Medicinal plants are being used by mankind for their therapeutic values since ancient times. Traditional forms of medicine have existed and still exist in many countries of the world including countries in the Indian sub-continent like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. India with its mega-biodiversity and knowledge of rich ancient traditional systems of medicine (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Amchi and local health traditions) provide a strong base for the utilization of a large number of plants in general healthcare and alleviation of common ailments of the people. Tinospora cordifolia, commonly known as Giloy, is a plant prescribed in Ayurveda, the Indian traditional system of medicine as a Rasayana. The biological significance of this plant is mainly because of leaves, barks and roots which contain bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, glycosides, lactones, steroids and aliphatic compounds having innumerable medicinal qualities viz., immunomodulatory, anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antioxidant, anti-malaria, hepatoprotective, anti-allergic, anti-HIV and anti- cancer properties.