Safed Musli – Chlorophytum Borivilianum

Safed Musli (Chlorophytum Borivilianum), also called White Musli, is a potent aphrodisiac and string adaptogenic herb used in ayurveda and herbal science. It is effective for improving male performance, inducing spermatogenesis and providing strength to the muscles.

Ayurveda has a concept of BRIHANA (Nourishing Therapy) treatment, which includes herbs, which increase body endurance and improve strength and enhance physical performance. This type of treatment is highly beneficial and advisable for diseases like osteoarthritis, male weakness, reduced vitality, and diabetes in thin or weak people, cancer, muscular weakness, fatigue, oligospermia, bodybuilding etc. Safed Musli is one of important herb in ayurveda, which provides all these benefits.

Botanical Description

Scientific Name of Safed Musli is Chlorophytum Borivilianum and shares family with Asparagus i.e. Asparagaceae.

Common Names

Botanical Classification (Plant Taxonomy)

Medicinal Parts

Musli Tuberous Roots and Seeds are used for therapeutic purposes. The roots are most commonly used in ayurvedic aphrodisiac formulation. The most common formulation is Musli Pak.

Phytochemistry (Chemical Composition)

The Tuberous Roots of Musli herb contains following nutrients and phytochemicals.

1. Carbohydrates
2. Proteins
3. Saponins
4. Alkaloids
5. Fiber

The Musli roots contain around 25 types of alkaloids, vitamins and minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It also contains polysaccharides, resins, phenol, and mucilage content. The simple sugars like fructose, glucose, galactose, sucrose, xylose and mannose are also found in the Musli roots. (Ref.)

The medicinal properties may be due to the saponin and polysaccharide content in the Safed Musli roots.

Medicinal Properties

Safed Musli (Chlorophytum Borivilianum) has following medicinal properties:

• Adaptogenic
• Androgenic
• Aphrodisiac
• Erectogenic
• Antacid
• Anti-arthritic
• Anticancer
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Anti-stress
• Cardioprotective
• Alterative
• Immunomodulatory
• Tonic
• Galactagogue
• Antihyperglycemic
• Antihyperlipidemic

Ayurvedic Properties

Safed Musli (Chlorophytum Borivilianum) mainly works on Vata Dosha and Pitta Dosha. It pacifies aggravation of Vata and Pitta. However, it increases Kapha Dosha, so it should not be used in people with Kapha aggravation or imbalance. Therefore, Safed Musli Powder is most suitable for individuals with VATA and KAPHA dominant symptoms.

Therapeutic Indications

1. Male Weakness
2. Erectile Dysfunction or impotence
3. Arthritis (especially osteoarthritis)
4. Osteoporosis
5. Improving athletic performance
6. Gaining muscle strength in Bodybuilding
7. Diabetes mellitus for restoring body strength and gaining weight
8. Increasing lactation
9. Oligospermia
10. Physical weakness and debility

Safed Musli Benefits & Uses

Safed Musli or Chlorophytum Borivilianum root powder is used in ayurvedic practice. It is also used in form of various ayurvedic formulations from which Musli Pak is the commonest. It is commonly used for aphrodisiac and erectogenic effects. It is useful in the treatment of male weakness, physical debility, erectile dysfunction, oligospermia, nocturnal emission, etc.

Extreme Fatigue & Weakness

Safed Musli along with Shakkar (sugarcane brown sugar) helps reducing fatigue and provides strength to the body. People feeling extreme fatigue and weakness can use this remedy.

Safed Musli and Shakkar should be mixed in equal proportion and should be taken with milk in dosage of 1 tsp. twice daily.

Underweight

Safed Musli provides nourishment to the malnourished body and it increases the body weight. It is advised to take it with milk for increasing weight.

Some people also have weak appetite and may not able to digest Safe Musli Powder in its optimum dosage, then the dosage should be reduced and herbs or ayurvedic medicines acting liver and improving liver functions should also be used along with it. If patient has severe decrease in gastric acid secretions and appetite loss, then Trikatu should be used along with honey in addition to Safed Musli.

Oligospermia

Safed Musli (Chlorophytum Borivilianum) is very useful for treating oligospermia and improves count, volume, liquefaction time and motility. It also improves serum testosterone levels and improves testicular functions. Safed Musli extract is studied for these benefits and according to scientific study, it is significantly beneficial as compared to placebo.  (Ref.)

In ayurveda, Safed Musli is well-known for its spermatogenic potential. However, it is used in conjunction with other herbs. The most beneficial combination for improving the count is as follows:

Nocturnal Emission

According to Ayurveda, nocturnal emission (Night Fall or Wet Dreams) occurs due to excess Pitta associated with Vata. Dreams, thinking and visualization of physical relations or even watching TV with such scenes can trigger this condition.

In Ayurveda, herbs acting on Pitta should be selected primarily and then herbs acting on Vata should be chosen.  Safed Musli acts on both Pitta and Vata. Herbs or medicines acting on mind having calming properties should also be included. In general, Abhrak Bhasma, or Trivang Bhasma, Jatamansi, Mulethi, Amla, Isabgol (Psyllium husk), and Vidarikand are also useful along with Musli Powder.

If patient feel weakness, low backache, and loss of strength or energy after nocturnal emission, then Safed Musli Powder along with Shakkar (sugarcane brown sugar) should be used for a few weeks. This remedy also helps reducing frequency of nocturnal emissions and revitalizes the body.

