Nagpur: Researchers from Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh have recorded four species of medicinally important genus Tinospora, commonly known as Guduchi or Amrita, in Maharashtra for the first time.The discovery, made during botanical surveys in Bhandara district, is expected to strengthen research in plant taxonomy, biodiversity conservation and medicinal plant studies.The study was conducted by Dr Jagannath Gadpayle of SN Mor College, Tumsar (Bhandara); Prof Subhash Somkuwar of the department of botany, Dr Ambedkar College, Nagpur; Dr Shakun Mishra of Khandwa (MP); and Prof Alka A Chaturvedi of Nagpur. Their findings have been published in the Journal of the Indian Botanical Society recently.The researchers identified four Tinospora species that had not been documented previously from Maharashtra — Tinospora baenzigeri, Tinospora merrilliana, Tinospora neocaledonica and Tinospora smilacina.Besides confirming their occurrence, the team has provided detailed taxonomic descriptions, diagnostic features, flowering and fruiting patterns, fruit and seed morphology, and identification keys to distinguish the species.The genus Tinospora occupies an important place in traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and homeopathy. Guduchi is traditionally associated with supporting immunity, aiding recovery after illness and promoting health.Accurate identification of Tinospora species is important as different species may vary in their phytochemical composition, properties and ecological adaptations. Misidentification, they noted, can affect quality, efficacy and consistency of herbal medicines, making taxonomic authentication essential.
