasitic, immunostimulating, reparative, antistress, gastroprotective.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Tinospora sinensis

Powder — Tinospora sinensis

Indications (Powder): Acute bacterial dermatitis, candidiasis of mucous membranes, viral gastroenteritis, inflammatory osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, secondary immunodeficiency.

Standard Dosage (Powder): orally 1.5 grams of powder 2 times a day, with 150 milliliters of warm water, course 10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): orally 2 grams of powder 3 times a day for inflammatory osteoarthritis, viral hepatitis, pulmonary tuberculosis.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): orally 3 grams of powder 3 times a day for secondary immunodeficiency, viral herpetic infection, oral candidiasis.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): orally 1 gram of powder once a day, course 20 days every 2 months for chronic tonsillitis, metabolic syndrome, hyperglycemia, arterial hypertension, for persons over 50 years old.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): orally 0.5 grams of powder once a day for children from 6 years old with body weight from 20 kilograms, course no more than 7 days.

Contraindications (Powder): contraindicated in acute renal failure, active gastric ulcer in the acute phase; data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation and in children under 6 years old are not scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Powder): when exceeding the dosage, short-term headaches, dyspeptic disorders, irritation of the gastric mucosa are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms, the dosage is reduced by 25 percent; for body weight above 90 kilograms, it can be increased by 25 percent.

Preparation method (Powder): To prepare 100 grams of powder, 500 grams of dried stems are used. The raw material is thoroughly cleaned, dried at a temperature not exceeding 45 degrees Celsius in the shade, then ground in a powder mill to a floury consistency. It is sieved through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.3 millimeters. The powder is stored in a hermetically sealed glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in a tightly closed glass container in a dark, dry place at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees Celsius, away from direct sunlight and sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 12 months. Use within 30 days after opening the package.

Dry Extract — Tinospora sinensis

Indications (Dry Extract): Acute bacterial dermatitis, viral hepatitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, hyperglycemia, candidiasis of mucous membranes.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): orally 500 milligrams of dry extract 2 times a day 30 minutes before meals, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 750 milligrams 3 times a day for viral hepatitis, ankylosing spondylitis, herpetic infection.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): orally 1 gram 3 times a day for 5 days for acute inflammations of the intestinal mucosa, systemic herpetic infection.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): orally 250 milligrams once a day, course 21 days every 2 months for chronic arterial hypertension, impaired glycemic control, reduced immune resistance in the elderly.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): for children over 8 years old with body weight from 30 kilograms — 250 milligrams once a day, course no more than 5 days.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): contraindicated in ulcerative colitis in the acute stage, acute nephritis; data on use during pregnancy and lactation are absent.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): weakness, decreased appetite, metallic taste in the mouth are possible when exceeding the dosage.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight less than 50 kilograms — dosage reduction by 30 percent; for body weight more than 90 kilograms — increase by 20 percent.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): To obtain 100 grams of dry extract, take 800 grams of crushed dried stems, pour 2 liters of water, boil over low heat for 45 minutes, filter, evaporate under vacuum at a temperature not exceeding 50 degrees Celsius until a thick extract is obtained, then dry in a drying chamber to a powder state. Residual moisture should not exceed 5 percent.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store in a hermetically sealed jar made of opaque glass in a dry room at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees Celsius, away from heat and light sources. Shelf life — 24 months. Use within 60 days after opening.

Tincture — Tinospora sinensis

Indications (Tincture): Viral hepatitis, acute pharyngitis, inflammatory diseases of soft tissues, secondary immunodeficiency, candidiasis of mucous membranes, pulmonary tuberculosis.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): orally 20 drops of tincture, diluted in 50 milliliters of warm water, 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 30 drops 3 times a day for viral hepatitis, active form of herpes, immunodeficiency states.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 40 drops 3 times a day for pulmonary tuberculosis, generalized fungal infection, recurrent viral herpetic infection.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 15 drops once a day for 14 days every 2 months for chronic tonsillitis, hyperglycemia, metabolic syndrome, for patients with frequent colds.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): not recommended in alcohol form for children under 12 years old; local use of the tincture as compresses is allowed for children over 8 years old.

Contraindications (Tincture): contraindicated in chronic alcoholism, epilepsy, active gastrointestinal inflammations; data on safety during pregnancy and lactation are absent.

Side Effects (Tincture): when exceeding the dosage, burning in the stomach, nausea, headache, increased symptoms of gastritis are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms — dosage is reduced to 70 percent of the standard; for body weight above 90 kilograms — a 25 percent increase correction is possible.

