Identification, Authentication and Extraction Techniques for Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy): A comprehensive review

Accurate identification and authentication of medicinal plants underpin both the safety and efficacy of herbal preparations. The climber Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers (commonly known as Guduchi or Giloy) is widely used in traditional Indian medicine and has attracted substantial pharmacological interest. However, its extensive commercial use has been accompanied by challenges of adulteration, substitution and mis‐identification. This review collates and synthesizes the key information on identification and authentication techniques for T. cordifolia, with the aim of providing a coherent framework for quality assurance in raw materials and finished herbal products. First, we outline the botanical description and taxonomic placement of T. cordifolia, highlighting its distinguishing morphological features. We then examine the principal challenges in identification, including morphological similarity with congeneric species and deliberate or accidental adulteration. Traditional macro and microscopic methods of authentication are described, followed by detailed discussion of modern analytical and molecular techniques-physicochemical parameters, chromatographic, spectroscopic methods, and DNA-based molecular markers (ITS, RAPD, SSR) supplemented by chemometric and metabolomic approaches. A comparative analysis of these techniques emphasizes their respective advantages, limitations and appropriate contexts of use. Recent advances such as AI driven image recognition, digital herbarium databases and blockchain traceability in herbal supply chains are also considered, pointing to future directions for robust authentication. In conclusion, while no single technique suffices in isolation, a multitiered, orthogonal approach combining morphological, chemical and molecular methods offers the greatest assurance of authenticity. Research gaps persist in large-scale validation, cost-effective, field deployable tools and integration of traceability systems these warrant future investigation.