Common Name:

General Information

Chlorophytum breviscapum is an evergreen perennial plant growing from a tuberous rootstock; it produces a clump of sharp-tipped basal leaves around 30cm long and flowering stems that can be around 10 - 20cm 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. The plant is also harvested for local use as a food and a medicine[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern India

Habitat

Forest margins, grassy slopes and rocky places along valleys; at elevations from 1,300 - 2,800 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	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[, ]

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Chlorophytum breviscapum 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 tuber is used as an aphrodisiac and galactogogue, as well as for its nutritive, health promoting properties and immunoenhancing, hepatoprotective and antioxidants activities. The tubers are also used in the treatment of fevers and leucorrhoea[].

The dried roots of Chlorophytum contain 42% carbohydrate, 8 - 9% protein, 3 - 4% fiber 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 -
Division

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