0110-B4

SAFED MUSLI (CHLOROPHYTUM SPECIES) - A WONDER

DRUG IN THE TROPICAL ZONE
R. N. Biswas., S. 0. Temburnikar 1

ABSTRACT
Safed musli is a herb commonly found in some patches of forest areas of whole of India as well as in
Maharashtra State. This is having a wonderful drug locally known as Safed musli and this is used in all
Ayurvedic medicines for strength and vigour. There are many muslies available in India viz. 1)
Chlorophytum tuberosum; 2) Chlorophytum borivilianum; 3) (comosum; 4) C laxum. In Maharashtra State
Chlorophytum borvivilianum is commonly available in the Forest areas at the altitude of 1200 metres
above M.S.L., in the Western Ghat areas as well as in the Melghat areas.
Since Chlorophytum borivilianum is normally available in Maharashtra the cultivation techniques, sowing,
harvesting, storing and marketing techniques are perfected by the Forest Department as well as some of
the N.G.O.s like Mittal Musli Farm in Jalgaon Jamod in the Buldhana district which are discussed
elaborately in this paper.
Safed musli is a wonder drug and this contains a new glycoside 5, 7-:dimethoxy myricetin 3-O-L-.xylopyranosyl 4-0 I -D glucopyranoside from the rhizome of Curculigo orchioides. (Tiwari and Misra -1976). The tubers of the plant contain free sugars, 7.56 %, mucilage, 8.12 %, hemicelluloses, 12 to 15%
and other polysachharides 17.01 %.
Safed musli has got very good Ayurvedic medicinal properties and is a rich source of over 25 alkaloids.
The dried tubers are packed in polythene bags and sent to major markets like Delhi and Mumbai. On an
average, this crop gives an yield of 20 to 30 quintals of wet musali per acre. After peeling and drying it is
reduced to nearly 20% and 4 to 4.5 quintals of dry musli is finally obtained. In the indigenous market, the
present rate of dry mush ranges between Rs. 800-1800 per Kg whereas it fetches beyond Rs. 3000 per
Kg. in the international market.
All aspects of morphology, chemistry, yield and marketing along with the cultivation techniques of or
Chlorophytum borivilianum is elaborately dealt in this paper.

Description and Occurrence

Safed musli is originally found in forest areas in natural form. Its botanical name is Chlorophytum
tuberosum. This species is found in abundance in natural forest areas. The plant is distributed in the
subtropical Himalayas from Kumaon eastwards, the Khasia hills, Bengal, Assam, Kokan, Kanara, West
peninsula and Madras extending to Kanyakumari. This plant was observed growing in patches in Pine in
Rani khet and adjoining areas. It belongs to family Liliaceae. It is a herb with sub erect lanceolate leaves.
It flowers in the month of August and early September. The flowers are white in color. The leaves are
dried in the month of Dec./Jan. and it remains dormant during rest of year (early winter till break of
monsoon). The propagation through seeds is very scarce. Since the establishment of the crop by seeds is
very rare; if the tubers are removed the herb can not be reestablished in the natural forests. It occurs near
Nalas and rolling terrain and gentle slopes in the forests. . Curculigo orchioides (Gaertn) is a small perennial herb with elongated tuberous root stock having several
lateral roots with rosette of sessile or short petiolate, linear lanceolated membranous leaves close to the
ground level.
Leaves: Sessile or short petiolate, with sheathing bases, 15 to 45 cms. by 1.5 2.5 cms., liner or linear
lanceolate, membranous, glabrous or sparsely softly hairy. The leaf tip in contact with soil produces
adventitious roots
Inflorescence: Axillary, scapose, racemose, scape short, clavate flattened with the pedicels, bracts and
overy concealed in the leaf sheaths. The lower flowers on the scape are mostly bisexual and the upper
staminate, flowers: epigynous: bright yellow, bisexual or unisexual with lanceolate membraneous bracts.
Perianth:
Gamophyllous, rotate, six partite, perianth segments 12 to 16 mm. long, elliptic belong acute, hairy on the
back stamens:-6, tilarnents very small, adnate to the base of the perianth lobes, anthers linear erect.
Ovary: inferior, tricarpellary, syncarpous with a fairly long, slender beak and stipe, ovules 6-8 with long
finical styles 1 short, stigma 3 cleft with the lobes oblong, erect and apprised.
Fruit: Capsule, 4-seeded with a slender beak and spongy septa, seeds oblong, black and shiny with
crustaceans testa. Root stock stout, short or elongate, more or less cylindrical, 4 to 15 cm. long, average
being 7.4 cm., 0.5- 1. cm. wide. The upper portion of the root stock remains clothed with the withered leaf
bases and with copious lateral roots which are long, almost whitish or yellowish gray, shrieked. Externally
the root stock is yellowish brown, thin. Fracture is starchy, odour indistinct; taste slightly bitter and
mucilaginous.
Tiwarri and Misra (1976) have identified a new glycoside 5,7- dimethoxy myricetin 3-0 &-L-xylopyranosyl
4-0 3 -D glucopyranoside from the rhizome of Curculigo orchioides. The tubers of the plant contain free
sugars, 7.56%: mucilage, 8.12%: hemicelluloses, 12 to 15% and other polysachharides 17.01 %.

