Pharmacognostical Studies of Potential Herb- Chlorophytum Borivilianum

The study is aimed at development of Physico-chemical parameters and to investigate the active principle present in Chlorophytum borivilianum. Chlorophytum borivilianum San. and Fern. (Liliaceae) commonly known as Safed Musli is an important plant used against various disorders in indigenous systems of medicine, such as antioxidant, analgesic, and as a remedy for male impotence and to boost the immune system. This plant is to be considered as an endangered plant due to its potent use in many of the tribal areas in India and used widely in Traditional System of Medicine. Thus from extensive literature survey it was revealed that no reports were available on microscopic evaluation, standardization parameters and chemoprofile of Chlorophytum borivilianum to check the identity and purity of the drug. The present work embodies the investigations carried out to establish methods for quality control of drugs as per WHO guidelines: complete botanical evaluation which comprises of macroscopy, microscopy, physico-chemical parameters like Loss on Drying, Extractive values, Foaming index, Ash values and to investigate the phytochemical present in the extracts in the preliminary level with respect to thin layer chromatography were also carried out for the quality control of the drug. Thus it was thought worthwhile to explore this endangered plant on the basis of its standardization parameters. The study will provide referential information for the correct identification of the crude-drug. INTRODUCTION: Chlorophytum borivilianum (Liliaceae) commonly called as Safed musli is considered as one of the most important medicinal plant used in our Traditional Systems of Medicines to treat various diseases of human beings. The plant is used for dysuria 1. Leaves are eaten by the tribal people of Western Ghats as an expectorant 2. Root is used as aphrodisiac, diuretic, and astringent useful in dysentery, as an antidiabetic and as appetizing agent 3. Tubers are used as lactogogue 4 .