Organic Cultivation Methods for Maximizing Berberine Content and Quality of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia)

Abstract

Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy) is an important medicinal climber commonly used in the Indian Ayurvedic system for its extensive beneficial potential, with antipyretic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. The plant is widely prevalent across tropical and subtropical regions of India and Southeast Asia. It is traditionally harvested from forests, although systematic cultivation practices has been slowly increasing after the COVID-19 pandemic. Giloy grows well in well-drained sandy loam soils and is generally propagated through stem cuttings, with 80–90% sprouting success when pre-soaked and treated with IBA/IAA. Organic nutrient sources such as farm yard manure, vermicompost and neem cake improve soil health, vegetative, and phytochemicals particularly berberine content. Intercropping with neem, mango has been reported to enhance medicinal quality. Appropriate spacing, suitable irrigation, mulching, and weed and nutrient management are the important agronomic practices that favour yield and quality of the crop. Harvesting starts when stems reach >2.5 cm diameter, yielding about 1500 kg fresh biomass per hectare. Overall, improved organic and agronomic practices can effectively enhance sustainable production and medicinal quality of T. cordifolia.