Title:Nutritional and Medicinal Values of Chlorophytum borivilianum: Minireview of Current Status and Future Possibilities
Volume: 16
Issue: 9
Author(s): Ravindra Verma*, Vaibhav Misra and Prakash S. Bisen
Affiliation:
- School of Studies in Biotechnology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh-474001,India
Keywords:
Chlorophytum borivilianum, ethnobotanical, harvesting, herbal, medicinal properties, nutritional properties.
Abstract:
Background: The knowledge of herbs and its uses is not fully explored in India. Chlorophytum
borivilianum (family: Liliaceae) is one of the highest valued medicinal plants found in the
Indian forest. Traditionally, it is used after delivery by the females in different compositions in the
form of “Laddoos”.
Objective: This study reviewed the nutritional and medicinal applications of Chlorophytum
borivilianum properties with the current status and future possibilities. Chlorophytum borivilianum is
a well-known tonic and an aphrodisiac drug extensively used in Ayurvedic medicines. The main
source is from the forest area, efforts are made for its cultivation to fulfill the growing demand.
Methods: A detailed study was carried out by analyzing national and international scientific databases
like Pub Med, SciFinder, Scopus and Web of Science, thesis, and recognized books. The researcher
himself cultivated Chlorophytum borivilianum on his farm during the period from 2000 to
2008.
Results: Chlorophytum borivilianum roots are used for the preparation of nutritional tonic used in
general sexual weaknesses. It has a huge and consistent demand in the national and international
markets. The pharmaceutical and therapeutic value of Chlorophytum borivilianum has a great significance
due to the presence of a specific constituent, i.e., saponins of secondary metabolites. Recent
studies of Chlorophytum borivilianum have identified a wide range of pharmacological applications,
most importantly, aphrodisiac, immune-modulatory, and anticancer activities.
Conclusion: Some of the barriers are observed, such as a lack of research and development on highyielding
varieties, quality control, and products and process development. The difficulties in marketing,
an unestablished local market for primary processed products, unskilled human power, and
equipment, knowledge of the latest technologies and market information are the major constraints
observed in the promotion of Chlorophytum borivilianum.