Chlorophytum Borivilianum Extract
Also known as: Chlorophytum borivilianum Santapau & Fernandes, Safed Musli, White Musli, Chlorophytum borivilianum
Overview
Chlorophytum borivilianum, commonly known as Safed Musli, is a perennial herb native to India. Its roots are traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as an adaptogen and aphrodisiac. The root extract contains bioactive compounds like saponins, alkaloids, and polysaccharides, believed to contribute to its pharmacological effects. It is used to enhance vitality, sexual health, and general well-being. Research on C. borivilianum is growing, with preclinical studies and some clinical trials exploring its potential benefits. However, more systematic reviews and meta-analyses are needed to confirm these findings. Much of the current evidence is derived from animal studies or small human trials. Different extraction methods (ethanolic, methanolic, aqueous) influence bioactive yield and potency.
Benefits
Chlorophytum borivilianum extract exhibits several potential benefits supported by varying degrees of evidence. It demonstrates significant antioxidant activity, with studies showing potent free radical scavenging properties that may protect cells from oxidative damage. Animal studies suggest adaptogenic effects, reducing stress markers like plasma glucose and corticosterone. Additionally, alcoholic extracts have shown gastroprotective effects in rat models, indicating anti-ulcer activity. Methanolic extracts from aerial parts exhibit antibacterial activity against certain pathogens. A small human trial combining C. borivilianum with Velvet bean showed improved sleep quality, although the specific contribution of C. borivilianum is unclear. More high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits.
How it works
The mechanisms of action of Chlorophytum borivilianum are multifaceted. Its antioxidant effects are attributed to saponins and phenolic compounds that neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress. The adaptogenic effects likely involve modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reducing stress hormone levels and improving metabolic parameters under stress. Antimicrobial activity may be related to bioactive phytochemicals disrupting bacterial cell walls or metabolic pathways. The sleep improvement mechanism is unclear but may relate to neurochemical modulation by bioactive compounds. Further research is needed to fully elucidate these mechanisms.
Side effects
The safety profile of Chlorophytum borivilianum is not fully established due to limited clinical data. A small human trial reported no adverse effects on heart rate, blood pressure, or blood chemistry after 28 days of supplementation. Animal studies have not reported significant toxicity at doses up to 800 mg/kg body weight. However, common side effects are not well characterized. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been documented in the literature reviewed. Due to the limited data, caution is advised, especially for long-term use or in individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Further research is needed to comprehensively assess the safety of C. borivilianum.
Dosage
Optimal dosing for Chlorophytum borivilianum is not well established in humans. Animal studies have used doses ranging from 100 to 800 mg/kg body weight for antioxidant and anti-stress effects. A human study assessing sleep quality used a combination supplement but did not specify the exact dose of C. borivilianum alone. Extraction methods (ethanolic, methanolic, aqueous) influence bioactive yield and potency. Due to the limited clinical data, it is difficult to provide specific dosage recommendations. Further research is needed to determine optimal dosing and timing for various health benefits. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using C. borivilianum, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
FAQs
Is C. borivilianum effective for sexual health?
Traditional use supports this, but rigorous clinical trials are lacking to confirm its efficacy for sexual health. More research is needed.
Can it improve sleep quality?
Preliminary evidence from a small RCT suggests potential benefits when combined with other herbs. The specific contribution of C. borivilianum alone is unclear.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Limited data suggest safety in short-term use; long-term safety remains unestablished. Caution is advised, and further research is needed.
What form is best?
Root extracts, particularly ethanolic or methanolic, have demonstrated bioactivity in studies. The extraction method can influence the potency of the extract.
Research Sources
- https://2024.sci-hub.se/2239/243a5852346b2c8c2bda75db381ab087/khanam2013.pdf – This preclinical extraction study by Khanam et al. (2013) demonstrated efficient extraction of saponins from C. borivilianum roots using water and methanol. The study provides foundational information for isolating bioactive compounds from the herb, which is crucial for further research on its pharmacological properties. The findings highlight the importance of extraction methods in obtaining bioactive compounds.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cell-and-developmental-biology/articles/10.3389/fcell.2023.1064574/full – A study published in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (2023) showed dose-dependent radical scavenging activity of ethanolic root extract with IC50 values of 46.37 μg/ml (DPPH) and 98.39 μg/ml (NO). This supports the antioxidant potential of C. borivilianum, which may be relevant to sperm protection. The study highlights the potential of the extract to mitigate oxidative stress.
- https://www.ijrpc.com/files/36-2144A.pdf – An IJRPC review in 2021 summarized animal studies showing significant antioxidant, anti-ulcer, and anti-stress effects at doses of 100-800 mg/kg. The review highlighted increased endogenous antioxidant enzymes and decreased lipid peroxidation markers. These findings suggest that C. borivilianum has potential as an adaptogen and antioxidant.
- https://www.irjmets.com/uploadedfiles/paper/issue_1_january_2023/32943/final/fin_irjmets1673934113.pdf – An IRJMETS review in 2023 reported antibacterial effects of methanolic extracts against various pathogens, though with variable potency. The review suggested potential for addressing antibiotic resistance. The study indicates that C. borivilianum may have antimicrobial properties.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22778558/ – A small randomized controlled trial (RCT) in 2012 involving eighteen adults with impaired sleep quality found that a supplement containing C. borivilianum and Velvet bean improved sleep quality. Participants took the supplement for 28 days, showing significant improvement in all Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index categories (p < 0.05) without adverse effects. The study is limited by its small sample size and the use of combined ingredients, making it difficult to attribute the effects solely to C. borivilianum.