Preparation method (Tincture): To prepare 100 milliliters of alcohol tincture, 30 grams of crushed dried stems are used, poured with 100 milliliters of 70% ethyl alcohol. Infuse in a dark glass container for 14 days at a temperature of 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, shaking periodically. After infusion, the liquid is filtered. Store only after complete filtration.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in a tightly sealed dark glass bottle at a temperature of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, in a place protected from light and moisture. Shelf life — 24 months. Use within 60 days after opening.

Oil Infusion — Tinospora sinensis

Indications (Oil Infusion): Inflammatory diseases of soft tissues, herpetic infection of the skin, candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes, dermatophytosis, trophic ulcers.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally apply to the affected skin area in a thin layer 2 times a day, course 10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally up to 4 times a day for herpetic eruptions, skin candidiasis, secondary infections in neurodermatitis.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): application up to 6 times a day is allowed for severe forms of pyoderma, mycotic ulcers, subject to individual tolerance.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): once a day application to areas with an increased risk of bacterial or fungal infection in patients with immunodeficiencies, course 7 days monthly.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): externally for children over 3 years old once a day on limited skin areas, in the absence of allergy.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to components, acute purulent skin lesions; data on use in pregnant and lactating women are absent.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): local allergic reactions, itching, redness, peeling of the skin are possible with repeated application.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): To prepare 100 grams of infusion, 20 grams of dried and crushed stems are needed, poured with 100 milliliters of organic coconut oil. Infuse for 7 days at a temperature of 40-45 degrees Celsius, shaking 2 times a day. Then filter, squeeze out the remaining raw material. Store in a dark glass bottle.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store in a tightly closed dark glass container at a temperature of 5 to 20 degrees Celsius, away from direct light and heat sources. Shelf life — 6 months. Use within 30 days after opening.

Ointment — Tinospora sinensis

Indications (Ointment): Bacterial dermatitis, herpetic infection of the skin, skin candidiasis, trophic ulcers, secondary pyoderma, chronic eczema.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): apply a thin layer to the affected skin area 2 times a day, course of treatment up to 14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): apply 3-4 times a day for generalized skin candidiasis, herpetic infection, pyoderma with an extensive inflammatory component.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): apply up to 5 times a day on limited skin areas for severe forms of dermatophytosis, purulent eczema, under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): apply once a day to skin folds or friction areas in patients with hyperhidrosis, diabetes mellitus, chronic inflammatory skin diseases, prevention course — 7 days monthly.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): the ointment can be used in children over 3 years old once a day on limited areas, under the supervision of an adult, course no more than 5 days.

Contraindications (Ointment): contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to the components of the ointment, acute purulent abscesses, if occlusive dressings need to be applied; data on use in pregnant and lactating women are absent.

Side Effects (Ointment): allergic rash, itching, redness, increased inflammation in the presence of hidden purulent foci are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required.

Preparation method (Ointment): To prepare 100 grams of ointment, take: 20 grams of powder from dried stems, 70 grams of natural coconut oil, 10 grams of beeswax. Melt the oil in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, add beeswax and mix thoroughly until dissolved. Add the powder, mix until homogeneous, cool at room temperature, transfer to a sterile glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): Store in a tightly closed glass jar at a temperature of 5 to 15 degrees Celsius, in a place protected from light and heat. Shelf life — 6 months. Use within 21 days after opening.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Tinospora sinensis

Toxicological safety studies have shown that extracts of Tinospora sinensis have low acute toxicity when administered orally. In preclinical trials on laboratory animals (mice), aqueous and alcoholic extracts did not cause signs of lethality or pronounced pathological changes at doses up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. The LD₅₀ values for the alcoholic extract of Tinospora sinensis exceed 2000 mg/kg when administered orally, which classifies it as a practically non-toxic substance according to the OECD classification. Observations of subacute and chronic toxicity also did not reveal significant morphofunctional abnormalities in the tissues of the liver, kidneys, and blood with course administration at therapeutic doses. However, when using high concentrations in the form of concentrated extracts, a load on the liver is possible, which requires caution in patients with pronounced disorders of hepatobiliary function.

Reference: https://www.researchgate.net/p...

Pharmacodynamics — Tinospora sinensis

The pharmacodynamic properties of Tinospora sinensis are formed by a complex of bioactive compounds, represented primarily by alkaloids, diterpene lactones, polysaccharides, and phenolic components. These substances have a multicomponent effect on the physiological systems of the body, including the immune, hepatobiliary, skin, gastrointestinal, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems. The main mechanism of action is considered to be systemically regulatory, covering both cellular and humoral levels of regulation.

