Common Name: Safed Musli

General Information

Chlorophytum tuberosum is an evergreen perennial plant growing from a tuberous rootstock; it produces a basal cluster of grass-like leaves and flowering stems around 20 - 50 cm tall. The plant spreads at the roots to form clumps[].
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 borivilianum), though several other species are also used. The plant is also harvested for local use as a food and a medicine. is cultivated as an ornamental for its large, showy flowers.
Chlorophytum tuberosum is a widespread species found in a number of habitats across tropical Africa and India. It is common and abundant where it is found. Subpopulations in India, however, are threatened by overharvesting of the tubers for medicinal purposes. A closely related species, Chlorophytum borivilianum, is now being cultivated to meet the demands from the Ayurvedic medicinal trade and some restrictions on trade in forest produce are in place, both of which may take the pressure off wild Chlorophytum tuberosum populations. Overharvesting in India is not likely to affect the survival of this species as a whole, although it will lead to a significant loss of genetic diversity. At present, any collecting in Africa is believed to be minimal. On a global scale, the plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Widespread from Nigeria to eastern tropical Africa, and also found across central and southern India to Myanmar

Habitat

Mixed forest, woodland, bushland or grassland, often in degraded vegetation; at elevations up to 1,700 metres, occasionally to 2,695 metres.

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.40 m
Cultivation Status	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[, ]
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[].
The flowers open in the morning and remain open until the evening[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked[, ].

Roots - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[]. They can be dried and ground into a flour[].

Medicinal

Chlorophytum tuberosum 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 an integral part of more than 100 herbal drug formulations.[, , ]. It is used in the treatment of general debility, diabetes and lactation problems[]. A small amount of the tuber is given to females to check leuchorroea[]. 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.[, , ].
In northern Nigeria the tubers are crushed to produce a lotion used to treat guinea-worm[].

The leaves and root are used to treat centipede bites and other poisonous bites[].

The root powder is given to animal to cure fractured bones[].

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 -

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