Cultivation
In order to the meet market demand for tubers of the Safed Musli private growers have started cultivating
Chlorophytum borivilianum species, which is a fast growing species. The technical details and the
cultivation methodology arc as under.
1. Name of the crop in Hindi: Safed Musli.
2. Botanical Name - Chlorophytum borivilianum
3. Application Tonic.

4. Growth of roots-Tuberous (usable part is the roots of the plants).

5. Flowering 4 P(3+3), A3i G White in colour.
6. Chromosomes - 16
7. Seeds -- Black triangular two seeds arc present in each locule.
8. Family - Liliaceae.
9. Proposed method of Planting of the crop:
A: pure cropping in circularly raised beds (i2." height)
B: lntercropping (around trees).
10.Crop maturity- 10 to 11 months duration.

The preparation of land

The land is required to be prepared in the month of April-May. After deep ploughing of the fields, 20 to 50
trolleys (40 to 80 tonnes) per acre of FYM is mixed in the soil. If the soil is of clay nature them soil
conditioner at the rate of one tonne per acre could be used to condition it. Green manure can also be
used to enrich the soil. For this purpose, the seeds of Sunhemp (boru) @ 60 kg. per acre could be sown
in the field (proposed for the cultivation of Musli) during March- April and bfore they start flowering they
are cut and mixed into the soil. Sometimes the field is irrigated also for the easy decomposition of green
manure. If the soil gets clods, then 3-4 tillers are given for better pulverisation of soil.
After preparation of land, beds are prepared. For the proper growth of the tubers of Mush and to facilitate
the proper drainage, raised beds are prepared. Although the size of these beds could be as per facility
and ease but generally beds with height up to one foot and a width of 3.5 ft. is recommended for the
proper growth and development of Mush tubers.

Sowing of Musli
Being a Kharif crop, the sowing of mush starts with the first shower of the monsoons. Although its seeds
could also be used for sowing, but for better result, the tubers suit most. Thus form the old bunch of
tubers their fingers are separated. It is ensured that some part of that crown/disc remains in intact with all
the fingers which are to be used for sowing. Generally these fingers are planted at a distance of 10 and a.
total 32000 fingers are required per acre with an approximate weight of 400 to 500 kgs.
It is advisable to treat the fingers or tubers planting material either with urine of cow (proportion of cow
urine and water should be 1:10) or with Bovestin and Streptocylin (30gm of Bovestin and 3 gins of
Streptocylin to be mixed in 15 liters of water), before planting in order to keep it free from fungus.

Controlling of weeds
Generally two weeding of the crop are required to free it from the weeds. The first within 20-25 days of
sowing and the other 20-25 days later. The fields must be kept free from weeds to obtain the proper yield
for the crop.

Fertilizers and Pesticides required for the crop

Apart from the FYM used during the preparation of fields, it is advisable to apply NPK (5 0:40:40 kg. per
acre) in the field after the first rain fall. The crop is generally free from most of the pests and diseases.
Sometimes water logging causes damage to tuber roots which can be cured by stopping further irrigation.
For the control of illi and other pests, one has to spray thyrum 5 ml. liter every month. This could be
applied as a precautionary measure also. The fungus that attacks Safed Musli "Fusarium". Trichoderma
virdi is used to destroy the attack of this fungus.

