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Introduction
Safed Musli belongs to family of Liliaceae.
It was originally grown in thick forest in natural form, and is
a traditional medicinal plant. Mainly its tuberous roots are used
in ayurvedic medicines.Roots are used for the preparation of nutritive
tonic used in general sexual weakness.These roots contain spermatogenetic,
spermatorrhoea and chronic leucorrhoea due to some chemical content.
It is partly an herb with sub-erect lanceolate leaves.
Nowadays, there is a very vast demand all over the world
(specially gulf countries and cold countries). There are around
256 varieties of Chlorophytum in the world which are known
yet. In India, we have around 17 of them, of which, borivilianum
has got a good market demand.
Origin
The origin of Safed Musli can be traced back in the oldest
mountain ranges on the continent, the Aravalis from where
it spread to the near-by areas of the sub-continent, presently
grown in the states of Gujrat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and
the Central Deccan Plateau.
Chemical
composition / key active constituents
Dried roots of Chlorophytum contain 42% carbohydrate,
80–89% protein, 3–4% fiber and 2–17% saponin. Research
studies on Chlorophytum conducted in India and elsewhere indicate
that saponins are responsible for medicinal properties. Saponins
are thought to be highest in roots of forest origin.
Pharmacology
The
plant yields a flavonone glycoside which is a powerful uterine
stimulant.
Remedies
For
Safed musli has very good ayurvedic medicinal
use. It is rich source of over 25 alkaloids, vitamins, minerals,
proteins, carbohydrates, steroid, saponins, and polysaccarods
etc. Presently a number of health tonics (Sexual Tonics) are prepared
from it. It is an essential part of a traditional diet of mothers
(after delivery) in the form of "Laddoos". It also has
aphrodiasiac properties & vitalizer. Is it is also used as
a remedy for Diabetes, a cure for Arthritis. As a curative for
Natal & post- natal problems.For Rheumetism and Joint Pains.
Dosage
Milk
decoction, powder and confection.
| References: |
| 1. |
Phytochemistry,
1978,17:287. |
| 2. |
Sharma, R. et al. (1987) J.Res. Edu. Ind. Med. 1-10. |
| 3. |
Singh,
R.H.,Singh, L.J.(1980)J.Res.Ayur.Siddha. 1:133. |
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