At the level of the immune system, the modulating effect of Tinospora sinensis extracts has been proven, accompanied by increased macrophage activity, stimulation of lymphocyte proliferation, as well as increased secretion of interleukins and other signaling molecules that regulate the inflammatory and anti-infectious response. The extracts exhibit pronounced antioxidant activity, preventing free radical lipid oxidation and reducing the level of oxidative stress. This action has been confirmed experimentally using various biochemical markers of peroxidation and the activity of antioxidant enzymes.

In the context of the hepatobiliary system, protective effects on hepatocytes have been identified, which are associated with the regulation of transaminases, stabilization of cell membranes, and inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzyme cascades, including cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. This may involve receptor mechanisms, including interaction with nuclear receptors of the PPAR and AHR classes.

On the skin, acceleration of epithelialization and tissue repair processes has been established, including through increased collagen synthesis, fibroblast migration, and inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Such effects suggest both a direct action on the skin and an indirect one through the modulation of immune and vascular activity.

The nervous system may be a target of the moderate sedative and anxiolytic action of the plant's components, which is associated with an effect on GABA receptors and the level of monoamines in the synaptic cleft. This is manifested in the normalization of behavioral and autonomic reactions in functional disorders.

The effect on the gastrointestinal tract is due to a complex action on motility, secretion, and the microbial balance of the mucosa. Modulation of mucus and enzyme production has been recorded, which indirectly indicates gastroprotective activity. Local antiseptic action is also possible with external use and through mucous membranes.

Thus, the pharmacodynamic profile of Tinospora sinensis includes anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, reparative, and moderately neurotropic action, involving a wide range of cellular and molecular targets. The action is realized mainly at the systemic level, and with external use — locally.

References: https://www.researchgate.net/p... https://www.sciencedirect.com/...  https://dbtindia.gov.in/sites/...

Pharmacokinetics — Tinospora sinensis

The pharmacokinetics of Tinospora sinensis may vary depending on the form used and the class of active substances. For powders and aqueous extracts, the main route of administration is oral. Absorption of components such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, and alkaloids occurs in the small intestine. Absorption may depend on the accompanying diet, pH level, and the state of the gastrointestinal microbiota. High-molecular-weight fractions, such as polysaccharides, are partially absorbed unchanged, exerting a systemic effect through interaction with the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).

Metabolism of the bioactive substances of Tinospora sinensis involves the participation of hepatic enzyme systems of phase I and II, including cytochrome P450, glucuronyltransferases, and sulfotransferases. This especially applies to alkaloid and terpenoid components, which undergo biotransformation into more polar metabolites. These substances can accumulate in the liver and spleen, especially with long-term use in the form of extracts.

With transdermal application (ointment, oil infusion), systemic absorption is limited, but local concentration of active substances in the skin is possible, providing a prolonged local action. In the case of rectal or vaginal administration (data on other Tinospora species), rapid absorption through the mucous membranes, bypassing first-pass hepatic metabolism, is possible.

Elimination of metabolites occurs primarily through urine and bile. Components that have undergone the conjugation phase are excreted by the kidneys, while insoluble fractions may be excreted in the feces. Enterohepatic recirculation, characteristic of some phenolic and terpenoid compounds, is assumed.

Some components, especially fat-soluble fractions present in oil forms, may persist in adipose tissue, forming a depot with slow release. Elimination in this case is more prolonged. Interaction with the colonic microbiota, which metabolizes certain polyphenolic components into biologically active forms, is also possible.

Thus, the pharmacokinetics of Tinospora sinensis demonstrate characteristic features of herbal preparations — multimetabolism, involvement of microflora, hepatic transformation, and combined elimination, depending on the route of administration and the form of the preparation.

References: https://www.sciencedirect.com/...   https://www.researchgate.net/p...  https://dbtindia.gov.in/sites/...

Mechanisms of Action — Tinospora sinensis

The mechanisms of action of Tinospora sinensis are due to the diversity of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids (e.g., palmatine), diterpene lactone structures, and polysaccharides. These compounds interact with key cellular and molecular targets in the systems of immune response, inflammation, and cellular regulation.

Polysaccharides in Tinospora sinensis can stimulate the activity of macrophages and lymphocytes, enhance cytokine production, and activate signaling pathways such as NF-κB, which provides immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory action. Википедия+15pdfs.semanticscholar.org+15ScienceDirect+15.

Diterpene lactones have direct cytotoxic interaction with tumor cells, activating apoptosis through signaling cascades, including modulation of mTOR and increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) BioMed Centralpdfs.semanticscholar.org.

Palmatine, a protoberberine alkaloid, can inhibit NF-κB and other pro-inflammatory mediators, reducing the production of prostaglandins and cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-1β) through inhibitory action on COX-2 and iNOS ScienceDirect+15Википедия+15ScienceDirect+15.