Harvesting of the crop

After 3-3.5 months of sowing (generally in the month of Oct/Nov the leaves of Musli start yellowing.
Subsequently they become dry and fall off and get detached from the tuber/disc. Some research
scientists are of the opinion that this is maturity stage of the crop. When the crop attains this stage then it
means the crop cycle is complete, hence the tubers should be dug out.
But people engaged in the cultivation of musli in the most professional manner do not agree with it. They
find that even after the drying up of the leaves, tubers/disc fingers of mush keep on maturing in the soil.
So if at this stage the tubers are dug out they will not be fully matured and hence will lack some medicinal
properties thus, these tubers should be left in the soil for sometime where they keep on maturing.
During this time also the moisture level in the soil should be maintained. By Jan-Feb the skin of tubers
mature and it turns to dark brown. This is the right time to dig out the tubers thus on attaining this stage,
the tubers should be dug out.
After digging out the tubers they are properly washed. Of these tubers, the longer and healthy fingers are.
detached from the tubers, whereas the smaller ones are kept to be used as planting material for the next
season. The longer and healthy fingers already detached from the tubers are then taken for processing.
During processing the skin of the fingers are peeled out with a stainless steel knife and then they are kept
in the sun for drying. Within 3 days the fingers dry up. These are then packed in the polythene bags and
sent to the market.

Production Per Acre

On an average this crop gives an yield of 20-30 quintals of wet mush per acre. After peeling and drying
nearly 20% (4-4.5 quintals) dry mush is finally obtained. In the indigenous market, the present rate of dry
mush ranges between Rs. 800-1800 per kg., whereas it fetches beyond Rs. 3000 per kg. in the
international market.

Uses of Safed Musli

Safed Musli has very good ayurvedic medicinal use. It is a rich source of over 25 alkaloids, vitamins,
minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, steroids saponins and polysachharides etc. Musli or Talamuli ha.s
been used iii the indigenous systeni of medicine for a long period. According to Bhavprakash the drug is
sweet, cooling, mucilaginous increases Kapha and reduces `Pitta daha and acts as stimulant, it gives
strength Mush prepared as a paste with goats milk or honey and applied locally over the face, brightens
the complexion of the face.
It is extensively used by the Ayurvedic practitioners for a wide variety of ailments and particularly an
ingredient of aphrodisiac preparations.
In Raj Nighantu it has been described that the Kali mush is more effective than Sweta mush, which is
botanically identified as Chlorophytum tuberosum. The root stock extracts is effective mainly on the
urinary system and is considered to be diuretic in action. it is given in dysuria, poluria, gonorrhoea in
addition to the menorrhagia, lcueorrhoea, piles and leucoderma. The drug is considered to be alternative
appetiser, fattening and restorative (Charka Samhita, Sushrut Samhita, Vagbhatta, Misra, 1969, Kirtikar
and Basu, 1933, Nadkami, 1954 and Sharma, 1956) presently a number of health tonics (sexual tonics)
are prepared from it.
In Unani system of medicine, the drug is employed in bronchitis, opthalmic conditions, vomiting, than
hoca, dyspepsia, lumbago, pain in the joints and in the diseases of nerves. It is considered to have
carminative, tonic, aphrodisiac and anti-pyretic properties (Kirtikar and Basu, 1933, Nadkarni, 1954).

Marketing
The tubers of the Safed Musli have got very good Ayurvedic medicinal properties. It is a rich source of
over 25 alkaloids.
The outer layer of the tubers is removed and it is dried in the Sunlight. The dried tubers are then bagged
and weighed. The tubers in such dried form are then sent to major markets like Delhi, Mumbai etc. The
Ayurvedic medicine companies directly contact the cultivators who can sale the tubers directly to them as
per their requirement. Those who want to grow mush on their farm they to have to buy fresh tubers from
the other cultivators. For storing fresh stock cold storage is required.

Legal aspects
Safed Musli is a rare herb and hence its preservation and conservation carries lot of importance. As per
the provisions embodied in the Indian Forest Act 1927 Safed Musli and its derived products come under
the purview of definition of forest produce. Hence its transit need be covered by a transit pass. This will
ensure to check illegal transportation of the herb. The produce of the cultivators can be allowed to be
transported after they have procured a legal procurement certificate from forest authorities. The existing
laws can be amended so as to check the illegal transportation of Safed Musli.

