Common Name: Safed Moosli

General Information

Chlorophytum borivilianum is an evergreen perennial plant growing from a tuberous rootstock; it produces a clump of basal leaves and flowering stems that can be up to 45cm tall[].
This is one of several Chlorophytum species that are collectively known as ‘safed musli’ and are harvested in large quantities from the wild in India for their tubers, which are reputed to have a number of medicinal properties, particularly as a tonic. They are widely traded. This is one of the two main species harvested (the other is Chlorophytum tuberosum), though several other species are also used. The plant is also harvested for local use as a food and a medicine[]. This species is now being cultivated, and there is a heavy demand for organically grown safed musli with a high saponin content in both national and international market[].
Although Indian forests are rich in safed moosli demand is increasing rapidly in Indian and international drug markets[]. The species was first described from India in 1954, but by 1988 the Botanical Survey of India had assigned it to the IUCN category Rare (according to criteria in operation at that time) due to overexploitation. The plant is currently classified as 'Critically Endangered' in the wild in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The plant is now cultivated for medicinal use, which has helped to reduce the collection of wild plant(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - western India (Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat)

Habitat

Shady, well-drained localities in deep, humus-rich soils in forests[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Critically Endangered
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.35 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Chlorophytum species require a frost free climate, and can succeed from the subtropical zone to the tropics, in moist to humid climates[].
Species in this genus seem to be adapted to a wide range of conditions in cultivation, though they are generally found in soils rich in organic matter and can succeed in full sun or in shade[, ]
This species is increasingly being cultivated as a medicinal crop in India, especially in the rainy season, when a commercial root harvest can be obtained in 3 - 4 months from planting[].
The collection of Chlorophytum roots from the wild for medicinal purposes is usually carried out before seed maturity, thus hampering natural regeneration and reducing native populations[].
In nature, Moosli propagates vegetatively through its fleshy roots., rarely by seed. The black angular seed is similar to onion seed in appearance. Seed have poor germination and low viability[].

Edible Uses

Leaves

Medicinal

Chlorophytum borivilianum is one of several species of Chlorophytum known as 'safed musli' and commonly used in traditional Indian medicine. Safed musli holds an important position in Indian herbal medicine, where the tuber is valued mainly as a tonic, intended to give strength and vigour, and is widely used as a natural aphrodisiac. It is used in the treatment of general debility, diabetes and lactation problems[]. The regular use of this remedy is a valuable help in the treatment of impotency and premature ejaculation[]. The tuber is an integral part of more than 100 herbal drug formulations.[, , ].

The dried roots of Chlorophytum contain 42% carbohydrate, 8 - 9% protein, 3 - 4% fibre and 2 - 17% saponin[].
Studies on Chlorophytum conducted in India and elsewhere indicate that saponins are responsible for the medicinal properties. Saponin content is thought to be highest in roots of forest origin[].
Many native Indian species are sold as safed musli in the Indian drug market. Chlorophytum boriviliahum produces the highest yield and highest saponin content, other native species that are used include Chlorophytum arundinaceum, Chlorophytum breviscapum, Chlorophytum indicum, Chlorophytum laxum and Chlorophytum tuberosum[]

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - only around 16% of seed produced is viable[]. Seed has a dormancy period of around 8 - 9 months after ripening, Sow in a tray, pricking out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow on for the first year in the pot, planting out before the start of the rainy season. Most plants do not flower in their first year of growth, though 2 - 3% of the seedlings will flower within 3 months in cultivation.
Division of the tubers before the rainy season starts.

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