In neuronal models, Tinospora sinensis exhibits a protective action, activating the PI3K/Akt signaling cascade, which promotes neuronal cell survival and reduces apoptosis, especially under conditions of abnormal amyloid Aβ (Aβ₍₂₅-₃₅₎) PubMed+2BioMed Central+2.

Furthermore, Tinospora sinensis inhibits the LPS-induced neuroinflammatory response through suppression of the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway, which reduces microglial activation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines cell.com+15ScienceDirect+15BioMed Central+15.

Thus, the actions of Tinospora sinensis are realized through a multi-target mechanism:

• Immunomodulation: activation of immune system cells and cytokines.
• Anti-inflammatory action: inhibition of NF-κB, COX, iNOS.
• Selective cytotoxicity and apoptosis: via ROS-dependent and mTOR-mediated pathways.
• Neuroprotection: activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling cascade.
• Reduction of neuroinflammation: suppression of TLR4/NLRP3 signals.

These mechanisms are scientifically confirmed by in vitro and in vivo experiments, including cell lines, neuroinflammatory, and tumor models.

References:  https://www.researchgate.net/p...  https://bmccomplementmedtherap...  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...  https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Synergy — Tinospora sinensis

Scientific data on the synergy of Tinospora sinensis with other plants or substances are limited. However, mechanistic studies indicate potential directions for synergy, especially based on the interaction of its phytoactive components with other antioxidant or immunomodulatory agents.

Polysaccharides and alkaloids of Tinospora sinensis, possessing immunomodulatory and cytotoxic action, can potentially synergize with other plant compounds, such as polyphenols or flavonoids (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol), enhancing antioxidant defense and stabilization of NF-κB-mediated inflammatory activity — an effect of an additive or potentiating nature.

The combined action of Tinospora species polysaccharides with myelopoiesis modulators has also been studied in detail, where synergy is observed through co-stimulation of macrophages and secretion of colony-stimulating factors (e.g., GM-CSF, IL-2). Such interactions indicate immunomodulatory synergy — enhancement of the adaptive immune response.

In the neuroprotective direction, the combination of Tinospora sinensis extracts, which activate PI3K/Akt, with other neuro-signaling ligands, for example, natural GABA modulators, can realize modulating synergy aimed at stabilizing neural networks and reducing NF-κB activity.

Such interactions are permissible scientific hypotheses requiring confirmation, but they potentiate the integrativity of phytoactives — combined action on cellular and molecular pathways (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory).

References: https://www.researchgate.net/p...  https://www.sciencedirect.com/...  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Tinospora sinensis

Tinospora sinensis is traditionally used in the healing and ritual practices of East and South Asia, especially within Indochina, Southern China, and the Himalayan region. The main ethnobotanical evidence comes from the provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Assam, where the plant is cultivated and harvested in the wild. In Chinese folk medicine, it is known as one of the components of cleansing and strengthening formulations, used in the form of stem decoctions. In the Tibetan phytotherapeutic tradition, the plant is considered an element of herbal mixtures used to restore energy balance and harmonize "internal heat." In Ladakh and Nepal, Tinospora sinensis was used in the form of macerates and wraps made from crushed stems and leaves mixed with yak fat or sesame oil.

In northern Thailand, especially in the provinces of Chiang Mai and Lamphun, the use of Tinospora sinensis within traditional Thai medicine (ศาสตร์การแพทย์แผนไทย) has been recorded, mainly in the form of alcoholic and aqueous infusions. Folk healers (หมอพื้นบ้าน) use the plant for washings, rinses, and the preparation of hot compresses. Among the Khmu and Lisu peoples, practices of smoking dried stems for ritual purposes of cleansing from "evil influences" or "painful shadows" have been noted.

The historical depth of the use of Tinospora sinensis is traced in written sources from the late Tang period (8th-10th centuries), where it is mentioned under the name "龙须藤" ("dragon's whisker"). In old Chinese manuscripts, it is described as a plant that brings strength and "protection from foggy ailments." In some areas of Southwestern China, the plant is still used by shamans and village healers as part of protective amulets placed at the entrance of a house or sewn into the clothing of infants.

In the cultures of the Miao and Yao peoples, Tinospora sinensis is considered a plant that brings "soft fire" — a substance symbolizing the purification of blood and the energy field. In these traditions, the plant is used in baths for brides before the wedding ceremony or in rituals of return after illness. In the shamanic practice of the Naxi people in Yunnan province, the stems of the plant are smoked on coals to create smoke for expelling the "spirit of fatigue."

Thus, Tinospora sinensis occupies a stable place in the ethnopharmacological picture of the regions of East and Southeast Asia, demonstrating a variety of forms of use — from decoctions and infusions to fumigation, amulets, and ritual ceremonies.