REFERENCES
Aiyer, K. N. and Kolammal, M. 1963 Pharmacognosy of Ayurvedic Drugs, Kerala No.6:4-9, University of
Kerala Trivandrum.
Bishi. B.S. and Nayar. S.L. 1960 Pharmacognostic study of the rhizome of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. J.
Sci. Indust Res. 196 (1 0):252-254, New Delhi.
Cramer. Von.J. 1968 Dictionary of Economic Plants. 2

nd

edn: 164.

C.S.I.R. Government of India, Wealth of India, Vol.

Dainik Sakal, Pune. Jan.2001 Benificial Safed Mush by Dr.K.U. Singhwi.
Krishna Rao., R.V. Ali Nazar and Narayana Reddy, M. 1978 Occurrence of both sapogenin and alkaloid
Lycorine in curculigo orchioides Indian J. Pharm. Sci 40(3): 104-105.
Maheshwari. P and Singh. Umrao. 1965 Dictionary of Economic Plants of India:35 I.C.A.R., New Delhi.
Mittal Musli Farm and Research Centre, Jalgaon Jamod, Maharashtra. Pamphlet on the terms of
reference for training for the cultivation of Safed Musli.
Sharma. M., Shukia, S., Mishra G. and Mishra S.S. 1975 Observation on oxytocic activity of a flavone
glycoside isolated from Curculigo orchioides. Jour. Res. Indian Med. 10(3):104-106.
Tiwari. R.D. and Misra.. G. 1976 Structural studies of the constituents of the rhizomes of Curculigo
archioides, Planta Med.29:291.
Yadava, B.B.L., Tiwarik K.C. and Tiwari, V.P. 1974 A scientific study on Curculigo archioides Gaertn. Jour.
Res. Indian Mod 9(4):118.

Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Circle, Nashik, Maharashira, India.

Dy. Conservator of Forests, Buidhana Division, Buidhana, Maharashira, India.
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Herb of the Month

Botanical Name: Mucuna pruriens

: Fabaceae Family

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Mucuna pruriens or Kaunch is one of the popular medicinal plant of India. It is widespread over most of the subcontinent and is found in
bushes and hedges and dry-deciduous, low forests throughout the plains of India.

t Product Type Mucuna is an annual twinning plant.. Leaves are trifoliate, gray-silky beneath; petioles are long and silky, 6.311.3 cm. Leaflets are
membranous, terminal leaflets are smaller, lateral very unequal sided. Dark purple flowers (6 to 30) occur in drooping racemes. Fruits are

curved, 46 seeded. The longitudinally ribbed pod, is densely covered with persistent pale-brown or grey trichomes that cause irritating
blisters. Seeds are black ovoid and 12 mm long
All parts of Mucuna posses valuable medicinal properties and there is a heavy demand of Mucuna in markets.

urveda

Centre

Mucuna pruriens have been long used to increase the sexual libido in both men and women.

orum

ma

me

The beans of Mucuna pruriens is being also used on sportspersons to increase their muscle mass. These seeds also help in improving the
memory power and help to gain weight which is lost due to excessive exercise.

Therapies

.....................

Prolactin is a hormone released by the pituitary gland which is considered to be the cause for erection failure in men. The beans of Mucuna
pruriens are known to release L-dopa which combines with dopamine to restrict the release of prolactin hormone by the pituitary glands. Oral
intake of Mucuna pruriens seed helps in promoting fertility and improves erection. Some people also use Mucuna pruriens seeds for treating
intestinal gas, diarrhea, cough, rheumatic disorder, muscular pain, diabetes, menstrual pain and tuberculosis.
The

main

constituent

of

Mucuna

pruriens

seeds

is

L-dopa

or

Levadopa

which

acts

as

natural

dopamine.

The seeds of velvet bean are high in protein (20-29 %), lipids (6-7%), dietaryfiber (8-10%), ash (3%), carbohydrates (50-60%)
Also they are extremely rich in alkaloids, saponins, and sterols. Mucuna seeds (as well as the seeds of all Mucuna species)
concentration of L-dopa (7-10%) - a direct precursor of the neurotransmitter dopamine. The hairs of the seed pots contain
mucunain, the very constituent that irritates the skin when in contact. The serotonin is also has been found in the pod (as well as in the leaf and

Main use of the plant are following:

It contain L-Dopa which is used as anti-Parkinson's, help increases testosterone
Aphrodisiac - increases libido and it is very good for impotency and erectile dysfunction
It is used to stimulate growth of hormone - anabolic/androgenic
It help reduces spasms and relieves pain - analgesic/ antispasmodic
Help lowers blood sugar and blood pressure (hypo tensive)

Copyright : 2001-2009 ROC No. L-20178/2002 allayurveda.com.