Erectile Dysfunction

No doubt, it provides strength to penile tissue, improves hardness, and helps sustaining longer erections, but it has less stimulant action and erectogenic effect as compared to Anacyclus Pyrethrum (Akarkara). Its main function is to provide the strength, acts on testes, improves hormone profile, and induces spermatogenesis. All these things help together to improve erections as well.

If the more stimulant action is required, then it should be use with Akarkara. It alone can help people with mild to moderate condition having slight erections. In severe cases or people with no erections should use it with Akarkara.

Diabetes Mellitus

According to modern research study, Safed Musli (Chlorophytum Borivilianum) has potent antioxidant, antihyperglycemic and antidiabetic effect, which is comparable with allopathic medicine GLIBENCLAMIDE. (Ref.)

However, according to ayurveda, diabetes treatment can differ according to the strength and weight of the patient. Ayurveda recommends nourishing and strengthening therapy for weak and thin diabetic patients and recommend losing weight for obese or overweight individuals.

According to ayurveda, Safed Musli (Chlorophytum Borivilianum) should work well in thin, weak or underweight people. It is less likely to be effective in the management of diabetes in obese or overweight individuals. This point should also be considered in the research studies conducting on Safed Musli and its effect on diabetes.

If diabetic patient is weak, thin or underweight, then Safed Musli Powder should be used in dosage of a half teaspoon with milk twice daily. It will also help managing the blood sugar level. The treatment should be changed according to current health status. It does not mean patient has to take it for a whole life. When Vata aggravation pacifies completely and Kapha increases, then it may no longer be effective. This concept should be cleared. The management should be emphasized to keep Dosha under harmony and balanced state.

Arthritis & Joint Pains

Safed Musli has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps reducing joint inflammation that occurs in the arthritis, especially osteoarthritis. According to ayurveda, joints are place of SHELSHMAKA KAPHA. The synovial fluid represents SHELSHMAKA KAPHA and helps lubricating the joints and reduces friction. In osteoarthritis, this type of Kapha is reduced and inflammation occurs. Safed Musli increases Kapha according to ayurvedic principles, so it is highly beneficial for formation of synovial fluids and stopping further deterioration. However, it should be used in people who are not obese or overweight because it may also slightly increase the body weight. In obese people, other herbs acting on reducing the weight should be first used.

Musli Rasayana

Musli has significant anti-stress and antioxidant activities. It also acts as Rasayana, which helps promoting longevity and vitality. For this purpose, one can use it in dosage of 3 grams with milk. For improving strength and increasing lifespan, winter is a perfect season for its regular use. It should be used for 2 to 3 months on regular basis.

Lactation Promoter

Safed Musli acts as galactagogue, which enhances milk production. It can be used with other herbs like Jeera (cumin) and Shakkar for increasing the milk supply.

Dosage & Administration

The dosage of Safed Musli can vary person to person according to age, body strength and its effects on appetite. If its recommended dosage causes loss of appetite, then dosage should be reduced accordingly.

Safety Profile

Safed Musli (Chlorophytum Borivilianum) is considerably safe for most individuals in recommended dosage and when Musli is taken under professional supervision.

Safed Musli Side Effects

However, there are no side effects reported with Safed Musli (Chlorophytum Borivilianum). It is likely safe and well tolerated in most individuals. It is strengthening herb, so it can also increase weight. It is also heavy to digest and increases Kapha according to ayurvedic properties. Therefore, it can cause loss of appetite. Otherwise, there are no adverse effects appear even with its regular use.

FAQs about Safed Musli

Can patient with high blood pressure take Safed Musli? How much gap should be kept between it and antihypertensive drugs?

Yes, Safed Musli does not significantly affect blood pressure. Hypertensive patient can take it without any problem.

The minimum 3 hours gap between Safed Musli and antihypertensive drugs is advisable to avoid any interactions, as no studies are available for its interactions with allopathic drugs.

I have low Testosterone level. Does Safed Musli increase testosterone?

According some studies, Safed Musli increases serum testosterone level and improves testicular functions. However, each case can be different, so you may also require other remedies along with it. For best advice, you should consult ayurveda physician.

Which is better Safed Musli Extract Capsule or its Powder?

According to our opinion, we always prefer using Safed Musli Powder because Musli in natural form contains many nutrients, which also provide good nourishment to the body. In extract form, you may not get all of its nutrients. You will only get the main alkaloids, which are soluble in the extraction solvent. Herbs in crude form also have no or less side effects as compared to their extracts.

The taste of Musli powder is not bad and it can be eaten with milk or dissolving it in the milk. Still, you want to take capsules, and then water extract of Musli is more preferable and gives desired results.

Can I use Safed Musli (Chlorophytum Borivilianum) for Bodybuilding?

Nowadays, Safed Musli (Chlorophytum Borivilianum) is used for Bodybuilding. The principle is to improve the strength and physical endurance. Safed Musli helps attaining both. Therefore, it can be used for bodybuilding.

Does Chlorophytum Borivilianum have any effects on Growth Hormone?

There are no sufficient studies available to give statement for the effect of Chlorophytum Borivilianum on Growth Hormone. A study has suggested Safed Musli with Kaunch Beej (Velvet Beans) may increase circulating Growth Hormone in exercise-trained men. (Ref., Ref.)