Safed musli is the latest herb to catch the fancy of farmers in India. A miraculous herb with immense therapeutic values, safed musli is an alternative to chemical viagra and popularly known as Indian viagra or herbal viagra. Scientifically the plant is known as Chlorophytum borivilianum, belongs to family Liliaceae. Medicinal plant board has recognized safed musli as the 6th plant to be protected in India.
Safed musli ,a medicinal plant originally grows in natural forests, is now cultivated in large areas on commercial basis. The latest upsurge in this popularity is duo to it’s aphrodisiac properties. Tuberous roots of this plant is used to prepare a good tonic for sexual weakness and impotency. It contains about 25 alkaloids, steroids, vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydratesetc. A decoction of safed musli is used to cure impotency as they contain glycosides.
Safedmusli is a total body rejuvenator and an antioxident widely used as a remedy for diabetis and hypertention. It is used as an anti arthritic and anti cancer drug and believed to be effective as an immuniser in the treatment of AIDS. It is used as a rejuvenator during pregnancy and in postnatal care in some parts of India. Scintists are in search of more results from it.
Duo to the aphrodisiac properties, Safed musli is of great demand. Many institutions and individuals started cultivating this plant in large scale. According to an estimate, the demand for safed musli is 35000tonnes per annum, Indian supply is only 500 tonnes a year. Safed Musli Grower’s Association of South India(SAMUGA) exports tubers to Middle East and Europe. It is a herb with 1.5 feet height with sub erect lanceolate leaves and white erect racemose flowers. Seeds are black and triangular, with two seeds present in each locule. It can grow successfully in the wide range of temperature and rainfall. Sandy loam soil with proper drainage system, facilitates its growth. Ploughing and breaking of clods is done before the commencement of rainfall. Farmyard manure is preferred over chemical fertilizers. Planting on a raised bed helps proper drainage and easy tuber growth.