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asparagus
Viewed 7405 times

Also Known as
Shatwar, Shatwari, Soot mooli
Description
Asparagus is an elegant vegetable with unique flavour an erect stalk and
small, scale-like leaves along the stalk, capped by a ruffle of small leaves; a
young stalk is tender with a slightly pungent, bitter flavour, an apple green
colour and a purple-tinged tip; becomes tougher as it ages. The Length: 11 /
15 / 17cm and Diameter: 8 - 12mm, 12 - 16mm, 16 - 22mm. Asparagus

comes in the following grades: colossal, jumbo, large, standard, and small.
Asparagus are available in 3 varieties:

Asparagus spears
The spears (asparagus are shaped like spears) should be cut at a diagonal in
pieces that are only between one and two inches long. This technique of
cutting will expose the most flesh and help to ensure that the dish in which
cut asparagus is used is cooked evenly.

Blanched asparagus

You can separate the spears form the stalks and

blanch each separately or together as per the requirement of the recipe.
How to blanch, boil water, add the spear boil for minutes, drain and immerse
them in ice cold water to retain its bright green colour, pat to dry and use
immediately or can be store in a an air tight container for a day or two in
deep freezer. Blanch small spears for 2 minutes, medium spears 3 minutes
and large spears 4 minutes. If steam blanching, add an additional minute.
Cool promptly and drain. You can chop the blanched asparagus finely or
roughly as per recipe requirements.

Chopped asparagus
Wash the asparagus thoroughly. Chop asparagus into 1/4-inch pieces or you
can chop big or small as desired.

Green asparagus
Ranging from pencil-thin to very thick. It is very easily available and is a
treat food
Purple Asparagus- It is very delicious and tasteful and has a very thick and
substantial stalk.

Thick asparagus
Thicker spears may have tougher, woodier ends, but these are broken off
before cooking anyway. The key is to select straight, firm, uniformly sized
spears with closed tips

Thin asparagus
Thinner stalks will cook much more quickly than thicker ones.

White asparagus
Stalks are a little milder and more delicate. They are large and tender with
less flavour
How to Select
Whether you prefer the thick or thin spears, be certain they are fresh. The
sugar in the plant quickly converts to starch after harvesting, causing a loss
in flavor and development of a woody texture. Select firm, straight, smooth,
rich green stalks with tightly-closed tips. Ridges in the stems and a dull
green color are an indication of old age. The stalks should not be limp or dry
at the cut. Choose stalks of uniform thickness for more control in the
cooking process.
Culinary Uses
Asparagus should be steamed not boiled, as it looses its valuable salt
content.
Asparagus can be prepared just about any way you can think of: boiled,
steamed, micro waved (which are pretty much the same thing), sauted, stirfried, grilled, roasted, in soups, savoury custards and in salads.
Asparagus needs to be cooked quickly to a tender-crisp texture especially
in stir fries.
Asparagus should be served warm or at room temperature as refrigeration
dulls the flavor.

 The shoots can be prepared and served in a number of ways, and are
Asparagus may often boiled or steamed and served with melted butter or
olive oil.
You can enjoy asparagus in many different dishes: in soups, salads, stirfries, risottos, scrambled eggs, pasta, and many more dishes besides. It can
also be quickly grilled over charcoal or hardwood embers. Asparagus can
also be pickled and stored for several years. Some brands may label them as
"marinated" which means the same thing.
Asparagus can be served hot or cold, plain or with a sauce, or pureed for
delicious soups and toppings.
How to Store
Asparagus begins to lose its sweetness as soon as it's picked, so try to cook
it as soon as possible after you buy it. Do not wash asparagus before storing
and never soak it. Trim the ends of fresh asparagus and stand them upright
in a jar with about an inch of water in the bottom. Cover with a plastic bag
and store spears in the refrigerator for up to two days
Health Benefits
It is an excellent food for strengthening the heart. It is a food medicine for
weak or enlarged hearts by combining the fresh juice with honey. Taken
twice a day will be advantageous.
Liberal use of asparagus acts as a rejuvenator.
It is a very good body cleanser.
It also prevents or combats body acidity.
Asparagus is a natural diuretic, and a heart-healthy food, containing no fat,
cholesterol or sodium

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