A Concise Review on Therapeutic Potential, Phytochemistry and Traditional Applications of Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum)

Abstract

Background: In traditional medicine, Safed musli is a very popular herb. Natural sex tonics like Chlorophytum borivilianum (C. borivilianum) are effective in alleviating sexual disorders. Local healers in indigenous communities of India mostly use it for ethnic medicine. The circulation of blood is one of the functions it improves to enhance strength and energy. Since ancient times, the tuber roots of the plant Safed musli have been used to treat weakness and male impotency. Objective: The aim of this work is to bridge the scientific evidence with the pharmacological, phytochemical, and folkloric claims reported in different sources belonging to C. borivilianum. Methods: To build the manuscript, a detailed literature review was carried out by thoroughly analyzing globally accepted scientific research databases. Results: Safed musli is widely recognized for its efficacy in addressing male impotence. The abundant presence of phytoconstituents, particularly saponins, contributes to the nutritional and multifaceted therapeutic significance of C. borivilianum. Conclusion: The current review enlightens the pharmacotherapeutic potential of C. borivilianum, comprising its origin and distribution, botany, proximate composition, method of enhancing seed germination, pathology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and traditional uses. The scope for future research is provided by the present review, which also furnishes a gateway for filling the existing gap in its various aspects of investigation.