Research Gist
Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), known in classical texts as Amrita and grouped among the Medhya Rasayanas, contains a large number of natural compounds. This study set out to map what those compounds are and which parts of the brain's biology they may interact with. Using LC-MS/MS metabolomics, researchers identified 1,186 metabolites in Giloy, including bioactive compounds such as liquiritin. Network pharmacology then linked these metabolites to 591 human proteins, including neurotransmitter receptors. Pathway analysis highlighted cholinergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic and glutamatergic signalling, along with cAMP, MAPK and PI3K-Akt pathways. Molecular docking suggested that Giloy metabolites could interact with BACE1 and MAO-B, two enzymes that are established targets in brain-health research.
Key Learnings
- Metabolomics identified 1,186 compounds in Giloy.
- These compounds were linked to 591 human proteins, including neurotransmitter receptors.
- Cholinergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic signalling pathways were among those highlighted.
- Docking analysis suggested Giloy compounds may interact with BACE1 and MAO-B.
- This is a mapping and prediction study — it suggests how Giloy may work, not proven effects in people.